4 Factors That Could Affect Auto Painting Costs

Have you decided to hire a professional to paint your car? In that case, there are various things you need to consider. Examples include getting proper supplies, determining paint type, and much more. 

Reports suggest that the automotive paint market will reach USD 9.9 billion by the end of 2028. This value can be attributed to the increase in passenger car ownership. In 2022, America had 98,573,935 personal vehicle registrations. That means 91.7% of households own at least one vehicle.

Do you know what this huge car ownership means? The demand for auto painting services is rising, leading to an increase in overall cost. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the factors that usually affect the price of painting your car.

1. The Type of Service You Choose

According to Mizzoni’s Auto Body, a paint job for your car will protect it against rust, chips, damage, and scratches. While it’s an integral part of car maintenance, auto painting also enhances the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal. However, getting a fresh coat means you’ll have to worry about the price.

The cost to paint an entire car can be anywhere between USD 500 and more than USD 5,000. In some cases, the price can also rise to USD 20,000. It all depends on the type of service you’ve chosen. 

For instance, a basic paint job can be between USD 500 and USD 1,000. However, professional painters who can do the job correctly charge between USD 1,000 and USD 8,000. Similarly, custom paint jobs can cost around USD 2,000 or up to USD 20,000. 

2. Preparing the Surface and Size of the Car

Another thing that affects the price of auto painting is the extent of repairs needed on the car’s surface. For instance, your vehicle might have developed rust. Rectifying this will require using rust converters, wire brushes, body fillers, etc.

Similarly, American roads aren’t safe, and you can get involved in minor accidents. In 2022, the country witnessed almost 5,930,496 car crashes. That means most vehicles will have dents, scratches, or dings on the surface. 

If you’re in the same boat, the paint job will cost you extra because it’ll involve sanding, repairing, and priming. Such surface issues can cause your car’s new paint coat not to set properly and deteriorate faster. Professionals will only paint a vehicle with a smooth and plain surface to get the best results.

Apart from this, the vehicle’s type and size will also impact the price point. Larger cars will have a bigger surface area as compared to smaller vehicles, making them cost more. For instance, painting an SUV might cost more than a sedan.

3. Warranties and Guarantees

Let’s say you’ve taken your vehicle to an auto body shop for a paint job. According to IBISWorld, there are 107,857 car body shop companies in America. But how do you determine which ones would be the best? 

For that, you’ll have to choose a business that offers warranties for the auto painting job. While getting a warranty can increase the final rates, it’s essential as it covers the costs of fading, peeling, and other defects. It’ll ensure you enjoy the new paint job for a long time without worrying about the potential repair costs after damage. 

Similarly, choosing a business that offers guarantees can help extend the durability and longevity of the paint job. For instance, an auto body shop might guarantee they’re using high-quality paint that won’t chip away easily and last a long time. If it does, you can possibly get your money back.

Before the project begins, a reputable auto body shop will transparently outline the terms and conditions. Doing this will foster accountability, reassurance, and trust among their customers.

4. The Choice of Color

The color you choose will add to your vehicle’s aesthetics. It should be a decision made based on your need for personal expression and your favorite hues. However, you shouldn’t go overboard and select something out of your budget.

The current trends should also be considered. As of 2024, the current trend for automotive color ranges between pastel, neutral, and soft hues. Examples include light green, white, blue, etc. 

Standard colors are readily available and can be cost-effective. Similarly, custom and specialty ones will come at a higher price. Colors like white and black will be cheaper, whereas color-shifting or metallic paint can cost more.

Apart from these considerations, the application’s complexity and availability will affect the project’s cost. The professional painters you hire will advise you on color selection based on durability, resale value, and maintenance. 

In conclusion, you’ll need careful consideration before getting your car painted. On average, the overall cost will depend on the paint type, labor intensity, material quality, vehicle size, etc. For instance, it’ll cost more if you want to customize the car using premium details and additional finishes.

That’s why car owners must consult professionals and research the market for the best deals. This way, you can find an auto shop within your budget and quality requirements. 

All in all, understanding the factors influencing auto painting costs will help you make informed decisions and get satisfactory results.