Subaru Venetian Red Pearl (H2Q/HZ9) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is not a loud, racing red meant for a track day. Since it draped the Outback, Legacy, and Forester for years, you know it as a sophisticated, earthy burgundy with a deep wine undertone. It was designed to look mature and rich rather than flashy. Because it leans into a rust-toned base, it is one of the rare reds that actually looks decent even when your car is a little dusty from a weekend trip. It gives your Subaru a solid, premium presence that stands out without shouting for attention.

Technical Details

You are dealing with a pearl finish, which is a bit more complex than a standard metallic. Instead of simple metal flakes, this paint uses mica crystals to catch the light. These crystals don't just reflect light; they refract it, causing the color to shift slightly as you walk around the car. The risk here is depth. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the pearl settles poorly and makes the repair look darker or muddier than the rest of the panel. You want to build the color slowly to keep those crystals suspended evenly in the finish.

Best Practices

You can find your paint code on the passenger side door jamb or on the strut tower under the hood. Before you spray or dab Subaru Venetian Red Pearl (check for code H2Q/HZ9), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Those mica particles are heavy and sink to the bottom of the container, so thorough mixing is the only way to get the right glow. Test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your weathered factory finish. When applying, keep the container moving to ensure the pearl lays flat and even. Give the paint plenty of drying time between layers so the solvent can escape, preventing the finish from looking cloudy or textured.