Several factors go into car painting costs. You might be wondering where to start. Whether your car’s outer layer is getting lackluster from weather, accident damage, or you just want a new look for your car, we’ve got you covered. Because we’ve done the legwork of researching how much it costs to paint your car, you can decide if it’s a feasible option for you much faster than on your own.
Is Repainting a Car Worth It?
First, consider whether repainting your car is even worth the trouble. Here are a few things to think about before you decide to give your car a new coat of paint.
Full Paint Job or Just Repairs?
If your reason for painting your car is simply for a new look and personal preference, that’s all your own decision. A car with no other cosmetic issues will be much easier to paint than a car with rust, dings, or other types of damage.
For cars with rust damage or scratches, some prep work will have to be done first. This should be your first car paint cost to calculate before even thinking about the other materials needed. Additionally, you will have to fix the repairs before you paint the car.
Car Value
Next, examine your car’s age, make, and model. Is it a desirable car? Are you concerned with making the car more valuable to increase the resale value? If so, a great paint job can help increase your car’s resale value. However, the value increase will probably not be more than what you spend on the fresh coat of paint.
Professional or DIY?
Though it’s possible to DIY a paint job on a car, it’s widely not recommended. This is because it takes extreme precision and experience to make it look great. By hiring out a reputable car painting service, you will save time and headaches.
Things That Will Influence Car Painting Costs
Color of Paint
The standard black or white paint colors will be the cheapest paint you can find to repaint your car. Other colors will be more expensive and vary depending on the type of paint.
Types of Car Paint
After you decide the color of paint you want, you will have to think about what type of sheen you will want. Here are the different options, their general costs, and how they are maintained.
Solid
Solid paint color describes the standard paint that comes with factory-made cars. You can’t go wrong with a solid color: future paint repairs are easy, it’s easy to clean, and the cheapest type of paint.
Metallic
Metallic car paint is desirable because it always makes your car look shiny no matter the weather. This is the next step up in paint when it comes to expense. Keep in mind that it’s difficult to repair metallic paint in the future.
Pearlescent
A pearlescent finish has a deeper and more shiny finish than metallic finishes. When this paint is applied, it can increase the car value, but it is more susceptible to surface damage.
Matte
When it comes to cost, a matte finish is the most expensive and highest maintenance, though the tradeoff in looks might be worth it. This type of paint definitely needs a professional touch. Matte car paints only come in a few colors.
For more information on types of car paint checkout this guide at Carwow.
Car Painting Methods
When it comes to giving your car a new look, the only two options you have are spray painting and vinyl car wrapping.
Vinyl car wrapping involves placing a vinyl wrap all over the surface of your car’s body as an alternative to paint. Some would say it’s preferable because it changes the look of your car impermanently and keeps the original surface protected from wear and tear.
So which is cheaper, painting your car or car wrapping? For the answer, we have to dive into professional costs versus DIY costs.
DIY vs Professional Car Painting Costs
Can you paint or wrap a car yourself? Yes!
If you have all the supplies already, the cheapest way to paint or wrap your car is to do it yourself. However, if you’ve never done it before, the cost of time and possible mistakes could make it not worth it.
Here’s the breakdown of what it costs to paint or wrap your car, whether you go down the professional route or the DIY route.
DIY spray paint: $100 to $1,500, depending on what you already have and cost of car paint
Professional spray paint: $1,000-$3,000
DIY car wrap: $500-$750, plus supplies
Professional car wrap: $2,000-$4,000
Final Thoughts
Before you go, here is a word to the wise.
When you want to repaint your car professionally, invest in a reputable painting service, not one that gives you a price that’s too good to be true. The time and effort to do a complete car body paint job is not worth it if it is not done well.
Typically, the more you pay for this service, the better it looks in the end. This will only help your car’s resale value if you plan to sell it someday. Check the web for local reviews to help you choose the best service in your area.
When you keep all these tips in mind, you will get what you want in your new car paint and save yourself some money in the long run.
