2025 Subaru Forester Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Keeping your 2025 Subaru Forester looking pristine often means tackling minor chips, scratches, and scrapes before they have a chance to rust or worsen. Whether you took your Forester off-road or suffered a parking lot door ding, getting the exact factory paint match is crucial for a seamless repair.

Below is your comprehensive guide to identifying your 2025 Subaru Forester’s paint code, sourcing the best touch-up paint, and applying it like a pro.

Quick reference

Here is a list of the popular factory paint colors offered for the 2025 Subaru Forester model year. Note that some colors are exclusive to specific trim levels (like the Touring, Sport, or Wilderness trims).

Color Name	Paint Code	Type (Solid / Metallic / Pearl)
Crystal White Pearl	K1X	Pearl / Tri-coat
Ice Silver Metallic	G1U	Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic	P8Y	Metallic
Crystal Black Silica	D4S	Pearl / Metallic
Crimson Red Pearl	M1Y	Pearl
Horizon Blue Pearl	PRV	Pearl
Autumn Green Metallic	TX3	Metallic
Cascade Green Silica	JAG	Metallic
Brilliant Bronze Metallic	S2Y	Metallic
Sapphire Blue Pearl	WCH	Pearl
River Rock Pearl	U9U	Pearl

If you are uncertain about a specific color, always confirm via your VIN at a Subaru dealer or an authorized paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

To ensure a perfect match, you should always verify the paint code directly on your vehicle rather than guessing by eye. Subaru makes locating your paint code relatively straightforward:

1. Check the Passenger Side B-Pillar: On most modern Subarus, including the 2025 Forester, the manufacturer sticker is located on the lower part of the front passenger-side door jamb (the B-pillar). Open the front passenger door and look near where the door latches.
2. Look for the "Color" or "Paint" Heading: The black or silver VIN sticker will have a specific section labeled "Color" or "Paint" (sometimes listed as "Color code").
3. Identify the 3-Character Code: The paint code is typically a three-character alphanumeric code, such as "K1X" or "P8Y".
4. Under the Hood (Alternative): In some cases, or on older models, the paint code might be stamped on a metal plate fixed to the strut tower under the hood.

If the sticker is damaged or missing, you can call a Subaru dealership parts department with your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to get the exact factory paint code.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your paint code, you have several excellent options for purchasing touch-up paint:

• Subaru Dealership (OEM): Your local dealership's parts department sells official touch-up paint pens and small bottles. This is the best choice for perfect factory matching, especially for standard solids and metallics.
• AutomotiveTouchup: A highly recommended online supplier that custom-mixes paint based on your exact factory code. They offer everything from small bottles with brush applicators to aerosol spray cans and larger pints for spray guns.
• Dupli-Color: Available at most local auto parts stores, Dupli-Color offers exact-match aerosol cans and 2-in-1 scratch fix pens. Their selection for newer colors might take a while to catch up to the 2025 model year, but they are great for established Subaru colors like Crystal White Pearl (K1X).
• Tcoat (Custom-Mix): Excellent for comprehensive kits that include the base coat, clear coat, and blending solutions. They are particularly good for tricky pearls and metallics.

How to use touch-up paint

For the best results when repairing minor chips or scratches on your Forester, follow these steps carefully:

1. Clean the Area: Wash the damaged area with car wash soap and water. Once dry, wipe the scratch or chip with a prep solvent or rubbing alcohol to remove any residual wax, grease, or dirt.
2. Apply Primer (If Bare Metal is Showing): If the scratch goes all the way down to the metal or plastic, apply a light dab of automotive primer. Let it dry completely (usually 20-30 minutes).
3. Apply the Base Coat: Shake your paint pen or bottle vigorously. Apply the color in very light, thin layers using a fine-tipped brush or toothpick. Do not glob the paint. Allow 15 to 20 minutes of drying time between each coat until the paint is level with the surrounding area.
4. Apply Clear Coat: Most modern automotive finishes are basecoat/clearcoat systems. Once the base color is completely dry (wait at least an hour), apply a thin layer of clear coat to protect the paint and restore the factory shine.
5. Cure and Polish: Let the repair cure for several days. Afterward, you can gently use a mild rubbing compound to blend the edges of the touch-up into the surrounding original paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Colors like Subaru’s iconic Crystal White Pearl (K1X) are "tri-coat" paints. This means the factory finish consists of a base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a final clear coat.

• Buy the Right Kit: If your code corresponds to a pearl or tri-coat, a single bottle of paint won't match. Ensure you purchase a tri-coat touch-up kit that includes both the base color and the pearl mid-coat.
• Practice First: Tri-coats are notoriously difficult to match because the final color depends on how heavily you apply the pearl mid-coat. Practice on a piece of scrap metal or glossy cardboard to figure out how many layers of mid-coat achieve the right shimmer before tackling your car.
• Keep it Thin: Applying too much metallic or pearl paint will cause the metallic flakes to group together, making the touch-up look darker than the surrounding paint.

If your 2025 Subaru Forester has sustained damage that goes beyond a simple touch-up pen, don't leave it to chance. Find a trusted body shop on Repairius to restore your vehicle to showroom condition.