Most car owners prefer to get their cars repainted after using them for a certain number of years. The idea is to give a brand new look to their used car. However, determining where to get the paint job done is also an important criterion. If you get the car painted from a cheap store, it will not only affect the appearance but may also degrade the value of your vehicle. These stores usually do not offer anti-rust protection to your car frame and metal parts. Therefore, getting a professional auto paint job is a must for old and damaged cars. 

The main difference between professional and cheap car paint jobs is in the quality of the paint. Cheap car paint vendors may also lack the required expertise or skills to repaint your cars. More details about these differences and the benefits of a DIY professional car paint job are provided in this blog. 

What Makes a Paint Job Professional?

A professional auto paint job starts with the cleaning and sanding process to remove the old paint. Once the paint is removed, a primer is applied to make the surface even for painting. Then, the floor, interiors, glass surfaces, and other surfaces are masked to prevent the paint from spreading over them. 

After this, high-quality paints are applied using professional painting methods and equipment, followed by clear coats. The spray booths and other painting tools are of an advanced level, and the paint job is done by trained and skilled technicians. 

Top Benefits of a Professional Auto Paint Job

Here are the top benefits of getting the paint job done by a professional: 

1. Superior Appearance & Finish

Professional car paint jobs give a superior and smooth colour finish across the vehicle. The finish is consistent and extraordinary, which may even surpass the factory paint standards. The colour is matched to the original paint to give a new, like appearance to your car. 

2. Long-Lasting Durability & Protection

The high-quality paints used during a professional paint job protect your car from UV rays, corrosion, moisture, and other weather-related impacts. The clear coat protection is applied after painting the surfaces. This makes the paint durable and also provides protection from fading and peeling of the paint. 

3. Increased Vehicle Resale Value

Getting the paint job done by a professional will have a positive impact on the resale value of your car. It will create a good impression on the buyers, which will automatically increase the value of your vehicle. A good paint job will also enhance the overall condition of the car’s exterior, which will help to maintain the resale value of your vehicle in the long run. 

4. Saves Money & Time

Cheap professional car paint jobs are susceptible to early damage and wear out. On the contrary, professional paint jobs require fewer repaints or touch-ups in the future. Therefore, in the long run, an experienced car paint job saves both time and money. 

Professional Car Paint Job Cost: What Affects the Price?

The factors that affect the professional auto paint job cost are mentioned below: 

1. Vehicle Size & Type

The vehicle size and type determine the quantity and type of paint required for the paint job. For instance, the cost of painting a huge SUV or premium sedan will be significantly higher than that of a compact hatchback. Similarly, if the car belongs to the premium segment, a higher quality paint would be recommended, which will again increase the paint job cost. 

2. Paint Quality & Colour Choice

The professional car paint job cost varies as per the paint quality and colour you choose. Some rare colours or specific finishes may require higher precision of colour mixing, which will also increase the paint cost. Similarly, if you select a high-quality paint with better rust protection and high water-repelling coats, it will also increase the overall cost of the paint job. 

3. Level of Prep & Body Repair Needed

Multiple dent or scratch removal procedures also increase the cost of painting. If the car’s surface has some cracks or holes, it will need to be adequately filled first. Then, the surface will be buffed and sanded again to make it ready for painting. These procedures require expertise and time, and therefore, they increase the paint job cost too. 

4. Full Repaint vs. Partial Paint Job

If the entire surface of the car has to be repainted, you will have to pay more than for a partial paint job. This is because the quantity of colour and time required for a complete repaint will be on the higher side as compared to partial paint jobs. 

5. Labour Time & Expertise

The expertise required to paint luxury or sports cars will obviously be of a higher level than that required for regular car paint jobs. Similarly, the labour time needed to paint damaged or premium vehicles will also be on the higher side. Naturally, these factors will also increase the overall cost of a car paint job. 

Professional Auto Paint Job vs. DIY or Budget Paint Jobs

The differences between a cheap and professional auto paint job can be understood by these pointers: 

Side-By-Side Differences

The difference in car paint quality and finishing will be easily visible when you do a side-by-side comparison of a professional vs. a cheap car paint job. The warranty and durability of an experienced car paint job will also be higher compared to a cheap paint job. 

Risks of DIY or Low-Cost Paint Jobs

Low-cost paint might interfere with the metal and plastic parts and may degrade them over time. The low-quality paints will also make your car more susceptible to water and weather damage. These risks also arise when you do the r paint job yourself instead of getting it done by a professional. 

Long-Term Cost Comparison

A professional car paint job will require less maintenance and fewer repaints in the future. This will automatically reduce your overall paint cost in the long term. Cheap paint works require higher maintenance and repair works in the future. So, they will invariably increase your cost of car ownership in the long run. 

How to Choose the Right Shop for a Professional Car Paint Job?

Here are a few things to consider while choosing the right shop for a professional car paint job: 

1. Certifications & Experience

When it comes to choosing the right shop for a professional car paint job, choose experience over anything. The right shop will also have the certifications and awards for doing their work par excellence. 

2. Before/After Photos

Choose a car detailer who presents a detailed portfolio of paint jobs they have done over the years. The portfolio must feature before and after photos for you to actually see how their paint job creates a difference. 

3. Paint Warranties

Inquire whether the car shop you select provides a paint warranty or not. Do not go for local car paint shops that don’t offer any warranty for their paint work. 

4. Customer Reviews

If a specific shop has online presence or reviews, go through them carefully before finalising the deal. Also, you can contact these reviewers personally if you want more details about their experience. 

5. Facility & Equipment Quality

Do check the equipment quality and the painting facility of the shop first. It will give you an idea of whether it is a cheap or professional car paint job provider. 

Conclusion 

We hope you have understood the difference between a cheap and a professional auto paint job. Always prefer professional car paint job shops for maintaining the durability, appearance, and long-term value of your vehicle. Always choose quality over shortcuts when it comes to repainting your car. Go for experienced car detailers who offer different types of paints and finishes along with a paint warranty.