2023 Subaru Touch Up Paint (33 OEM Colors)

The 2023 Subaru Vibe

Welcome to 2023, the year Subaru decided to paint the entire wilderness in 33 different flavors. Whether you were rocking a Crosstrek in that "tactical" Desert Khaki or tearing up a backroad in a WRX sprayed in Solar Orange Metallic, the vibe was clear: adventure is mandatory, and looking good while getting muddy is the goal. We even saw the Solterra join the family, proving that even the new electric kids on the block still need a proper coat of Harbor Mist Gray Pearl. With 33 colors in the bin, Subaru gave us everything from the deep Cosmic Blue Pearl to the legendary World Rally Blue 2 Tricoat. It's a painter's playground, as long as you know what you're working with.

Paint Health Check

Now, let's talk shop. We are deep in the Thin Paint Era. Back in my day, you could practically lean on a fender and not worry about the finish, but these modern factory robots are tuned for "efficiency." That means the 2023 enamel is applied with surgical precision-and by precision, I mean it's thin. If you've spent any time behind a Forester or an Outback on a gravel road, you've probably noticed those tiny "pepper spots" on the hood. That's the clear coat waving the white flag. These finishes are beautiful, especially the pearls like Geyser Blue, but they're soft. If you let a rock chip sit, that thin clear coat has a habit of losing its grip around the edges, and before you know it, you've got a localized peeling problem.

Restoration Tip

When you're touching up a 2023, remember: Build layers slowly; don't blob it. Because this factory finish is so thin, a giant glob of touch-up paint will stick out like a sore thumb against the flat, robotic factory spray. If you're dealing with a multi-stage color like Crystal White Tricoat or Lithium Red Pearl, patience is your best friend. Apply your color in thin passes, let it tack up, and then level it off. Don't try to fill the crater in one shot. Once the color is flush, seal it immediately with a quality clear. In this era, the clear coat is the only thing standing between your Legacy and the elements, so don't skimp on the protection.