Why Does It Cost So Much To Paint A Car? Answers From The Expert!
/WHAT FACTORS IN TO THE COST OF REPAINTING A CAR!
the cost of painting a car
I’m often asked by people in my community what it costs to have a car repainted, or to have a complete color change. But the majority of the time, potential customers calling to inquire are left in shock when they are given a rough estimate on how much it costs to make their car look new again
These days, people have no earthly idea of the general cost of repainting a vehicle, and that’s because of a company that has been around since the 80’s that used to advertise the “Ambassador Paint Service Special” for $299.
That company is MAACO, and to this day, they still advertise the “Ambassador” service for as low as $499.
But what most people don’t realize is the fact that MAACO assumes that all of the necessary prep work will already be done on the vehicle in order to get the cheap $499 price. This also assumes that you won’t mind the single stage paint that will be used, which usually won’t survive the first trip to the car wash.
Thanks to the advertising blitz of the MAACO company for several decades, most people still think it is possible to have an entire car repainted for under $500. But this is very misleading. Once you include all of the necessary prep work that must be done, the cost of that MAACO paint job will be the same or higher than any other professional auto body shop, which is usually more than $7,000.
You might be gutsy enough to take on that prep work, but it will require turning your home’s garage into a smelly and dusty body shop. Plus, you might spend months and even years learning the skills you’ll need to get the job done right.
The cost for a complete refinish might come as a shock to those who don’t have any experience in auto body work, but there are several factors that can contribute to the cost of painting a car, including the following:
Labor costs: Painting a car is a time-consuming process that requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. The labor costs associated with painting a car can be significant, particularly if the car requires extensive preparation or repair work before the paint is applied.
Materials costs: The cost of the paint and other materials needed to paint a car can also be a significant factor in the overall cost. High-quality automotive paints and clear coats can be expensive, and the cost of these materials can vary depending on the type of paint used and the size of the car.
Condition of the car: The condition of the car before painting can also affect the cost. If the car requires extensive repair work or preparation before the paint can be applied, this can add to the overall cost of the paint job.
Complexity of the paint job: The complexity of the paint job can also affect the cost. For example, a simple paint job with a solid color may be less expensive than a more complex paint job with multiple colors or intricate designs.
In general, the cost of painting a car can vary significantly depending on the specific factors involved in each case. It is best to get estimates from multiple sources and consider the quality of the materials and workmanship when choosing a painter.
In order for a paint job to last for several years and stand up to the harsh elements, it’s best to consider a two stage paint job, rather than having the cheaper single stage paint applied. The cost is considerably higher, but it’s better to have a paint job that will last, rather than spending your hard earned money for a paint job that will get destroyed at the car wash.
One thing to consider is the value of your vehicle. If the cost of a complete paint job is more than what your car’s trade-in or private party value is, a repaint might not be your best bet. It might be better to ditch the car and buy something newer that suits your taste, unless it’s a classic car or something of sentimental value.
But there are some alternatives to having the car repainted. Most body shops and detail shops can provide a service called “paint correction”, where the original shine can be brought back to the car through wet sanding, buffing with a cutting compound, and polishing the vehicle. However, the condition of the clear coat has to be above a maximum of damage or oxidation in order for it to be restored.
My advice is to take your vehicle to your local auto body shop and let a professional give it a good look. A pro can normally determine within a matter of minutes if your car is in good enough shape for a paint correction, and this can cut the cost of that restoration quite considerably.
Lastly, if you want to learn more about the difference between single stage and two stage paint jobs, check out my previous article here, or leave a question in the comments!
Carlton Flowers