4 Essential Things to Know About Painting Your Car

Vehicles are painted to prevent rust, but it also adds a visual appeal to it. Car paint comes in a variety of different colors and finishes. Today, cars can be customized by choosing whatever color of paint you wish.

How Much Does Painting a Car Cost?

Painting a car ranges between $600 to upwards of $2,000, according to Angie’s List. Most full paint jobs end up being around $2,000. Paint jobs come in four types, which include: a basic paint job, a preferred paint job, a premium paint job, and a platinum job.

Types of Car Paint

There are three types of car paint. The first one is acrylic, which is easy to apply and provides a glossy finish. This kind of paint does not last as long because it is described as soft. Metallic paint is a second type of paint. This paint is eye catching on sports cars and can easily hide scratches. Metallic paint is difficult to repair, so that is something to keep in mind when choosing it. The third type of car paint is urethane. Urethane can be sprayed, it dries quickly, and it is very durable. Urethane needs to be applied with a suit, respirator, and goggles for safety reasons.

Common Paint Problems

Common paint problems include spotting or discoloration on the vehicle. This can happen when natural contaminants come into contact with your vehicle. Some of these contaminants include: acid rain, tree sap, bird droppings, and road tar. Another problem is cracking in your vehicle’s topcoat. The cause of cracking can be excessive thickness of your undercoat, or inadequate flash time after every coat. Chipping is another paint problem that happens frequently. It occurs when stones or rocks damage the paint.

Have a Professional Paint Your Car

It is a good idea to have a professional paint your car because they have the proper tools and experience. Search the qualifications of professionals before deciding on a painter for your vehicle.

Your vehicle’s paint helps to prevent rust, along with creating an eye catching color while you are heading down the road. There are various car paint types and finishes available, so it is best to consult with your mechanic to find the best option for your vehicle and price range.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

5 Commonly Overlooked Vehicle Maintenance Items
Brake fluid, auto transmission fluid, and coolant flushes, as well as cabin filter changes and valve adjustments, are all important services.
Understanding the Lexus Oil Life Monitor Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Lexus Oil Life Monitor (OLM) indicates when and what service your car needs.
Understanding the Oldsmobile Oil Life System and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Oldsmobile Oil Life System indicates when and what service your car needs.

Related questions

Service Engine Soon Light came on, what does that mean?
Your vehicle has pre-programmed service intervals programmed into the computer based upon mileage. When you have these various services done, the mechanic will reset these indicators so that the computer can begin measuring when the next service is due. Since...
I had to get my coils and spark plugs change all 6. Mechanic said he had take out engine to get to back plugs. He did this and it
A mechanic would never remove the engine to change the spark plugs on 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The largest "part" of the engine that is removed to access and replace the sparks plugs is the plenum, which is simply part...
when should i replace spark plugs
The service life of spark plugs on this vehicle is 100,000 miles. If the plugs have never been replaced, exercise caution during removal as the plug threads can get quite stuck to the head, and possibly seized, if too much...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com