How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?
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Getting your vehicle a fresh coat of paint can help make it look new and improve its appearance. But how much does it cost to paint a car?
Depending on the make and model of your car, the cost of painting a car ranges from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Although it may seem costly, getting a new coat of paint is an excellent investment.
Not only does it improve the appearance of your vehicle, but it can also protect it from corrosion and wear. However, before you start painting, thoroughly understand what's involved.
Let’s discuss all you need to know about painting your car.
Table of Contents
When Is the Best Time To Paint Your Car?
Some people have concerns about when they should get their cars painted. However, in certain cases, it's clear that they need new paint.
For instance, if the paint is peeling or damaged, you must have a fresh coat of paint applied to update the appearance of your vehicle.
Although some people may think that their vehicle does not need new paint, it's important to note that if it has any signs of fading, oxidation, or rusting, it needs fresh paint.
Even if the rust is a small spot, it can still multiply if not appropriately maintained.
Therefore, before you start painting, it's essential that you thoroughly remove the old paint and replace it with new primer and paint.
You must have a paint job done if you want a new vehicle look. In other cases, you may want to maintain the car for a long time.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint a Car?
A fresh coat of paint can help your vehicle feel new and improve its appearance. This cosmetic procedure can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the cost of this procedure can vary. It can range from a few hundred dollars to $20,000.
Although it may seem costly, getting a new coat of paint is an excellent investment.
Not only does it improve the appearance of your vehicle, but it can also protect it from corrosion and wear.
However, before you start painting, it's essential that you thoroughly understand what's involved.
Various factors affect the price of painting a car. Understanding these will allow you to make an informed decision about choosing the right paint for your vehicle.
The size and vehicle you drive will also affect the painting cost. For instance, if you have a large SUV, it's more expensive to paint the body of that vehicle than a smaller car.
The quality and color of the paint that you choose will also affect the cost of painting a car.
Generally, a basic white or black pigment will be cheaper than a more expensive color.
A standard coat of synthetic enamel paint can cost as high as $700 for an average-sized sedan. On the other hand, high-quality paint can cost thousands of dollars.
The type of paint you choose will also affect the car's cost. For instance, if you have a semi-gloss or matte finish, then it's more expensive than a standard one.
A regular wax may cost around $100 to $200, while a specialized ceramic coating may be more expensive.
After conducting a little research, you may have found some cheap paint jobs. However, this shouldn't be the case.
A bargain body shop might not provide the same level of attention and care as a professional body shop.
Is It Cheaper To Wrap or Paint Your Car?
The cost of doing a wrap versus painting a car also affects the decision between the two.
Typically, low-quality paint jobs run around $500 to $1,000, while professional wrap jobs can cost up to $5,000. So, wrapping a car is costlier than painting.
How Long Does a Paint Job Last?
In other words, a paint job lasts between 10-15 years. The long answer is that depending on the type of paint used, the longevity of the color on a vehicle can vary.
For instance, if the car is kept in a garage with minimal exposure to ultraviolet light, it can be painted every five to ten years.
On the other hand, vehicles exposed to the sun often need new paint.
Aside from the paint you choose, your vehicle's maintenance details should also be considered to ensure its color lasts longer. For instance, if you regularly clean and wax your car, its paint will last longer.
If you're planning on painting a car an acrylic or water-based paint, you should expect the paint to last for around five years.
On the other hand, if you use urethane, you might be able to hold off on replacing the color for several years.
Things To Consider Before Painting Your Car
Before you head to the auto body shop or paint shop with your car, it's essential that you thoroughly understand the process involved.
This knowledge will allow you to make an informed decision regarding your vehicle's painting.
1. Painting Takes Time
Most body shops typically take around three days to finish a painting job, although some will provide a turnaround time of less than a week.
One of the main reasons a car can take a long time to paint is the fading, oxidation, and uneven surface of its existing paint.
Before the car can be painted, the existing layers of paint must be removed. Doing so will allow the body shop to apply new paint.
2. Cost of Painting May Vary
The cost of painting a car depends on factors such as the number of panels and parts that will be painted, the quality of the work, and the prep work.
Therefore, when you're planning on hiring a professional body shop to do a painting job, you must provide them with an estimate that includes the necessary details.
This may include the vehicle parts that will be painted, such as the rear fender, the edge of the car door, and the hood.
Ensure that the estimate includes a clear coat that will last a long time.
3. Painting Your Car Doesn't Always Fix Everything
Having realistic expectations when painting or repairing a vehicle is also essential to ensure that the work is done correctly.
According to experts, a fresh coat of paint can often highlight areas of the car that need attention.
Before starting the painting process, it's essential that the body shop thoroughly cleans the car and removes the old paint.
Doing so will allow them to identify the areas of the vehicle that need attention.
4. Painting Requires Stripping the Car
Many people don't realize that the body shop may have to remove the vehicle's interior components, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, and seats, during the painting process.
Doing so can prevent the items from getting damaged during the process. In addition, removing these components can help ensure that the painting process is completed correctly.
It's also helpful for car owners to remove their personal belongings from the vehicle before taking it in for repairs.
Doing so can help minimize the risk of accidentally losing essential items.
5. Painting Adds Value
Getting your car painted can also be an investment in multiple ways.
Aside from improving the resale value of the vehicle, it can also help you get a higher trade-in value for the vehicle.
For example, if you're planning on selling your used car, you can raise the asking price by investing in a new paint job.
However, if you're planning on selling a vehicle over ten years old, you should consider the car's trade-in value carefully.
Painting your vehicle can transform it from an ordinary vehicle into a functional one.
However, it's important to note that if the car is in poor condition, it might cost more to have it painted.
Paint or Wrap: Which Is Better?
For those who prefer a simple and traditional look, a paint job can be done on their vehicle.
Although it may cost more, it will last a long time and is usually the best option if you want to transition your vehicle.
A vehicle wrap can also be used to create a new look without the need for a permanent change.
A custom design wrap can be done for those who want to take their message to the streets before thousands of people.
A vehicle wrap can help boost your brand awareness and build a stronger relationship with potential customers.
Some companies even park their vehicles near the road to maximize the advertising effect.
