How much does it take to repaint a car

The cost of painting a car depends on the extent of the work you want done and the location you choose to complete the work. According to research by CostHelper, you could spend as little as $300 to $900 for a basic paint job, and upward of $20,000 for a specialty paint job.[3] The average cost of painting a car is $1,000 to $3,500, based on research and prices submitted by CostHelper users. 

Zach Wimpey, CEO of Craig and Landreth Cars, an auto dealer and repair shop in Louisville, Kentucky, can vouch for the wide price range: “Depending on the condition of your car, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $20,000,” he says.

There are several factors that can impact how much it costs to paint a car. These five are at the top of the list: 

Quality of the paint job

You can get a basic paint job for a couple hundred dollars, but expect lower quality. That’s okay if your car is older or has a low value and you’re just trying to make it look less like a junker. But if you’re painting a valuable vehicle, like a classic car, you’ll need to spend more money to get the high-quality paint job it deserves.

While a basic paint job may only involve painting over the car without repairing any rust or blemishes, a quality paint job will take care of any issues in your car’s bodywork before painting. It will also use more layers of paint to get an even finish, most likely ending with a clear coat to help protect the paint from the elements and make it last longer.

Amount of paint needed

If you’re just touching up your existing paint job to cover up a few scratches or chips, it’s probably not going to put a big dent in your wallet. But if you want to repaint the entire car, you’ll need a lot more paint to get the job done, and that means a higher cost.

In the long run, a full repaint is probably a better option since it’s more likely to last. With touch-ups, you might need to redo them to keep your car looking good. This can push up the price over time, which may end up costing you more.

The color of the paint

Going with a common car color like black or white is usually the least expensive option when it comes to painting your car. It also costs less to stick with your car’s original color. Repainting your vehicle in a new hue means a more thorough job that involves covering areas like the door jambs and engine bay. If you choose a unique color, expect to pay more for the paint job.

The size of your car

Painting a small car like a Fiat 500 is going to cost less than painting a larger vehicle like a Ford F-150, simply because of the size. A smaller car requires less paint (and less time) than a larger one. That means the cost of materials and labor will be higher for a larger car or truck.

Where the work is done

It’s a good idea to shop around to get a variety of quotes to paint your car. You may find that the cost varies between body shops. National chains, like Maaco, usually range in price from $300 to $1,000 and focus on a basic paint job, while some dedicated body shops will offer several levels of paint jobs depending on your goals. The higher the level, the more time and money it will cost you. You can save money by doing the job yourself. But unless you are experienced in auto detailing or DIY projects, painting your car might be a task best left to the professionals.

Having your vehicle painted is an undertaking that can bring a lot of satisfaction. Not only will your car look like new, its exterior durability can be significantly enhanced. Choosing to have your vehicle repainted also requires an investment of money and time.

• When to Get a Car Painted
• Types of Paint for Vehicles
• How Long Does a Paint Job Last on a Car?
• 5 FACTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING YOUR CAR PAINTED
• Painting a Vehicle Takes Time
• New Paint Won’t Fix Everything
• Car Painting Prices May Vary
• Painting (Usually) Adds Value
• Painting Requires Removing the Car’s Interior
• Trust the Professionals at Badell’s Collision
  • • Share This Article

When to Get a Car Painted

Many people may have concerns about when to get their car painted. In some cases, you will have an obvious sign that you need new paint. For example, if the paint is peeling, damaged, or discolored in various areas, then you need a paint job to refresh the look of your vehicle.

When you do not have obvious signs, you may assume that your vehicle does not need new paint. In some cases, you may be correct; however, if you notice any rusting, oxidation, or fading, then you need new paint on your vehicle. Even if the rust is a small spot and doesn’t seem important, it can grow quickly without proper maintenance and new paint. A paint job removes the old paint, rust, and oxidation before applying new primer and paint.

You can also get a paint job on your vehicle if you want a new color, want to maintain your vehicle after several years, or you simply feel that it is time for new paint.

Types of Paint for Vehicles

One factor to consider when painting your vehicle is the type of paint used by a professional repair and auto body shop. You should be aware that different types of paint are available, and the quality of the paint may vary significantly across brands and types.

Generally, the types of paint fall into four main categories:

• Water-based paint
• Acrylic lacquer paint
• Urethane paint
• Acrylic enamel paint

In most cases, urethane paint is used when you want a long-lasting paint job on your vehicle. You can also opt for acrylic enamel paint on your vehicle for long-lasting results. Water-based paints are the sustainable option that is ideal if you want your car’s paint to be environmentally friendly. The acrylic lacquer paint is the thinnest option and does not last as long as other paint jobs; however, it is the lowest cost, and you can have a top coat added to make it last longer.

By taking the type of paint into account when looking at paint for your vehicle, you can evaluate the benefits and the durability of the paint over time. It helps you find the right option for your vehicle.

How Long Does a Paint Job Last on a Car?

The short answer is 10-15 years. The long answer is that paint durability on a vehicle varies based on the type of paint, the quality of the paint, and the final touches used by professionals. As a general rule, you want to get your car painted every five to ten years. If your vehicle is kept in a garage with limited UV damage, then you may be able to get your paint to last longer. Vehicles that spend most of their time outdoors in the sun may need new paint more often.

You should also consider any maintenance details put into your vehicle. For example, if you regularly wax your vehicle, then your paint lasts longer. If you do not wax your vehicle, then you can expect lower durability.

If you choose water-based paint or acrylic lacquer paint, then you can expect the paint to last around five years. You can increase the lifespan of the paint with a topcoat; however, exact durability is relatively low when compared to other options. If you choose urethane paint, then you will have the most long-lasting results and may hold off on new paint for more than five years.

Before bringing your vehicle to a paint or auto body shop, take some time to get the facts. Understanding what the painting process entails makes it easier to choose whether or not to have your vehicle repainted. Armed with the facts, you can make a more informed decision.

1. Painting a Vehicle Takes Time.
2. New Paint Won’t Fix Everything.
3. Car Painting Prices May Vary.
4. Painting Adds Value.
5. Painting Requires Removing the Car’s Interior.

Painting a Vehicle Takes Time

Some vehicle paint shops boast a turn-around time of three days or less, but in general, you should expect your car to be in the shop for at least a week. Why does it take so much time for the car to be repainted? New paint cannot be applied directly to old paint. The fading, oxidation, and irregular surface of a vehicle’s existing paint does not allow for the smooth application of a new coat. Removal of the existing layers of paint and other prep work must be completed before new paint can be applied. If a car requires extensive prep work, it will also raise the total price for the paint job.

New Paint Won’t Fix Everything

It’s important to have realistic expectations with repainting or paint repair. “Sometimes new paint has the opposite effect,” says Brandon Badell, owner. “If you want to paint over damage without fixing it properly, a fresh coat of shiny paint can actually highlight problem areas.”

For the best results, the auto body shop should first remove the old paint on the car and fix any damage that is present. Damage can include:

• Scratches,
• Gouges,
• Dents,
• Pits,
• Rust spots,
• Holes.

Car Painting Prices May Vary

Prices for car painting depend on a few different factors – mainly prep work required, the number of parts and panels to be painted, and the quality of the painted used. When you request an estimate for a car painting, ask the auto repair shop to put the included surface prep measures in writing. You will want to assure that damage will be repaired or minimized before getting repainted and know exactly which parts will be painted. This may include fenders, the inside edge of the car door or under the hood. Be sure that the estimate also includes a final clear coat for a long-lasting paint job.

Watch to learn: How much does it cost to have a car repainted?

Painting (Usually) Adds Value

Having your car repainted is an investment in many ways. Not only will you treat yourself to a vehicle with a like-new finish, you will add to its residual or resale value. By investing in repainting, you can get a higher trade-in value for an older vehicle. You can also raise your asking price when selling a used car directly to a buyer. But, for cars more than 10 years old, you should consider if the improved trade-in value will outweigh the price of repainting the car.

A functional older vehicle can be transformed with a coat of fresh paint. Just make sure that it will be a valuable investment. If the car isn’t in good condition otherwise, repainting it may turn out to be more expensive than the car is worth on resale.

Some insurance policies cover the cost of bodywork if the vehicle was damaged in an accident. Check with your insurance company to see if your coverage will help pay for the costs of repainting your car.

Painting Requires Removing the Car’s Interior

Many people don’t realize that vehicle paint shops may have to remove everything from the interior of the car during the painting process. This may include the dash, console, and even the seats. There is some risk that these items could be damaged by the painting process and so they’re removed beforehand. Additionally, some step in the process may be inhibited by the presence of these interior components. Removing them allows painting to be done the right way.

It’s helpful if car owners remove their belongings from the vehicle before bringing it in for paint repair. This decreases the risk of accidentally losing something important and saves the body shop time.

Learn more from the experts about Paintless Dent Repair.

Trust the Professionals at Badell’s Collision

Badell’s Collision has two shops in Aston and Malvern, Pennsylvania. Interested in getting your vehicle painted? Fill out our online estimate form and one of our reps will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help get you started.

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