The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop What would you pay?

OK I see numerous responses from the $50 paint job, which leads me to this question; how much are you willing to pay for a decent paint job? I'm not building a show truck. I've been quoted anywhere from $800 - $4000. What have/would you pay?

I'm not sure how to answer this. I used to work at a bodyshop where the owner would charge $3500 for a basic "scratch and squirt", as he called it. I also know another guy that will charge about $800 or so, and it's pretty hard to distinguish between his paint job and the more expensive job. They both paint very well and do great jobs. I believe it's all on who you know, and who wants more money. There's no sense spending 4 grand, when you can get the same thing for a fraction of the cost.

Depending on the type of paint you want to use, just your materials may cost $1000. Check with others in your area and see what kind of recomendations you get. Word of mouth is the best kine of advertising.

Earl Sheib used to paint cars for $19.95 back in the 60's. I think they are up to $299.95 now.

The $4000 is definately out of the question. Nor do I want a $300 job that will peel in a year (Maaco). There is practically no bodywork that needs to be done, so that shouldn't be a factor. I'm not a bodyman but I suppose that the most expensive suipplies would be the paint. What I'd really like would be to find a shop that would teach me to do it myself. I have no desire to paint for a living, but it's something I've always wanted to do.

Well, if you were out here by me, I could have that happen for you. Unfortunately, you're not though. If you know anyone that owns a shop, try them. I've learned that the worst thing that someone could tell you is "no". I am a bodyman or girl (not for a living anymore), but I don't paint. I never wanted to learn. I enjoy primering things, but that's where I draw my line. There's just too much that can go wrong, and sometimes I have enough work with the way some of the cars are when I get them.

Hi, I have been told that MAKO does a nice job painting because they are consistantly doing it and as you may know, constantly using a spray gun inproves your ability. When face with this problem many moons ago, when painting was much less expensive, it was too expensive for me. I started reading up on the subject and built my confidence enough to get it a try. In those days lacqure ruled. The painting required several coats and sanding between coats with a final buffing, usually by hand, to produce a lusturous shine. Lacquer was a very forgiving paint as runs were sanded and if needed reshot without sparying the entire panel. If I were you I would try this job yourself. Painting the vehicle is usually the easiest part, its the preparation that takes the time and is the most important. Take your time and the work you do will be refected in the final job. If you use base coat clear coat or enamels, build yourself a make shift spray booth out of plastic for the dust particules. DONT FORGET TO USE AN APPROVED MASK. After that first job I sparyed all of my vehicles as you will probably end up doing also. Now a days cromium paints are expensive as are the materials involved. You will probably pay as much as 800.00 in materials depending on the level of preparation. But its good, clean fun and when people ask you ,"who painted your truck" You will feel the pride. Give it a shot, no one is born knowing how to do things, ask plenty of questions as there are a lot of qualified people on here and they are extremely helpful. I am sure you will be surprised of the results. Don't forget to share the photos. Good luck.

Like what?

I am with you on this mobileortho,the worst thing is moisture and a run with the new paints. But as "mobilertho" says, If it's true what they say, "You learn from your mistakes,"
I'm a Genius in the making.

If you want to try it yourself, make sure you don't miss the first step. Clean the surface from all grease, wax and silicones from the car BEFORE you start sanding.

The quality of a paint job is determined by the prep work, not the spraying of the paint.

The best spray-gun person on the planet isn't going to make a dent go away by spraying paint on it, or get paint to stick to a dirty surface.

But I do agree with everything else in your reply... go for it!

"Painting the vehicle is usually the easiest part, its the preparation that takes the time and is the most important. Take your time and the work you do will be refected in the final job". I thought I said that!!! dugh!

In other words, people who have painted keep the spray gun always an equal distance from the surface. Don't swing the gun to produce heavy and light spots. Fact is , the more you do something the better at it you become, unless you are just "born" with experience. I wasn't. if your afraid to spray it but do the prep work, WHICH AGAIN IS THE HARDEST AND MOST IMPORTANT PART, Mako or a qualified shooter is the way to go but if I did all the hard work I would not want someone to get the credit for a great paint job when "SPRAYING THE PAINT IS THE EASIEST PART".

O.K., for those who have used Maaco, are you satisfied with the results?

I had a friend who used them. He did all the prep work and then gave the guy an extra hundred bucks. He said he was satisified but sold the car in a couple of years, so I don't know how well the paint held up.

The work is in the prep but if you go that far, man squirt it yourself, you can do it...

I'm thinking about it, but that would be almost impossible in my driveway (no garage). I'd also have to rent the tools and by the time you add it all up, I may as well pay someone to do it. I've got a few buddies around, will check with them to see if there are some leads on tools & space.

Preparation is everything and that is where the price is. A really good shop will take the old paint down to metal, remove all the glass, the fenders, doors, hood, grille, etc. If they won't do that and want several thousand $$$; keep looking. Not everyone needs that total kind of prep. work. Maybe somewhere between that and the Maaco mess. Maaco won't do that. They mask things off (in a haphazard manner) so you'll have over spray on your tires, chrome, door handles, rubber molding around the windows; oh yes, your engine comparment (valve covers, air filter, etc.) will look like you wanted them painted, same color as the car, too. Hate to admitt it but many years back I made the Maaco mistake. I left it with them while I went on vacation and told them when I got back I'd need the car. 2 1/2 weeks later I went to pick up the car; not done, not even started! When I did get it back; it looked like the worst student in a High School auto shop class was made to shoot it as a punishment.
If you haven't had a good nightmare lately, take it to Maaco.

Man Dave what a horror story...what did you end up doing? looks like our friend will realise as I did, or maybe we did...do it yourself or spend the big bucks. Thanks for sharing you story and sorry about your misfourtune.

There ya go MOBILEORTHO, better contact those buddies or build a make shift plastic spray booth in the back yard. Hey I got an idea...How about building a garage back there. Your truck will love ya for it and you may even appreciate it as well as she won't be sittin in the driveway when she's done. You can take your time stripping her down and working on her.

It should be noted that most Maaco shops will no longer paint customs or hot rods...

This is a fairly recent policy change (at least here in Canada) and management says their reason is "hot rod owners are just too picky so we stopped doing it"

~Trev