How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Car?

Car painting is not exactly cheap. But if you are tight on cash, fear not. This article will walk you through the reasons you should act on this, the cost to paint a car when quality matters, and how to budget this project. It will also cover the benefits and negatives of taking on this project. At its end, you should be able to make a sound decision on whether or not you should get a paint job for your car. 

Why Paint a Car?

Paint may help your wheels look good. It can be a form of self-expression and help draw attention to what makes you who you are. Cars can be painted simply or intricately – the possibilities are truly endless. But aesthetics are not the sole reason automobiles get painted. A lot of it has to do with protections. Cars are a steep investment and their buyers want them to last as long as possible. Paint can protect the vehicle from its environment and extend its life. 

If a car is old and is looking beat up, a new paint job can also make it look better. This is particularly helpful when attempting to sell an old car. No one is going to want to buy an automobile that looks like it has been rusting in a corner for years. With a new sleek coat though, it will instantly look more appealing. This can help you sell a vehicle and potentially even get you a better price for it.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car in the USA? 

How much is a car paint job? Well, it depends on a couple of things. Are you looking into pricier custom car paint jobs or are you fine with settling for a plain coat with cheap paint? Believe it or not, the area that you are having your car painted in may also make a big difference in the car’s paint job cost. In general, it will run someone between $500 and $1,000 for a decent paint job. The work can be found slightly cheaper or more expensive, but in these cases, the buyer should be wary. If the job is too cheap, they might not be doing a good job. If it is too pricey for a basic coat, you might be getting ripped off. 

Car paint job estimates are typically higher in densely populated areas, which is to be expected. However, due to the competitive prices in cities, there are usually some companies that price their work low to stay in business. These great deals can be taken advantage of. Regions that are known for their love of cars and sports such as NASCAR, such as North Carolina, may also see slightly higher prices. 

What Quality Do You Really Need? 

Again, it varies. If you are looking to enter your hot wheels into shows or races, you should seek out the highest quality paint possible. Many show cars utilize pearlescent paint, which is usually more expensive. It has the slightest bit of sparkle to it when looking closely or in the sun. Professional paint of the highest quality can cost around up to $500 or $600 for just one quart of the product. However, this is absolutely not necessary for the average vehicle owner. 

For regularly used cars, basic non-shimmer consumer-grade paint is enough to do the job. These types of consumers can also opt to seek paint with protective qualities or purchase a separate protective top-coat. These classic car paint job costs will be much, much lower than premium automobile painting costs.

Deciding on Your Budget

So, you have decided, “I want to paint my car.” Next comes deciding on how much you can spend on the project. Some may have deep enough pockets to not have to worry about this. However, many may find themselves having to save up to have this work done. If you really only have $100 to $200, DIY is probably your best bet. If you would prefer a professional to do a basic body job for you though, cap your budget at $1,000. While car body paint costs can go over this number, they are typically below it.

Professional Work: Pros and Cons

In this life, there are ups and downs to everything, and car painting is no exception. Below are some of the negatives to pursuing this project. 

• Car painting is usually more of a want as opposed to a need. This money could be spent elsewhere or saved for purchasing a new set of wheels.
• If the job is done poorly, it could bring down the resale value of an automobile. 

On the other hand, there are many upsides to getting a car painted. Some of these pros are listed below. 

• Bringing up the value of the car if the job is done well. 
• This project can help increase your automobile’s aesthetic. Whether this is a treat to yourself or you have someone to impress, shiny well-painted cars bring happiness and attention. 
• Protect your vehicle from bad weather and other types of damaging exposure.

DIY: Is It a Good Idea?

If you are trying to save a buck, you may be wondering how much it costs to paint a car yourself? This can be done for under $100! Luckily, there are also a lot of video tutorials online to guide you if it is your first time attempting this project. They will cover everything from how to prep a car for the paint to how to care for it post-paint. When taking on a project like this though, bear in mind that things can go wrong. 

Paint applied liberally can result in uneven colors or product drying and appearing droopy in some areas. Automobiles that cost thousands of dollars can be ruined in twenty minutes by an inexperienced painter. If you are not entirely confident in your ability to get the job done perfectly, it might be best to pass it on to a professional. After spending thousands on your vehicle, what is a few hundred more for a job you know will be done well?

New Paint Will Not Repair Everything

To some degree, rust and other damages can be sanded off and painted over. However, when the damage is severe enough, the paint will not be able to cover them up. For example, if you have recently been in a car accident that has left bends or deep scratches in your car’s body, you might have to replace the car’s parts. Paints might make them look less noticeable, but it will not make the scratches or bends go away. While trying to sand away deep scratches or dents, you may actually sand your car’s exterior too thin. This can accelerate rusting or lead to the development of holes in your vehicle. 

Conclusion

A new paint job will not be free. However, it can be done for as little as $100 and bring the car owner great happiness. Paint jobs can also potentially increase the resale value of a vehicle, leaving the job to pay for itself. Whether you are looking to repaint your family car or get a body job done for a show, there is an option for everyone.