2023 Subaru Crosstrek Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

For all modern Subarus, including the 2023 Crosstrek, the paint code is located on the manufacturer's VIN sticker. You'll find this sticker on the driver's side door jamb, also known as the B-pillar. Open the driver's door and look at the area between the front and rear doors. The sticker contains various pieces of information about your vehicle, including the production date, gross vehicle weight, and tire pressures.

The paint code itself is labeled as "COLOR CODE". It is a three-character alphanumeric code. For example, on a Crystal White Pearl Crosstrek, the sticker will show "COLOR CODE: K1X". Always refer to this code on your specific vehicle to ensure you are getting an exact match, as color names can sometimes be misleading or used across different makes with different formulations.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your three-character paint code, you can source touch-up paint from several reputable places. The best option depends on the size of the repair and your budget.

• Dupli-Color: A popular choice for DIY enthusiasts, Dupli-Color products are widely available at auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA. They offer paint pens for small chips and aerosol cans for larger scratches or panels. While convenient, the color match for metallic and pearl finishes can sometimes be less precise than custom-mixed options.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in providing exact-match automotive paints. They offer a full range of products, from small ½ oz. touch-up bottles to pens, aerosol cans, and ready-to-spray quarts and gallons for professional use. You simply enter your year, make, model, and paint code on their website to order.
• Local T-Coat or Custom-Mix Supplier: For the most accurate match, especially for aged paint or complex pearls, a local automotive paint supplier can be your best bet. They can custom-mix paint and even use a spectrophotometer to analyze your car's specific color, accounting for any fading or variation from the factory finish.
• Subaru Dealership: Your local dealer's parts department can sell you official Subaru touch-up pens or bottles. This is a great way to guarantee an OEM-quality paint match, although it can sometimes be a more expensive option.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

Repairing a small chip or scratch is a straightforward process. For a lasting, high-quality repair, follow these steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash and dry the area to be repaired. Use a wax and grease remover or isopropyl alcohol to ensure the surface is completely free of contaminants.
2. Primer: If the scratch has gone down to the bare metal or plastic, you must apply a thin layer of automotive primer first. This helps the new paint adhere properly and prevents rust. Use a fine-tipped brush or a paint pen for precision.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even layers of your color-matched base coat. For pearl and metallic colors, it's crucial to apply several very light coats rather than one heavy one to ensure the metallic flakes disperse evenly. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
4. Clear Coat: After the base coat has fully cured, apply one or two thin layers of automotive clear coat. This protective layer seals the paint, provides a glossy finish, and protects the repair from UV rays and the elements.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Subaru is known for its beautiful pearl and metallic finishes, such as Crystal White Pearl (K1X) and Horizon Blue Pearl (M2Y). These colors can be tricky to match perfectly.

• Crystal White Pearl (K1X) is a "tri-coat" or three-stage paint. It requires a specific white base coat followed by a translucent pearl mid-coat before the final clear coat is applied. When purchasing touch-up paint, you must ensure the kit comes with both the base and mid-coat colors.
• For all pearl and metallic colors, the way the metallic flake settles determines the final appearance. When using an aerosol can, hold it at the recommended distance and use smooth, overlapping passes to achieve a uniform finish. Shaking the can thoroughly is also critical.
• When in doubt, always do a "spray-out" test card. Before applying the paint to your car, spray a test card and hold it up to the vehicle to check the color match in different lighting conditions.

If the damage is larger than a small chip or if you are dealing with a complex tri-coat finish, achieving a seamless repair can be challenging for a DIYer. For perfect results, it's often best to consult a professional.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.