The main factors which help determine the cost of a car paint job include the quality of paint used, the level of damage on the existing paint, and whether any special work will need to be done. In general, the higher than paint quality, the higher the price. Budget places may offer painting services for very little, but the workmanship is far less than those with a factory level job. The surface area that needs painting will also play a part, because a van takes more time and effort to paint than a small sedan.
One of the main factors in determining the cost of a car paint job is the quality of materials and work. Cheaper options generally paint over the existing paint and may fade or chip with time. Higher end painting specialists can make a car look like new by stripping the existing paint, removing any rust, and using higher grade paints.
If there is extensive damage to the existing paint, such as severe peeling or rusting, the price will go up based on how much prep work is required to make painting possible. The surface area is also a major factor. If only a small area needs to be retouched due to chipping or scratches, that will be much cheaper than painting the entire car.
Other things which factor into the cost of a car paint job include any specialty work or decoration which needs to be done. Some companies specialize in adding wording, color variation, or other specialty designs like decals and pictures. These can be pricey, and the cost will go up depending on the size of the design and how complicated it is to create. The more colors and the greater the detail required, the most the paint job will cost.
Consumers can find out which things will most greatly affect the cost of a car paint job in a particular shop by speaking with the owner or operator and discussing their needs. It is a good idea to shop around before choosing a place, and many reputable shops offer a warranty on their work for a certain period of time. This is true of even some of the less expensive options.