2018 Subaru Outback Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2018 Subaru Outback, the paint code is most commonly located on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a white or silver sticker with various vehicle information. The paint code will be a three-character code, often accompanied by the color name, and usually found near the bottom right of this label. It might be labeled "COLOR" or "PAINT." Always double-check this location as sometimes these stickers can be found on the B-pillar (the vertical door frame part) or even under the hood, though less common for Subaru.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2018 Subaru Outback, you have several reliable options:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available and affordable option, Dupli-Color offers touch-up pens, paint bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans. You can often find their products at automotive parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and Pep Boys.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint to perfectly match your vehicle's factory color. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including pens, bottles, spray cans, and even larger quantities for more extensive repairs. Their website allows you to easily find your specific Subaru color by year, make, and model.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat provides custom-mixed paint solutions that are designed to be an exact match for your vehicle. They focus on delivering a high-quality product that blends seamlessly with your original paintwork.
• Dealer: Your Subaru dealership can also provide genuine OEM touch-up paint specifically formulated for your Outback. While potentially a bit more expensive, this ensures the most accurate color match and quality recognized by the manufacturer.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a good result with touch-up paint involves a few key steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area to be repaired with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser or rubbing alcohol. Ensure it's completely dry.
2. Primer (if needed): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even coats of your color-matched base coat. Allow each coat to dry to a tacky finish before applying the next. Build up the color gradually until it matches the surrounding paint. Shake the paint well before each application.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is fully dry (usually 24 hours), apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. Again, apply thin, even layers and allow adequate drying time between coats.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Many of the 2018 Subaru Outback colors are "pearl" or "tri-coat" paints (e.g., Crystal White Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl). These paints contain special reflective pigments that give them a deep, multi-dimensional appearance. Matching these colors can be more challenging than solid colors:

• Layering is key: Pearl and tri-coat paints achieve their effect through multiple layers of paint. It's crucial to apply thin, even coats and allow proper drying time between each to build up the color and pearlescent effect accurately.
• Practice makes perfect: If you're new to using touch-up paint, especially with pearl colors, consider practicing on a spare piece of metal or an inconspicuous area first to get a feel for the application.
• Lighting matters: Observe your touch-up work in various lighting conditions (natural daylight, shade) to ensure a consistent match. The reflective qualities of pearl paints can make them appear slightly different depending on the light.
• Consider professional help for larger areas: For anything beyond very small chips or scratches on pearl or tri-coat finishes, you might consider taking your vehicle to a professional body shop. They have the expertise and equipment to achieve seamless repairs on these complex finishes.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.