2015 Subaru Forester Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Keeping your 2015 Subaru Forester looking its best means knowing exactly what paint covers its exterior. Whether you're fixing a minor door ding from a parking lot, repairing a rock chip from your latest off-road adventure, or planning a larger body panel replacement, getting the correct paint code is your first and most crucial step.

Below is the complete guide to 2015 Subaru Forester paint color codes, how to locate your specific code, and the best practices for applying touch-up paint.

Quick reference

Here are the factory colors offered for the 2015 Subaru Forester. Match your color name and code before ordering any touch-up products.

Color Name	Paint Code	Type
Crystal Black Silica	D4S	Pearl / Silica
Crystal White Pearl	K1X	Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic	G1U	Metallic
Venetian Red Pearl	H2Q	Pearl
Burnished Bronze Metallic	H4Q	Metallic
Jasmine Green Metallic	H5Q	Metallic
Dark Gray Metallic	61K	Metallic
Quartz Blue Pearl	J8U	Pearl

Note: If you are uncertain of your exact color, always confirm your paint code via your VIN at a local Subaru dealership or through a trusted paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

Subaru makes finding your paint code relatively straightforward. For the 2015 Subaru Forester, the paint code is located on the vehicle identification plate (often a black, silver, or white sticker/plate).

You can find this plate on the front passenger side door jamb (B-pillar). Open the front passenger door and look at the pillar where the door latches. The paint code is typically located near the bottom of the sticker, labeled explicitly as "Color" or "Paint" followed by a 3-character alphanumeric code (such as "K1X").

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can call any Subaru dealership parts department, provide them with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they can look up the exact factory paint code for your specific Forester.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your code, you need high-quality paint. Here are the best sources for 2015 Subaru Forester touch-up paint:

• Subaru Dealership: The most reliable source for an exact match, especially for paint pens and small brush bottles.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Highly recommended for spray cans and larger repair jobs. They custom-mix paint based on your exact factory code and offer excellent color match guarantees.
• Dupli-Color: A great, widely available option for standard touch-up jobs. You can find Dupli-Color products at most local auto parts stores.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Ideal for precise matching on older or slightly faded vehicles, as they provide high-quality custom-mixed solutions tailored to your specific paint code.

How to use touch-up paint

For a durable and seamless repair, follow these essential steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash the chipped or scratched area with soap and water. Follow up with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure the surface is completely free of dirt and oils.
2. Primer: If the scratch goes down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a light coat of automotive primer. Let it dry completely before proceeding.
3. Base Coat: Apply the color-matched base coat in thin, light layers. Do not glob the paint on. Allow 10 to 15 minutes of drying time between each coat until the area is fully covered.
4. Clear Coat: The base coat provides the color, but the clear coat provides the shine and protection. Once the base coat is completely dry, apply the clear coat in light layers, blending it slightly past the edges of the base coat.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Many 2015 Forester colors, such as Crystal White Pearl (K1X) and Venetian Red Pearl (H2Q), feature complex pearl finishes. These can be trickier to match than solid colors.

For pearl paints, the final appearance heavily depends on the thickness of the application and the angle of the light. When applying a tri-coat (base color, pearl mid-coat, and clear coat), practice on a piece of scrap metal or cardboard first to determine how many layers of the pearl mid-coat are needed to match your car's specific shimmer. Always blend the paint slightly outward into the surrounding area to trick the eye and hide the repair lines.

If your repair involves multiple panels or severe damage, DIY touch-up paint may not cut it.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.