The paint of the car is the part most prone to damage over time and for this reason, it may be necessary to repaint. There are numerous factors that increase or decrease the price when it comes to painting your car, including the color and type of paint you choose, let’s see which ones.
Costs of painting
The price list of a painting is very varied, it can range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. There are several factors that contribute to the price, let’s see what they are.
First of all, it depends on the type of paint you want to apply to your car. There are different types of paint that you can apply.
There are those provided by the parent company (which generally will have a slightly higher cost) or compatible products that can be used. Beyond the brand, the type of color influences. The simplest colors are called single-layer glazes. It’s a simple paint job that doesn’t take too long. Simply, a new single layer of enamel is applied over the original varnish and left to dry; an economic procedure.
The most common type of work, on the other hand, includes the use of the colors of the parent company, in most cases metallic or shiny. In this case, the work consists of two phases which are finish and color, and then the sealant impact is also inserted to absorb this type of painting.
The third type of paint available is the premium ones, which in most cases are pearlescent colors. Here the cost is much higher because these are more complex mixtures than glossy or metallic paint. Such paints often also include a function of protecting the car against external factors and last much longer than other types. They are usually found in high-end cars.
The second factor to consider when the painting is the size of the car and which parts need to be repainted. For example, a Smart requires less product than a sedan or station wagon. Larger cars require more manpower from the painter and therefore significantly longer times. In fact, the difference in price between one car and another is not justified so much by the amount of paint as by the labor that is required to apply that color.
In reference to the types of paint available, premium colors and polishes require much more processing than single glazes, actually asking for a higher price.
Secondly, it needs to be seen whether the car needs to be completely or partially painted. If it’s just a mirror, the prices will be lower. In addition, it must be seen if the repainting is only external or also the internal parts.
To repaint the internal parts takes a lot more manpower because in addition to all the preliminary work the car must also be disassembled and then reassembled.
Finally, be sure to consider other ancillary work that must be carried out, such as smoothing the layers of paint and repairing any damage (such as a dent or scratch) on the bodywork itself that required the intervention.
The last step that changes the price is the guarantees offered with the service. Generally, on the highest quality paints, which require more work, several years of warranty and ancillary services are offered.
Costs to repaint a car
Now that we’ve seen all the factors for repainting a car, how much are we actually talking about? Prices range from around $ 800 up to $ 3000 for most of the works. Consider having a small car completely repaint with a single polish. Here the price will be contained and will move between $ 500 and $ 800, including guarantees.
A more accurate work, on the other hand, with glossy paints, urethane, and glue, on the other hand, makes the price go up a lot, up to $ 2,000. Finally, if you decide to use a premium get ready to spend $ 3000 upwards. For example, on a high-end Audi to repaint completely with the colors of the parent company you could spend over $ 7,000.
As you can see, the prices are very varied therefore always compare the offers of the various bodybuilders, because each one will have a different price list, products, and guarantees, in order to have a complete picture. However, avoid shoddy ‘done just for’ work because in a few years you will have problems again and will have to redo your shopping.
Why repaint the car
It is always nice when you enter the car showroom and see your favorite car under the bright lights which makes it even more sparkling and attractive than it is. The first thing that stands out to the eye is the paint which, unfortunately, once it leaves the dealer will inexorably begin to be exposed to all those factors that can ruin it.
Contrary to what one might think, painting does not perform a purely aesthetic function, far from it. Obviously, the color plays its part, especially when special paints are used, but in the first place, this performs a protective function of the car.
Thanks to the paint, in fact, the bodywork and the sheets are separated from the outside world and from all the factors that can ruin them. They are in fact very delicate pieces which, with the influence of atmospheric agents and more, can easily be damaged and therefore cause irreparable damage to the car.
Rain, hail, cold, and humidity are among the atmospheric agents that consume the painting the most, but other dangers such as a door, an accident, or a simple scratch should not be excluded. If the damage is so profound that all layers of paint have been removed, part of the bodywork can remain exposed, favoring the formation of rust. Therefore never underestimate paint imperfections.
Obviously, the repainting can also be done only if you want to revise the vehicle as in the glories of a time you just bought or simply if you want to change color, nothing prevents you from doing it (provided of course you update the registration certificate).
Finally, don’t forget that painting affects the value of the car, so it can be a great investment if you decide to sell your car as used.
Is it better to paint professionally or DIY?
When deciding whether to hire a professional or do it yourself, carefully consider the purpose of the painting. Are you looking for a quick cosmetic fix before selling the car, or are you working on a passion project for restoration? Painting the car yourself may increase the value of a dented car, but it will not improve the final product.
It is possible to paint the car yourself, but this requires patience, skill, and the purchase of a variety of paints and tools. The paint job may not be the high-quality car makeover you are looking for. Do-it-yourself painting is best suited for older or off-road vehicles that are subject to frequent bumps and scratches.
If you want to restore a family or collector’s car to its original condition, it is usually best to use the services of a garage where a professional will apply up to 24 coats of uniform paint and a glossy, durable finish.
- Cost of professional car repainting
- Many body stores offer different levels of service to accommodate customers with different budgets and needs.
The main types of painting services include
Basic: The most economical painting is to use synthetic enamel paints and to apply as few coats as possible. Basic work rarely involves painting areas that are not normally visible, such as the inside of the hood. Basic costs range from $300 to $900.
Standard: Typically, the cost of a standard paint job includes sanding the body prior to painting to remove rust and give it a beautiful finish. Standard costs range from $1,000 to $4,500.
Quality Showroom: This process involves sanding the body to the bare metal, removing rust and dents, and applying up to 24 layers of high-quality paint. The project can take up to a month, and in some cases can cost as much as $20,000 to achieve showroom quality.
Cost of DIY Car Painting
For older vehicles, the cost of professional painting can be excessive. In such cases, you can try painting it yourself. The materials needed are widely available at hardware or auto stores for about $200. The only other costs are time and labor.
The materials and tools you will need are as follows
- Glossy paint.
- Primer.
- A foam brush.
- Painting trays.
- Adhesive tape.
- Sandpaper.
- Mineral cleaning solution.
One of the biggest DIY challenges is finding a place to paint the vehicle. Many professional paint and body stores have climate-controlled booths to limit the amount of dust and dirt that may come in contact with the paint and ruin the finish. If painting on your own, it is best to paint in a clean, well-ventilated garage.
Tips for painting your car
There are several steps involved in painting a car.
Work downward. Start painting from higher areas, such as the roof, the hood, the doors, etc., and then work your way down the car.
Use constant pressure. When applying paint with a brush, a steady pressure should be used.
Do not use more paint. Adding too much paint at one time may cause dripping or flow in the finish. Be aware that you will be applying many layers of paint, so be sure to layer evenly.
Be patient. You will probably have to apply several coats to get a clean finish, but you should allow at least 6 hours between each coat.
If these steps seem daunting but your budget is small, consider a basic painting job by a professional.
Compare quality and price before painting a car
Everyone wants affordable services. Therefore, when contacting a body store to get a quote for a car painting job, you want to get the lowest price possible.
However, you will get back what you paid for. The lowest quote may be for a lower quality paint job or inferior materials. Painters do not remove trim, but simply mask it off, so they cannot paint what you cannot see. In addition, inexpensive paints have poor taping techniques, which can result in excessive paint being sprayed on windows and rubber frames.
Services that painters charge as additional costs may not be included in the estimate. This means that rust and dents may be painted over without fixing them first.
Before you get the service, ask the painter what the procedure is and what is included in the price. Ask if sanding and bodywork preparation are included in the cost, and ask to see examples of past work to ensure that you are satisfied with the quality.
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Hi, I am David Bailey a dedicated writer from Linden Bridge School with a degree in mechanical engineering and a degree in marketing. I strive to simplify complex subjects and like to explain complex and technical matters in an easy-to-understand manner. Read More Here
