Subaru Brilliant Red (559) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the unapologetic red that defined the early performance era for the Impreza and gave the SVX its futuristic, jet-inspired presence. It is a loud, punchy shade that does not rely on glitter or gimmicks to get noticed. Because your car has likely been on the road since the late nineties or early aughts, the original paint has probably transitioned from a vibrant cherry to a slightly more muted tone. You are dealing with a piece of Subaru history that looks best when the color is deep and uniform rather than peppered with road rash.

Technical Details

This finish is a solid color. It contains no metallic flakes or pearl dust, which is a double-edged sword for your repair. The good news is that you do not have to worry about the paint looking darker or lighter from different angles, a common headache with metallic finishes. The challenge is that solid reds are sensitive to the sun. Over time, the pigments can oxidize and turn slightly chalky. Since there is no sparkle to distract the eye, your application needs to be level. Any heavy buildup or runs will be obvious against the flat, glassy surface of the surrounding paint.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Subaru Brilliant Red (check for code 559), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Pop your hood and look for a silver metal plate on the driver side strut tower to verify your code; if it is not there, check the driver side door pillar. Because red is a transparent pigment, it requires multiple thin layers rather than one heavy coat to reach the correct depth. Test the color on the included card first to see how it sits against your aged finish in the shade or your garage. When you are ready, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling in one spot. Give it plenty of drying time between layers so the color builds up properly without sagging.