How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?

Looking to spruce up your ride without actually buying a new car? There’s a way for you can make your old car look like new again, and it may not cost as much as you think. There’s nothing like a shiny new paint job on a car; it evokes the early days when that mileage ticker was closer to zero than anything. A new paint job can breathe life into a the most beat up car there is. Fortunately, a new paint job doesn’t have to empty your pockets out completely. Of course, there are many factors that determine the price of a paint job, but before we got there, let’s talk about why you might need one to begin with.

Reasons to paint your car

Aside from the obvious fact that your car is probably getting old and looking its age, there are other reasons why you should get a paint job. Dents, scratches, and other regular damages are common reasons why people get new paint jobs. Cars get minor surface damage on a regular basis, but all of that can add up over time. A paint job can basically wipe the whole surface clean of all minor damages. If you bought your car used and loved everything about it apart from the paint job, you should know that’s an easy fix. You can always have the car color of your dreams by getting it done in a shop. You might also need to paint your car if your car has undergone an accident or some major upgrades. Whatever your reason may be for wanting to paint your car, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do it.

Factors affecting paint job prices

Car paint jobs range in prices from a few hundred to a couple of thousand. Of course, the ultimate price of the paint job will depend on many factors. The first and most important factor would be the kind of car you have. The bigger your vehicle is, the more paint will be needed to get the job done. That means more money. Also, paint job prices differ from place to place. It’ll be different from one city to the next, but different shops will offer competitive prices as well. Choose the option that will be the best for you and the one that will get the job done quicker and better. This is the part when you ask around about particular shops before making a decision.

For the paint job itself, the amount of prep work necessary to do a proper paint job will affect the price as well. If there are any dents or dings that need to be repaired before the paint is applied, the cost will be added to the total job cost. Repairing can get time consuming, but you absolutely want this done if needed. Otherwise, the paint job will just not look the same.

The next factor that affects paint job pricing is the quality of the paint itself. High-end paints will obviously cost more money, but they will also last you longer. Better paints will be more durable, so your car will be more resistant to chipping or peeling. Most high-end paint also offer some kind of warranty—something to think about when it comes to long-term car care. You won’t get any of these benefits with cheaper paint, but your paint job will cost you a lot less. It’s a trade-off that’s really up to you to decide.

Car painting costs

The most basic quote for a paint job can range anywhere from $500 to $800. A basic job will not include any prep work such as sanding or priming. This price is strictly for painting only (base paint and clear coat), and it applies to most full-sized sedans. You’ll pay a little more for larger vehicles or a little less for smaller vehicles.

For roughly $1,500 to around $3,000, you can get a fully loaded paint job using high-quality paints for the base and clear coat. The trims will be removed temporarlity for painting and reinstalled afterwards for a proper paint job.

If you happen to have a classic car that needs a restoration, expect to pay anywhere upwards of $7,500. Classic car paint quotes usually include the cost of any repairs and sanding that might be needed in the process.

There’s a DIY option to painting your own car, but we suggest you go to professionals instead. Painting a car takes more than just the pain itself. You’ll need to have the proper tools and space to tackle a paint job. You’ll need to invest in a good paint sprayer, lots of sand paper, and of course, time. If you’re not an expert car painter, it’ll take you double or even triple the time it would normally take. Your best bet is to fork out the full price; it’ll save you time and money in the long run.