2010 Subaru Touch Up Paint (21 OEM Colors)

The 2010 Subaru Vibe

2010 was a busy year for the Fuji Heavy Industries crowd. The Forester and Outback were cementing their status as the unofficial mascots of every trailhead in North America, while the Tribeca was still trying to find its seat at the table. Our database shows a massive 26-color spread for this year-Subaru wasn't shy about variety. You had the earthy, "I-definitely-recycle" tones like Cypress Green Pearl and Harvest Gold Metallic, right alongside the rowdy enthusiasts sporting W R Blue Pearl. It was an era of rugged sophistication where your car was expected to look as good at the grocery store as it did covered in mud.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the Thin Paint Era. By 2010, factory robots had become surgically efficient, and while that's great for the manufacturer's bottom line, it's a headache for the second or third owner. These cars suffer from "Robot Efficiency"-the coats are applied so thin that the finish is notoriously "soft." If you own a 2010 Impreza or Legacy, you've likely noticed the hood and front bumper look like they've been through a localized meteor shower. Between the thin application and the legendary Subaru "clear coat sneeze" (where the clear on the hood scoop or rear spoiler starts to ghost and flake), these cars need help. If you leave a rock chip open to the elements, the thin factory seal won't stop the creeping rust for long.

Restoration Tip

Since we're dealing with the Thin Paint Era, the golden rule is: Build layers slowly; don't blob it. When you're filling those mountain-pass rock chips in your Satin White Pearl or Dark Gray Metallic, resist the urge to fill the hole in one shot. Because the factory finish is so shallow, a big "blob" of touch-up will sit high like a pimple and catch the light. Instead, use a fine-tipped applicator to dab a paper-thin layer into the center of the chip. Let it dry, then add another. You want to build the repair level with the surrounding surface. Patience is the only way to beat the robots at their own game.