It’s great to see your car clean and shiny, and if it has a new coat, you can spot almost anything on the reflective chassis from a mile off.
A car's paintwork plays a big role in giving it the sort of appearance you're looking for. It also protects the vehicle from metal-transpiring corrosion.
However, after some time, a car's paint will likely start to diminish. A loss of car paint can result from issues like harsh weather conditions, car accidents, and inappropriate cleaning methods. As the years roll by, a car’s paint may lose its glow or even peel-off completely.
But of course, that’s where repainting comes in. Unfortunately, giving your car a paint job doesn't come cheap.
We'll be looking at what factors determine the cost of getting a car painted, how you can make an estimate, and whether or not it's better to leave it to the professionals or undertake it DIY.
The Main Elements That Affect The Cost Of A Paint Job
Let's take a look at the ins and outs of getting your car painted:
Vehicle Dimensions
The size of your car, which is typically measured in square feet, is, of course, a leading factor in the overall cost. Normally, the painted surface of a vehicle ranges from 50 to about 150 square feet, and it costs anywhere from $1.50 to $20 per square foot, according to propaintcorner.com.
In this context, the cost of painting a Hyundai Sonata would prove a lot less than painting, say the Cadillac Escalade.
Repairs Needed Prior To The Paint Work
A car that has flaws on the surface, such as scratches, will call for a higher paint cost. If your vehicle has these marks, they have to be repaired before you can even talk about what paint you want to throw over it.
Some auto body shops may even decline a high-paying paint job if the car’s chassis looks like it’s survived an explosion. But, with that being said, most shops have repair services specifically for such cases.
It will typically cost you about $50 or more for touch-up work on a scratched area. In more serious cases, your car may need a pretty big makeover, and that would obviously need deeper pockets. A paint job that requires fixing substantial dents or scratches could cost $3,500 and upwards.
Shade And Quality Of The Paint
The color of the paint is a big deal when it comes to painting a car. In general, mainstream colors, such as white or black, are the most affordable options. On the other hand, premium tones like Dodge’s Gold Rush paint will cost more.
Beyond that, quality also has an effect on the overall paint job; expect to pay more if you want a long-lasting, higher-quality paint. On the bright side, you wouldn't have to paint your ride that often, especially if you choose a durable product. For a cheaper option, the cost of a single coat of enamel paint ranges between $300 and $700.
What You Should Know Before Getting Your Car Painted
Painting Won’t Fix Your Chassis Problems
If your car has a chassis riddled with deep scratches- or in worst cases, dents- chances are the thought of painting to cover them up has crossed your mind at some point. You may think that you just need some primer and paint to cover up the imperfections, and your car will look like it's fresh out of the showroom. But in reality, this does more damage than good. Since you haven’t attended to the rust panels, they will certainly continue to corrode. As for the scratches and dents, the paint will simply sink into them, making the issues more visible.
So, it's definitely better to fix any scratches and other imperfections on your car before you can get it painted; ultimately, this will save you more time and money in the long run.
Paying A Few Extra Bucks Will Take You A Long Way
When it comes to getting a professional paint job, it’s important that you have a solid budget set aside.
Standard jobs tend to see shops cover some parts of your car with masking tape as part of the process. Throw in a few extra bucks, and they’ll be removing your headlamps and might even sand off the previous paint if the price calls for it. This can take a lot of time, but the results will be better.
At the end of the day, the more you spend, the more detailed coat your car is likely to receive, so it’s good to have a financial plan. And while you are at it, make sure your budget is accurate.
Professional Auto Painting Vs DIY: This Is How Much You Will Pay To Give Your Car A New Look
Clearly, painting a car is a lot of work, even more, when you want a high-quality paint job. Is the price of auto body shops reasonable? Could you save yourself from the expense and go DIY style?
On average, a basic paint job on a car would cost anywhere from $300 up to $900. In preparation, this package will involve painting areas like inside the hood.
Paint services tend to use enamel paint with as few coats as possible. According to bankrate.com, a standard quality paint job will cost from $1,000 to $4,500, which involves sanding and fixing corroded spots. The cost of a higher quality finish (often called showroom-quality) will land around $20,000 or more, and that’s minus the labor costs.
But if you'd rather do it DIY, you're looking at saving a pretty penny. You'd still have to buy all the equipment and materials necessary, such as the drop cloths, paint masker (masking tape), paint sprayer, air compressor, and hand sandpaper, just to name a few.
If you’re doing it yourself, the cost of painting your car will range from $100 to $1,200, depending on the type of paint and materials needed. But, if in doubt, it's better to bring it to the professionals.