2019 Subaru Forester Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Keeping your 2019 Subaru Forester looking fresh and free of rock chips or scratches requires knowing your exact factory paint code. Whether you are dealing with a minor scuff or a major blemish, matching the paint correctly is the only way to ensure a seamless repair. Below is everything you need to know about 2019 Subaru Forester paint codes, finding your sticker, and applying touch-up paint like a pro.

Quick reference

Here is the complete list of factory colors offered for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Always verify your specific code using your vehicle’s identification sticker before ordering paint.

Where to find your paint code

To ensure you buy the exact match for your 2019 Forester, you need to locate the factory paint code on your vehicle. Subaru typically places the vehicle information and paint code sticker in a very specific location:

1. Passenger Side Door Jamb / B-Pillar: Open the front passenger door. Look at the lower B-pillar (the vertical column where the door latches) or the edge of the door itself. You will see a black or silver factory sticker containing the VIN, tire pressures, and paint code.
2. Reading the Sticker: Look for a three-character code (letters and numbers) usually positioned near the bottom of the label, sometimes next to the words "Color" or "Paint." For example, if you see "K1X," your Forester is Crystal White Pearl.
3. Under the Hood (Older Models/Alternative): While most 2019 models feature the sticker on the passenger side B-pillar, it is always worth checking the front strut towers under the hood if the door jamb sticker is missing or damaged.

If your sticker is missing or illegible, simply call a local Subaru dealership parts department with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They can instantly look up your factory paint code.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your paint code, it's time to source your touch-up paint. For the best results, consider these trusted suppliers:

• Subaru Dealership Parts Department: Going straight to the dealer is often the safest bet for an exact OEM match, especially for popular colors like Ice Silver Metallic or Crystal Black Silica. They sell convenient paint pens with built-in abrasive tips and clear coat.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Highly recommended for DIYers, this company specializes in exact-match custom mixes in various formats: half-ounce bottles with brushes, paint pens, and aerosol spray cans.
• Dupli-Color: A well-known brand available at most local auto parts stores (like AutoZone or O'Reilly). They offer the "Scratch Fix All-in-1" tool, which is great for quick, minor chip repairs.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: An excellent online alternative that provides high-quality, custom-mixed paint kits containing everything you need to prep, paint, and blend minor damage.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a professional-looking result takes patience and proper technique. Follow these steps for applying touch-up paint to your Forester:

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash the scratched area with dish soap and water to remove dirt. Follow up with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure the surface is completely bare.
2. Primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a very thin layer of automotive primer. Let it dry completely (usually 20–30 minutes).
3. Base Coat: Shake your touch-up paint vigorously. Apply the color base coat in thin, light layers. Do not try to fill the scratch in one pass. Allow 15–20 minutes of drying time between each coat until the color covers the primer and sits just below the surface of the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry to the touch (wait at least an hour), apply a layer of clear coat. The clear coat protects the paint and provides a glossy finish that matches the rest of the car. Let it cure for several days before attempting to polish or wax the area.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Subaru is famous for its beautiful pearl finishes, such as Crystal White Pearl (K1X) and Crimson Red Pearl (M1Y). These are often "tri-coat" paints, meaning they require a solid base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a final clear coat.

• Test First: Always test your touch-up paint on a piece of scrap metal or hidden piece of plastic before applying it to your car. This helps you gauge how many layers of the pearl mid-coat are needed to match the factory depth.
• Light Layers: The pearl effect is suspended in a translucent layer. Applying it too thickly will make the repair look darker or more yellow than the surrounding paint.
• Manage Expectations: Tri-coats are notoriously difficult to match perfectly with a brush or pen. For larger scratches, an aerosol blend or a professional spray job is highly recommended.

If your paint damage is too extensive for a touch-up pen, or if you simply want a flawless, invisible repair for your pearl paint, leave it to the professionals. Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.