It’s normal to want to keep your car looking good. You want to keep it clean, but every now and then, you may notice the color start to fade from prolonged solar exposure. Whether you wish to apply a new coat of the same hue or mix things up entirely with a fresh new color is up to you. However, no matter what your goal is, you should note a few things to consider before painting your car that can make it a more hassle-free experience.
Shopping Around
If you’re taking your vehicle to a body shop for a professional paint job, you should shop around. A small to mid-size vehicle paint job can run anywhere from $500 to over $3,000, so it’s a good idea to check a few different places and see which offers the best value for your money. You may also want to ask about warranty options and other extras to see what different shops have to offer.
Potential Problems
Whether you attempt to paint your car yourself or leave it to a professional, you’ll benefit from understanding some of the common problems that can occur. Crow’s feet are when the paint cracks in your topcoat. They may happen if you try to paint before allowing previous coats to dry or apply too thick of a coat. Sometimes you may experience paint bubbles from trapped air, which has many possible causes. If you’re using a new color, you may experience bleeding, which is when the new color blends into the old finish of your vehicle.
Paint Options
Something to consider before painting your car is that there are different types of paint on the market. There are four main paints for automotive work:
- Acrylic lacquer paint
- Urethane paint
- Acrylic enamel paint
- Water-based paint
The type you use can determine the price, overall quality, and longevity of the coat. Acrylic lacquer is the thinnest and has the shortest lifespan but is also typically the most cost effective. Water-based paint is a sustainable option that doesn’t last as long as some of the others but is better for the environment. Ask your body shop what type of paint they use to determine if the cost of the paint job matches the paint they use. You want to avoid paying thousands of dollars for an acrylic lacquer coat.