How To Fix Scratches On Subaru Outback?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: September 30, 2023

Right. Let's get something straight, if you're driving a Subaru Outback, or any vehicle for that matter, it's not immune to the battle scars of the open road.

Now, as the years roll on, your beloved Subaru Outback might collect a nick or two. And trust me, each scratch is a blow to the very soul of a car enthusiast. It ruins the pristine charm, leaves the door open for rust, and most painfully, plucks a heartstring with each blemish.

It's not just about aesthetics, though. Those seemingly innocent battle marks could be a gateway for more significant issues. A deep scratch, for example, allows water, muck, and all sorts of road crud to seep in, setting the stage for that car killer: corrosion. And that, my friends, is a real nightmare to rectify.

If you happen to catch sight of a scratch on your Outback's chassis - jump to action, or prepare to face even more unsettling consequences down the road.

Key Takeaways:

• Untreated scratches on your Subaru Outback can evolve into nasty corrosion issues.
• These scratches can arise from unfortunate accidents, rogue debris, clumsy washing, or even intentional harm.
• The scratch's severity dictates the repair method, ranging from a simple polish to a complete repainting.
• A keen eye, the right equipment, and adherence to expert guidance are pivotal for effectively mending scratches and preserving the Subaru Outback's allure.

What Exactly Can Scratch Your Subaru Outback?

The road is a cruel place, and sheltering your Outback from all its perils is a Herculean task. In fact, the only surefire way to protect it completely is to imprison it in a garage, never to see daylight - and what kind of life is that for a car?

Here are the usual culprits behind those unsightly marks:

Misuse and Abuse

Driving the Outback in a manner it's not designed for, like off-roading in extreme terrains, can result in scratches and chips from aggressive debris.

Road Mishaps

A mishap on the road, however small, can wreak havoc on your car's pristine paint job. Minor collisions with other vehicles or road elements often end in unsightly scratches, dents, and even paint chips.

Flying Debris

Cruising the highway or trailing another car? Beware of the mini-missiles, tiny stones, and debris. They can bounce off wheels and land on your Outback, creating a constellation of chips and scratches.

Everyday Accidents

Accidents like smacking your car with a shopping cart might seem trivial, but even a momentary lapse can lead to an unwelcome scratch on your Subaru's paintwork.

Less-than-Perfect Wash

Improper washing techniques, like using rough sponges or brushes, can swirl up trouble, literally. Swirl marks and scratches are common outcomes. So, treat your Outback's body with respect and use the right tools!

Vandalism

Then there are those who derive pleasure from damaging others' property. Vandalism, be it keying or spray painting, not only ruins the visual appeal of your Outback but also demands an expert touch to undo the harm. And that can be an expensive affair.

Noticed a Scratch on Your Subaru Outback? Here's What to Do

Upon discovering a scratch, commence with a thorough inspection. Gauge the depth, for it dictates the course of action:

• Surface-level scratches (only the clear coat is affected);
• Mid-level scratches (where the paint is compromised);
• Deep scars (right down to the metal).

Shallow Scratches

You've somehow managed to nick your Outback, perhaps with a stray shopping bag or an over-enthusiastic ring. I get it, life happens. Give it a little touch. If it's barely there, you're in luck.

A bit of polish, a smidgen of elbow grease, and you'll have it looking as pristine as the Highlands.

Here's a foolproof guide to erase those minor grievances:

• First off, give your Subaru Outback a proper bath. None of that splash and dash nonsense. Get all the muck off;
• Scout out a decent polish. Remember, this is your baby we're talking about;
• Dab a touch of polish on a cloth or even a polishing disc. Get into all those nooks and crannies;
• Gently massage that polish onto your Outback. Circular motions, please. It's like a spa treatment for your car;
• Keep at it until the pesky scratch has vanished. Once done, buff away any remaining polish.

If that doesn't cut it, consider a scratch remover. It's like polish's beefier cousin.

Medium Scratches

Now, if the universe has dealt you a crueler blow and the scratch feels like a trench, we've got a bit more work to do.

For such bothers, there's a fantastic invention called the Touch-Up Paint Pen. It's like wielding Excalibur but for your car's paintwork.

Take note: This isn't a biro, it's genuine car paint in a compact form. So, for the love of all things holy, match the paint with your Outback's color.

Normally, the paint code is in the Outback's manual, so no excuses.

How to brandish this magic marker:

• Assess the damage. How deep is this abyss?;
• Give your Subaru Outback a royal cleaning to ensure no dirt hinders your artistry;
• Prep the canvas, or in this case, the scratched area;
• If it's a wee scratch, clean it, get the debris out, and make it grease-free;
• Unsheathe your pen and paint over the blemish. Slow and steady wins the race here;
• If the scratch has delved deeper, reaching metal or showing early rust signs, fret not. Clean it well, resort to some sandpaper action, and once it's raw, rust-convert it. Primer it up, then go in with the paint pen.

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Those Awful Scratches

Now, the last thing you want after conquering the world in your Subaru Outback is a deep scratch. It's like finding a stain on your favorite shirt. It's dreadful! Maybe you brushed past some rogue bush on your last adventure or had an unpleasant meeting with a shopping cart. Who knows?

If you’re faced with such atrocities, you might be staring at a repaint. It could be a spot job, or if you've been really "ambitious but rubbish," you might have to repaint the whole Outback's body.

Hold on a minute! Before you grab a paintbrush from the shed and start splashing about, remember that repainting isn't child's play. Do it wrong, and you'll wish you never started.

A bad repaint on a Subaru Outback might leave you with:

• A paint job that looks like it was done in the dark. Wrong shades here and there because you thought 'close enough' was a paint shade;
• Unattractive paint drips that scream, "I tried, and I failed";
• Cracking paint after a while because patience isn’t your virtue;
• And the worst offender, corrosion under the paint – because why only have one problem when you can have two?

If you're doubting your skills, and you very well might be, let the pros handle it. They won't make it look like a toddler’s art project.

But for those brave souls daring enough to try and repaint their Subaru Outback themselves, brace yourselves. Here’s your battle plan:

Picking the Paint

It's not just any paint. It has to match your Outback. Get it wrong, and you'll have a two-tone car without intending to.

Application Antics

Touch-up or full-blown spray gun? Depends on the mess you're fixing. Just remember, bigger tools don't always mean better results.

Don’t Forget to Play Dress-Up

You're painting the car, not yourself. So, gear up with masks, goggles, and everything else that keeps paint out of places it shouldn’t be.

Prep the Subaru Outback

Give your Outback a good scrub. Even if one area needs work, the whole car deserves a bath. Trust me, paint and dirt aren't friends.

Tape. Lots of It.

Masking tape isn't just for DIY home paint jobs. It'll keep your car's paint job looking neat. Unless you fancy random paint patches. Then by all means, skip this step.

Sand the Outback? Yes, Really.

Use sandpaper on the damaged area. Go easy, you’re smoothing it out, not trying to reach the centre of the Earth.

Rust Converter? Sounds Fancy.

After sanding, slap on some rust converter. It keeps the nasty rust monsters away.

Primer Time

Before splashing your colour, prime that area. Think of it as laying the red carpet for the main event.

Finally, The Paint!

Now, spray on your paint. Remember, several light coats. Not one heavy splatter.

The Cherry on Top – Clear Coat

Seal the deal with a clear coat. It’s like the protective bubble wrap for your newly painted area.

Wrapping Up

Subaru Outback and scratches. An inevitable duo if you're taking your car where it truly belongs - off the beaten path. However, they aren't a forever pair. You can always fix it.

We've journeyed through the world of DIY car scratch repair. From the minor touch-ups to the “Oh Lord, what have I done?” major repaints.

Fixing scratches isn't as easy as just slapping on some paint. There's more to it. Like seasoning a steak, it's all about the preparation.

If you're not up for the challenge, remember: there's no shame in calling the professionals. Especially if you want your Subaru Outback to continue being the best car... in the world.