How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?

The cost of painting a car is obviously very subjective as it depends on many different factors. You can repaint your car on the cheap using cheaper brands of automotive touch up paint which is a perfectly viable option for many people and many cars, though the finish will not last as long. There are mid-level options and also high-end options, too. High-end finishes are the most expensive but are opted for by people with more expensive vehicles and people who want a longer lasting finish.

Before you decide what type of finish to choose, you may also want to think about the weather local to the area in which you live. Sandy, salt and frequent hail environments will all reduce the time that the paint finish will last for on the exterior of your car and will sway you towards a more high-end finish for a longer lasting impact and protection.

To help you make the best decision for the protection of your car as well as for your pocket, Best of Machinery has come up with some important information for you to consider.

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The Average Paint Job

On average, there are three different levels of paint jobs. They can be broken down into low, mid and high-end paint effects, which all differ in their price ranges, paint effects, and longevity. The low-end paint effect cost an average of $566 if you are looking to apply one coat of synthetic enamel to your car. If you choose to use a higher quality of paint, then you will probably want to do some small repairs to your car, too.

This usually includes things like dents, chips and rust removal. When applying one coat of paint at this mid-level, you are looking at spending anywhere between $1000 and $3,500. High-end paint jobs involve basically anything above this which includes high-end paints, multiple coats and any repairs at the same time.

On average, a high-end finish costs an average US driver $5000. Really, to get to the crux of the matter, the cost of painting your car can be altered to suit you and your budget.

Want to do the job yourself? Check out our guide on how to paint a car.

What Affects the Cost of Painting a Car?

There are many factors that alter the price when it comes to painting your car. It can be something simple, like the cost of the laborer spray painting it and if this is the case and this is too expensive for you, then many people prepare and spray their cars themselves. This is an excellent option if you have the tools, the time and knowledge. However, we accept that this is not always possible for everyone. Painting costs are also impacted by the paint itself. This can be the type of paint and also the color of the paint you choose for your new look.

There are certain parts of the world, usually very hot, arid and sandy places, where people are generally very reluctant to spend enormous amounts of money on painting their car because the sun fades the color of the paint, no matter its quality, whilst the sand and lack of moisture act in the same way as sandpaper and are detrimental to the paintwork of vehicles. Areas around seawater are the same, as the salt corrodes and rusts the finished paint effect so fast.

If you want to keep the price down when considering painting your car, then think about the color of the paint you wish to use. It is helpful for you to know that white paint is usually at least half the price of many colored paints. If you are solely repainting your car so that it is protected against rust and corrosion, but you are not painting it because you want a change in color, then painting your car white can be incredibly beneficial to your bank balance.

Paint Job Preferences

Your preferences in paint jobs will determine the price you pay. When we say this, we mean that specifically what is used on your car to protect it is what you will be paying the majority of your money for. Many mechanics will paint your car with the following options for you:

• The cheapest finish is a one coat enamel paint giving your car a glossy sheen and can be accurately matched if you are just using this for touch-ups. This will last you for approximately one year.
• Next, there is urethane painting, lasting for three years and is increasingly more resistant. This is the most popular paint for cars.
• A third option is an approach with two stages. This involves a coat of urethane paint followed by a urethane sealer, making your vehicle glossy, protected and lasts for around five years.
• Your final choice is the most expensive and is the most high end. This is exactly the same as the third option but has the added bonus of mechanics also offering the service or eradicating chips, scratches, and dents prior to painting, as well as priming and block sanding the entirety of your car to improve the overall finish.

The Cost of Painting a Car

The cost of painting a car is very subjective as we have already stated. It can be altered to suit your budget, the area you live in and the amount of protection that your car needs. Do not be put off having your car painted as it is usually nowhere near as expensive as most people fear. Hopefully having read this article we have now put your mind at ease and encouraged you to paint your car to protect it as best you can from the elements.