| Do you have a car or truck that runs great but | | | | These come in every color imaginable, have a |
| looks horrible? (You can actually spot mine from | | | | deep shine, and can often be sanded and buffed |
| outer space using Google Earth!) Would you like | | | | later in order to remove any light scratches. Also, |
| the looks of a newer vehicle without the new car | | | | they can last from 5 to 15 years; or even longer. |
| price? If either is the case, then the answer may | | | | However, basecoat/clear coat systems can cost |
| be to paint your ride! | | | | significantly more; but may be well worth it |
| But where do you start? What's involved? How | | | | depending on how you answered some of the |
| can you do it without breaking your wallet? | | | | questions posed earlier. Maaco offers to paint a |
| Well, the answer to these questions will depend | | | | car for a few hundred dollars but will use an |
| on a few factors. First off, is your vehicle worth | | | | acrylic enamel. Maaco can also paint a car with a |
| investing in? For example, does it have a sound | | | | basecoat/clear coat system, but last time I |
| engine and transmission? Is it likely to continue | | | | checked, even Maaco's base price for this is about |
| running good for a while? Is the body still in | | | | $1500. Add to all this lots of body work, removing |
| decent condition? Or is it eaten away with rust? | | | | parts, and preparing panels and the price can go |
| These are important questions to answer before | | | | higher. |
| deciding to invest more money into your vehicle. | | | | However, sometimes money can be saved by |
| Next, what do you want it to look like when it is | | | | using a more economical basecoat/clearcoat |
| all done? And how long do you want it to last? | | | | system. For example, the Sherwin William's brand |
| These two questions will help you figure out a lot. | | | | "ULTRA 7000" basecoat color can cost anywhere |
| If you are looking for a high quality paint job with | | | | from $50 - $90 per pint. (It is great paint.) But |
| panels straighter than a ruler, then expect to pay. | | | | Sherwin Williams also has an economical line of |
| But if you just want it to look good and last a | | | | basecoat color that costs about $10 - $20 per |
| few years, then you may be able to get by with | | | | pint; a significant savings. And, in my experience, it |
| a cheaper paint job. Paint jobs can cost as low as | | | | gives you many of the same benefits as other, |
| a few hundred dollars (Maaco Special) and cost as | | | | more expensive, basecoat/clearcoat systems. |
| high as 3 to 5 thousand dollars. So, really, the cost | | | | The differences between the premium grade |
| will depend on what kind of final results you are | | | | paint systems and more economical ones may |
| shooting for in the end. With this in mind, don't be | | | | well be seen in how well they resist fading and |
| fooled by auto body shops that promise much for | | | | peeling as time goes on. So, again, what you |
| very little. The truth is-you get what you pay for | | | | decide in this regard depends on how you |
| when it comes to a paint job. Keep yourself | | | | answered some of the questions that I posed |
| informed. And take the time to shop around. With | | | | earlier. |
| the answers to these questions you should be in | | | | What's left to be said, then? |
| a better position to make a good decision. | | | | Be shrewd. When a shop offers to paint your car |
| What, though, makes one paint job so expensive | | | | ask them some questions. "What type of paint will |
| and another so cheap? Why such a difference? | | | | you use? How much care will you take with the |
| A big reason has to do with the type of paint | | | | body work? Will you take parts off so there is no |
| materials that will be used. Acrylic enamels are the | | | | danger of peeling later on? Will you wet-sand and |
| cheapest. But they may come only in certain | | | | polish out any dirt left in the paint when done? If I |
| colors and only last for two or three years. | | | | removed parts and did some of the prep myself |
| Urethane enamels can come in almost any color | | | | could I get a discount?" Any reputable shop will be |
| and be as durable as anything out there, but this | | | | happy to let you know what is involved. And |
| will depend on the quality used. Urethane enamels | | | | most will even work with you to come up with a |
| are more durable than acrylic enamels but will | | | | plan for your car or truck that will fit your budget |
| cost more. Both have the shine and color built into | | | | while giving you the look you want. |
| one. Both are economical. However, sometimes | | | | So, if painting your ride is something you would |
| these can lack luster and depth. In addition, if you | | | | like to do, then give it some thought. And when |
| want a color with metallic or pearl flakes in it, | | | | you do, don't forget to ask others about your |
| then, as any experienced paint tech will tell you, | | | | local, small-town body shops. Many of them do |
| enamels often are difficult to work with. | | | | great work and care about the reputation they |
| The most durable and widely used paint on most | | | | leave with their friends in the community. |
| vehicles today are basecoat/clear coat systems. | | | | |