The best way to choose who to trust with a professional paint job is to ask people you know for recommendations. Friends, family, or your regular mechanic may be able to steer you in the right direction. You may also want to check review sites like Yelp.
How to Paint a Car
This DIY job could save you thousands of dollars—and it’s easier than you think.
By Anthony Alaniz Updated: Jun 29, 2021
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Daniel Grizelj // Getty Images
Learning how to paint a car in your garage and how to paint a wall in your house are far from the same thing. One job requires a few paint rollers and a can of paint, while the other involves a litany of products, clear coats, primers, and sprayers. That’s why professional auto paint jobs can get so pricey.
The process is complex and there’s some skill involved, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to paint a car and give your ride a new look. Here’s how to paint a car on your own.
How to Paint a Car Tip #1: Find Some Time and Stock Up on Supplies
First: set aside time for this project. A paint job can take anywhere from several days to a couple of weekends, so finding a shed or garage—or something shielded from the elements—is important. Once you secured your painting location and set aside time to get the job done, you’re ready to gather your materials.
But you’ll need more than just paint. Essential tools include 1200- and 2000-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper, an electric sander, masking tape, an air compressor or a spray gun, newspapers for masking off, face masks, safety glasses, and paint thinners.
And if you can afford a dust extractor, get one. It’s not essential, but it will help keep the air free of debris.
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For a small- or medium-sized vehicle, you’ll need approximately 1 gallon of base coat or primer, 3 gallons of topcoat, and 2 to 3 gallons of clear coat. Larger vehicles will require about one and a half gallons of base coat, four gallons of topcoat, and three to four gallons of clear-coat lacquer. These amounts are likely more than what you’ll need—and professionals will use less—but it’s better to have too much paint as opposed to too little.
If you want to match the original color of your car, find the color code located on your car’s compliance plate. An auto paint shop will also be able to match it.
How to Paint a Car Tip #2: Put in the Prep
Carmen Martínez Torrón // Getty Images
Once you have your supplies, you should move onto preparing your workstation. First, clean your working area. If you’re working inside a shed or garage, sweep the floors and make sure you have plenty of space to work. Obstacles in the way will only make the job harder.
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If you’re working outside, hose down the area with water to settle the dust, and don’t paint underneath a tree—or anything else, for that matter. Contaminants can drop onto the wet paint and ruin the finish. Then, wash the car to remove any surface contaminants such as dirt, grease, and road grime.
Before you start sanding and applying primer, decide what you want to paint. Do you want to paint the engine bay, trunk, or inner doorsills? Painting these can add time and complexity to the project, especially if you’re going to paint the engine bay, which could require some mechanical knowledge to remove the engine and other accessories. If you’re looking to improve the exterior, mask off the areas you don’t want to paint.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car Yourself?
The supplies to paint a car yourself can run from $100 to $1,500, depending on the materials needed. The biggest cost of painting a car yourself will likely be the headache that comes along with it. The pros often add several coats of primer, paint in your preferred color, and a topcoat to ensure a quality finish. Does that sound like something you have the time and energy to commit to?
If you want to do it yourself, you’ll need a well-ventilated area where dust and dirt won’t fly onto the wet car and ruin the new paint job while it’s drying. You’ll also need sandpaper to remove any grime or rust, masking tape to precisely outline the area you’re painting and to cover anything you don’t want to be painted. You’ll also need a spray gun, primer, and glossy car paint.
For a professional-looking job, you’ll need specialized tools and a lot of time and patience. Unless you’re just fixing a tiny scratch, or you already have the expertise, consider leaving this one to the pros.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional to Paint Your Car?
You don’t have to spend a fortune just because you forego the DIY route. Most pro paint jobs come at different levels, and you can choose the one that fits your budget and your needs.
- A basic paint job: A basic job will likely cost you less than $1,000. The process will involve a few coats of synthetic enamel paint and less attention to detail than higher levels of paint jobs.
- A standard paint job: For a bit more, you can get a standard paint job that includes sanding down the body to ensure a smooth surface, removing impurities, and leaving you with a prettier finished product. This type of paint job costs $1,000 to $3,000, but it will last longer and look better than a basic paint job.
- A showroom-quality job: If you have a car you like to show off, you may want to invest in a showroom-quality job. This process entails removing all of the paint on the metal frame, hammering out any dents, and carefully adding dozens of layers of paint. This type of paint job can cost $2,500 to $20,000 or more.
How Can I Get the Best Deal on a Paint Job?
Rather than paying attention to the name of the service offered, pay attention to what you are getting. If you have an older car and need to save time or money, you probably don’t need to invest in a paint job that requires any sanding down. Make sure to specify what you are looking for, and be prepared to say no if and when the auto shop tries to entice you with a more expensive offering.
Note
You may want to get quotes from two or three professionals before you decide who to work with.
