2019 Subaru Outback Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where to Find Your Paint Code

For your 2019 Subaru Outback, the paint code is typically located on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label (often white or silver) affixed to the door pillar (B-pillar). This label will contain various vehicle information, including your VIN, tire pressure recommendations, and sometimes the manufacturing date. The paint code is usually a three-character alphanumeric code, sometimes followed by a two-digit trim code. It can be labeled as "PAINT," "COLOR," or "EXT. COLOR." If you have trouble locating it, your owner's manual will often provide a diagram, or you can contact a Subaru dealership with your VIN, and they can easily provide the exact code.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Finding the right touch-up paint is crucial for a seamless repair. Here are some of the most reliable sources:

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at automotive parts stores, Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans and paint pens for many Subaru colors. They are a good option for small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paints, offering precise color matches in pens, bottles, and aerosol cans, often including primer, base coat, and clear coat options.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: (If available in your region) Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat offers custom-mixed paint solutions for a perfect match, especially valuable for complex pearl or metallic finishes.
• Dealership: Your local Subaru dealership parts department can order genuine OEM touch-up paint specifically matched to your vehicle's VIN. While often a bit more expensive, it guarantees the most accurate factory match.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

For the best results, follow these steps when applying touch-up paint:

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 and free of wax or contaminants.
2. Primer (if needed): For deeper scratches or exposed metal, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even layers of the base color. For pens and bottles, dab the paint into the chip or scratch, building up the color gradually. For aerosols, practice on a test card first to get an even spray pattern. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is fully dry, apply several thin layers of clear coat to protect the paint and restore the gloss. This is essential for durability and matching the surrounding finish.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like Subaru's Crystal White Pearl or Dark Blue Pearl, are more complex than solid colors. They contain reflective flakes or multiple layers (a base color, a mid-coat pearl, and a clear coat) that create depth and shimmer. Achieving a perfect match with touch-up paint can be challenging due to the way light interacts with these layers.

• Layered Application: For pearl colors, you'll typically need a base coat and a separate pearl mid-coat (sometimes combined in a single product, but often separate for true tri-coats). Follow the product instructions meticulously for the specific application of each layer.
• Practice and Patience: If using aerosol cans, practice on a test panel to get a feel for the spray pattern and the way the pearl effect builds. Building up thin layers, rather than one thick coat, is key to avoiding a blotchy appearance.
• Lighting: Always evaluate your repair in natural daylight rather than artificial light, which can alter how the color appears.
• Feathering: For larger repairs, feathering the edges of the new paint into the existing paint can help blend the transition, especially with metallics and pearls.

When in doubt, especially for larger repairs or if you're aiming for perfection with a pearl or tri-coat, consulting with a professional body shop is always recommended.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.