This can be a loaded question, because many variables go into a complete paint job. Do you want a color change? Is there bodywork that needs to be done first? Is this the second or third paint job on the vehicle? Is it a three-stage color? Is a warranty included? The answers to all of these questions affect what you will pay, which is why an inspection is the only way to get an accurate price.

What affects the price of a complete paint job

  • Paint and clear coat quality. Paint and clear products come in many grades, and the price difference between them is large. Cheaper products fade, crack and peel much sooner than higher-end products.
  • Bodywork. Any dents, rust or collision damage have to be repaired before the vehicle is repainted.
  • Color changes. Changing the color costs more than repainting the same color, because of the labor involved in removing and disassembling parts so the vehicle looks like it was sprayed at the factory.
  • Collision refinishing versus a full repaint. Refinishing one or two repaired panels to match the rest of the vehicle is a different job from repainting the whole vehicle. Our paint and color matching page explains how repaired panels are matched.

Why prep work matters

Prep work makes up about 80% of the time spent repainting a vehicle. Most reputable shops de-trim the vehicle before painting it, removing moldings, trim and, where needed, glass so every surface can be sanded and painted properly. Some cheaper paint shops do not de-trim; they mask over moldings and around the glass and spray the vehicle. Because the areas around the moldings and windows are not sanded properly, the paint can start to peel or crack days, weeks or months later.

Good paint jobs do not come down to the paint and clear alone. The work done before and after the paint is sprayed is what makes the vehicle look factory-new, and color sanding and polishing are a major part of that final finish.

Choosing the right paint job for your budget

At the end of the day it comes down to budget and plans. If you have a smaller budget and plan on selling the vehicle soon, a less expensive paint job may make sense. If you plan on keeping the vehicle, or it has sentimental value, a higher-quality paint job is usually worth it; you normally get what you pay for. Getting a few estimates and comparing exactly what each one includes is the best way to see how the prices compare.

Ask what the warranty covers

Warranties on paint work vary from shop to shop, so ask what is covered and for how long. At USA Collision, every paint job carries a lifetime warranty covering cracking, peeling, fading and bubbling for as long as you own the vehicle. We can offer it because of the prep work and the paint products we use.

Get a free paint estimate

USA Collision has been in business since 1982, and we have repeat customers who have been coming back since the 1980s. If you are thinking about a complete paint job, or need paint or auto body work after a collision, fill out our online estimate form for a free quote, or visit us at 10020 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85020. You can also call us at (602) 861-1919.