How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Car?
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How much does it cost to paint a car? What factors affect the cost? And how can you preserve your paint job? We’ve got the answer to all of these below. Before you take off and get hit with an unexpected price, it’s better to know what you’ll have to spend to make your wheels look new.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?
When looking at the average cost to paint a car, different price ranges depending on the type of paint service needed. For example, a basic coat can cost between $300 and $900, whereas a more specialized high-quality paint job can go up to $20,000.
The fluctuations between paint jobs have to do with several factors, as no two services are the same. There is a lot to consider when calculating the cost of your paint job, a few of which we’ll point out below.
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Factors Affecting the Cost to Paint Your Car
Finding a definitive answer to how much does it cost to paint a car can take time and effort. There are a ton of factors that affect the cost. Part of the reason is due to your area, but another part is more complicated, as it deals with your situation. For a better idea of what you can expect to pay, here are a few things that are factored into the cost.
1. The Size Of Your Car
The larger your car, the more paint you need. For that reason, the size of your vehicle significantly affects the cost. A smart car will cost less than a huge 4-door SUV, with the cost doubling or tripling due to the difference in size.
2. The Condition Of Your Car
Sometimes, drivers want a new paint job to enhance the look, and there are no damages that need to be repaired first. Other times, minor dents, dings, and maybe hail damage must be dealt with first. If you damage your car, the cost of painting it with a fresh coat will likely increase, as dealerships will have to fix them up first.
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3. The Color
If you go with a basic color or the stock, your paint will cost less than a special paint job. Even if you bought your car with a specific color that the manufacturer offers, if it’s outside what’s considered a “standard” color, the cost could be extra, making your paint job higher. Even unique colors cost much more, so avoid them if you’re on a budget.
4. The Type Of Paint You Choose
Not only is the color a factor that drives up cost when it comes to painting, but the type of paint you use is too. Some paints are of higher quality than others, which means they are more expensive overall.
5. Any Special Features
Adding extras like racing stripes, designs, a super high gloss, and more are all factors that drive up the cost. Each feature may take a different type of paint and additional time, so you should expect to pay much more.
Before You Paint
Before you paint, you should do a few things, even if you’re taking it in to get it done by the pros. They will likely do these, but here are some things to do before painting your car.
- Take everything off – this includes decals, stickers, and other things that could get covered in the process or leave a mark that will show when you remove it.
- Wash your car – get it nice and shiny so your technician can see what they’re working with.
- Examine the body – Before dropping it off and washing it, you should check for any minor dings or dents. This is not just for your safety but also so you know whether or not damages occurred in or out of the shop.
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Tips for Preserving Your Paint Job
When you shell out money to make your car look new, you want it to last. Consider these tips below to keep your vehicle looking fresh and the paint in tip-top condition.
- Don’t wash it – Taking your car to a car wash or using chemicals or tools to get it spotless could wear the paint job down. Let your car rack up dust for at least a month, ensuring everything is nice, dry, and set.
- Don’t overdrive it – Though it might be tempting to show it off, reduce the use of your car for a bit to make sure the coat stays on and strong. Don’t worry; you can take it out sooner than you know!
- Avoid trees – ever park under a tree? Then you know what always happens. Birds have a feeding frenzy, and their processed lunch ends up on your car. Birds’ droppings have acid, which could eat off the paint, especially if your paint job is relatively new.
- Listen to your technician – Likely, your technician will hit you with many tips and procedures. Don’t just shake your head and say, “okay,” listen to them. They could be giving you important details about the care for your new paint job that will make it last.
Before You Go
So, how much does it cost to paint a car? The answer is it depends. Now you know all the factors that could drive up the cost and everything you should consider before you paint your vehicle. Finding a paint job that fits your budget and goals is doable; you need to know what to look for and how to get the look you want at a price you can afford.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How much does it cost to paint a car?
The answer is that it varies. Painting your vehicle may cost you a few hundred dollars to up to $10,000 or more, depending on the abovementioned factors. For instance, a basic paint job for a standard sedan without additional embellishments (i.e., racing stripes) will cost you around $500, depending on your local body shops. Meanwhile, a more advanced or complete paint job will easily cost upwards of a thousand bucks.
Q: When should you repaint your car?
There’s no particular rule of thumb as to when you should repaint a car. Some experts say that repainting should be done within five years, while some say it’s 10-15 years. In general, some folks have their vehicles repainted every few years or so. However, paint doesn’t just improve a car’s aesthetic but also minimizes potential wear and tear.
Q: Should I go to a professional or DIY when painting a car?
When facing this sort of decision about painting your vehicle, consider why you’re doing it. If you’re trying to amend a slight cosmetic blemish with a quick paint job, you can DIY. However, if you want a proper paint job because you’re looking to sell the car, you’ll want to go to a pro.
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