While you might not realize it, leaving your vehicle to bake in
the sun day after day is not the best thing. Over time, the coating can
wear out. Depending on your environment, you could need to visit an auto
paint shop within five years to have the surface touched up. In warmer
areas, such as Arizona and New Mexico, one of the biggest reasons
someone enters one of these businesses is because of fading due to sun
exposure. Most simply want to breathe new life into their vehicle, while
others are interested in selling and want to ensure they get top
dollar. How much does this service cost?
In truth, the cost will
depend on the auto paint shop. Some are cheaper than others are.
However, the average cost runs between $600 and $1,000 for a complete
job. In some areas, where there might not be a lot of competition, you
may spend as much as $2,000 for the same service.
Different Levels of Service
Most companies offer different levels of paint jobs. Each level offers a different layer of service plus a different warranty.
The
lowest cost job will be the basic one. At most auto paint shops, this
means you get single-stage enamel paint, with an accurate color match
and a nice glossy coat. It is used to refresh your existing color and
make it look less faded. Typically, this service comes with a one-year
warranty.
The next option would be the preferred option. Instead
of using enamel, most businesses use urethane paint. This is more
resistant to scratches and dings than enamel. It also typically comes
with a three-year warranty.
You could also choose the premium
service, which uses color match and a high gloss finish but is applied
in two stages. The new finish is sealed with a urethane sealer. Most
shops offer a five-year warranty on this type of service.
The last
option to choose from is the platinum job. With this service you get
everything included in the premium service, but you also get chip and
scratch repair. The technician also primes and block sands all areas
before starting on the car.
Things That Raise the Price
Of
course, those costs are just for basic coats. This does not include any
details that you may want on your car. Adding a simple racing stripe on
both sides of the car that runs bumper-to-bumper can cost you an
additional $200. If you want something more sophisticated and complex,
you could be adding thousands to your bill.
Another thing that can
adversely affect your overall cost is the type and color of paint you
choose. A simple white may cost $100 a gallon, while green may cost
$200. Additionally, if you are looking for something that will last a
little longer than 5 years, you will add to the cost by a couple hundred
dollars. Metallic finishes over plain gloss will also cost you more.
A
final thing that can affect your bottom line is damage. If you want the
auto paint shop to remove chips and dents from your vehicle, you are
going to pay. The overall addition to the bill will depend on the number
of scratches and severity of the damage.
