2017 Subaru Forester Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most 2017 Subaru Forester models, you can find the paint code on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a white or silver label with various vehicle information. The paint code is usually a three-digit alphanumeric code, sometimes followed by a letter, and will often be labeled as "COLOR" or "PAINT." It might be near the bar code or VIN information. If you have trouble locating it, check your owner's manual for a diagram or contact a Subaru dealership parts department with your VIN.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2017 Subaru Forester, several reputable sources offer quality products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option, Dupli-Color offers exact-match touch-up paint in pen, bottle, and aerosol formats. They are often found at automotive parts stores and retailers, making them a convenient choice for small repairs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed automotive paint, guaranteeing an exact match to your Forester's factory color. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including primers, basecoats, and clearcoats, in various sizes from small bottles to aerosol cans and even larger quantities for spray guns. This is an excellent option for those seeking a professional finish.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat provides custom-mixed paint solutions that are color-matched to your specific vehicle. They focus on delivering high-quality, durable finishes for a variety of repair needs.
• Dealership: Your local Subaru dealership parts department can also provide OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) touch-up paint. While potentially a bit more expensive, this ensures you are getting the closest possible match directly from the manufacturer.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint effectively involves a few key steps to ensure a seamless repair:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the affected area with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser or wax and grease remover. This removes dirt, wax, and oils that could prevent proper adhesion.
2. Primer: For deeper scratches that go through to the bare metal or plastic, apply a thin coat of automotive primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions. This promotes adhesion and helps prevent rust.
3. Base Coat: Apply the color (base coat) in thin, even layers. Allow each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the color gradually until it matches the surrounding paint. Avoid applying too much paint at once, as this can lead to drips and an uneven finish.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat. This protects the base coat, adds gloss, and helps the repair blend in with the surrounding paint. Apply in thin layers, allowing adequate drying time between coats.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Many of the 2017 Subaru Forester colors are metallic or pearl finishes, which can be more challenging to match perfectly. Pearl colors, in particular, often involve a "tri-coat" system: a ground coat, a metallic or pearl mid-coat, and a clear coat. The translucent nature of the pearl mid-coat means the final color is heavily influenced by the ground coat and the number of pearl layers applied. When repairing these types of colors:

• Practice: If possible, practice on a hidden area or a test panel to get a feel for the application and how the color builds up.
• Even Application: Consistency in your application technique is crucial. Uneven coats can lead to variations in appearance.
• Blend: Blend the touch-up paint into the surrounding factory paint as seamlessly as possible. This is particularly important with metallic and pearl finishes, as the metallic flakes or pearl pigments need to lay evenly to reflect light correctly.
• Multiple Coats: Pearl colors sometimes require additional coats of the pearl mid-coat to achieve the correct depth and luster. Apply thin coats and allow them to dry between applications, frequently checking your progress against the surrounding paint.

If you are unsure about a specific color code or have a complex repair involving a pearl or tri-coat finish, it