How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car a Different Color? ✔️

How much does it cost to change the color of your car? How much does it cost to paint a car a different color? If you are thinking about repainting a car or changing the color of a car, these questions might bother you a lot. And why not, after all, changing the color of a car is an incredibly big and quite expensive thing. Isn’t it?

Are you bored with your old car? Does your car look like a rusted stack of metals from a 90’s English movie? No worries! You can make your car look brand new by getting your car repainted. A fresh paint job will bring your vehicle back to life and make you fall in love with your old companion all over again.

The new shiny exterior of your car will not only do a good job impressing your immediate relatives, and it will surely turn people’s heads when you drive through your area. But painting your car a different color or even the same color may be quite expensive.

So, how to make your car shine like new, and how much does it cost to repaint a car? Well, there cannot be a single-line answer to these questions. You need to go through a lot of things to understand the basics about painting your car black, yellow, red, or any other color for that matter – pun intended! And the answer to all these kinds of questions will be explained thoroughly in this article.

Along with all the possible reasons to change the color of your car and essential things to consider before painting your car a different color, this comperhansive guide will also educate you enough to know the exact average cost to paint a car.

But before knowing how much does it cost to paint a car a different color (Yes of course, we are talking about both; DIY car painting and professional car painting), let us look at the most common and possible reasons to get your car painted a different color.

Why You May Want to Paint Your Car a Different Color?

Getting your car repainted will make the exterior of your automobile shine and look as good as new. Is it the only reason why you may want to paint your car? Definitely Not! There are other significant reasons why changing the color of your car is a wise move. There may be some challenges and issues that you may face regarding the change in color that we shall discuss later on in the article.

In this section, you will get an idea of why changing the color of a car is quiet essential sometimes. So, here are six great reasons to get your car painted a different color:

Reason #1: The Old Paint of Your Car has Worn Out.

In a perfect world, your car’s paint job would last forever. However, that usually does not happen in reality. If not taken care of properly, a car’s paint job can start getting worn out after a year of use.

A car’s paint job not only gives it an aesthetic look, but it also has many other vital functions. The paint protects the metal underneath from rusting, dents, and damage. It is, therefore, essential to make sure that the paint of your car gets a good coating as soon as you see any sort of patches on your car.

Furthermore, the bubbling and peeling of the paint make the car look unsightly. The cost to repaint a car may be a bit expensive, but a layer of fresh paint of the same color will make your car look pleasing to the eye again.

Reason #2: The Current Color of Your Car is Unappealing

When you went to buy that car, you were instantly attracted to its charming red color. The crimson hue attracted you like a magnet, and you fell in love with it. But now, when you look at it, it doesn’t look pleasing to you anymore. You only get repulsed by its loud and basic appearance. Right?

Carmakers deliberately make the cars in only those colors that the general public is attracted to. This is why most cars come in black, white or red colors. Believe it or not, the color of your car can say a lot about your personality. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd and want to have a color that gives you a luxurious appearance, consider coating your car in a different color.

And if you are still wondering why you may want to paint your car a different color, then you should know that changing the color of your car will not only give the car your preferred color but also will give your car a brand new look.

Reason #3: You Want a Better Resale Value

This is probably the most important and one of the great reasons to repaint your car! If you are considering selling your vehicle and that’s why you are researching how much does it cost to paint a car a different color professionally or do it yourself, then you should know that the exterior can make or break the value of your vehicle.

When a person is buying a new car, they will be worried if the car was appropriately maintained before. And if they see a car having bubbles and flakes and the paint is peeling away, it will scare away the buyers.

But if you get your car painted before selling it, the fresh paint and shiny look of your car will give buyers the illusion that it was appropriately maintained and taken care of. This way, the buyers will trust their choice while making the purchase. Giving your vehicle a fresh layer of paint will considerably increase its resale value.

Reason #4: The Paint is Flaking, Chipping, or Peeling Off

There are several reasons that can make the paint of your car chip, peel or flake away. Your car can start peeling if the initial paint job was poor or the painting was done with poor quality paint. After years of use, road debris and scratches made over the years can also lead to these issues.

Chipping, peeling, or flaking of the paint can expose the metal surface of your car to the air and this will lead to rusting of the vehicle. That’s why repainting your car with a different color is an excellent way to mend this problem.

And it is also one of the prominent reasons to have a professional paint your car. A coat of good quality paint on the surface of the car will not only protect your car from rusting but will also prevent future chipping and peeling.

Reason #5: The Paint has become Dull and Faded.

If the exterior of your car has faded, it can make a significant difference to your car’s appearance. A faded appearance makes your car look sad and abandoned. This sad appearance of your car may even indirectly affect your mood.

How happy might you feel seeing a dull car as compared to a shiny one?

Getting a fresh coat of paint of the same color on your car will restore it to its factory condition. This will return your car to its original color. The incredible shine of your car will make it look as good as new and make you forget about the car paint cost.

Reason #6: Your Car Has Been Through an Accident

If you have been through an unfortunate accident and your car got damaged, chances are, there are multiple layers of work that need to be done on your car to get it back to a decent condition. Even minor collisions with another car or something else on the road can give your car and your pocket a big shock.

So, if you can not afford the cost to change the color of your car, you can at least try to repaint the damaged parts of it with the same color. Once the damaged parts of your car have been replaced and the dents have been smoothed out, one vital work is yet to be done.

A paint job on your vehicle will be the final work that will get your car back on track. Not doing the paint job after repairing the car after an accident is like leaving a job unfinished. It is usually the least prioritized one, but a paint job has a significant impact on a car’s future life.

Must check: 9 Important Things to Know Before Changing Your Car Color

Important Things to Consider Before Painting Your Car a Different Color:

After reading all the significant reasons to repaint your car or get your car painted a different color in the above section, you might seriously be considering changing the color of your car. Hold up! Read up on all the important things to know and consider before you paint your car a different color and before making the final decision.

Here we have compiled some of the essential things to consider before changing the color of your car a different color. Just go through them one by one and then decide on your preference. Here we go:

Painting a Car a Different Color is Expensive

The first thought that naturally comes to your mind when considering painting your car a different color is – How much does it cost to paint a car a different color? Well, it depends on several factors.

Every auto body paint shop costs a little bit differently on painting a car a different color. It is because there are many variations in quality, skill level, and the type of paint job being done. And it is also evident that painting a luxurious or sporty car will cost more than painting a cheap car.

Painting a car using a different color will cost more than painting it the same color. And the prices for car painting can also vary depending upon the number of parts and panels to be painted and the quality of the paint used.

The average cost to change the color of your car can range anywhere from $300 to $10000, where the upper limit is for the high-end cars.

You Can’t Change Your Mind.

Once you drop off your car in a auto paint shop near you to get it painted in a different color, you can’t change your mind. Does your car really need a new layer of paint? Are you willing to spend this much money on the benefits you will get after getting your car repainted?

These are the very first questions that you should ask yourself before finally deciding to paint your car a different color. Decide the car paint color that you will confirm, and don’t be skeptical about it.

If you are still uncertain about your decision, it is recommended that you delay the decision of getting your car painted. You will have to take conscious steps and think thoroughly before you make the final decision. Also, keep in mind the other things to consider before painting your car a different color.

It Won’t Look as Good as Factory Paint.

Painting your car is not a remedy if you are in despair to restore the car to its former glory. While painting your vehicle can considerably increase its aesthetic appeal, it is in no way as good as the factory paint.

For starters, pre-mixed paints for cars from the factories are very rare to come by. This is because they are unlikely to come readily available. If you want to paint your car the same color, the body has to determine the color closest to the original color. And it is not an easy job!

As a result, there is a slight disparity between the original color and the color painted over it. The results are displeasing, saying the least.

Car manufacturers have scientists that test and determine the resulting color on different types of surfaces. This happens because plastic dissipates heat more slowly than metal. But the body shop people simply do not have the budget to determine the different shades on different surfaces.

That is why they apply the same shade everywhere. This is one of the most important things to know before painting your car a different color.

Changing the Color of a Car Affect Its Value

Usually, having your car painted will be a good investment. Not only does it make your car look visually pleasing, but it can also pump up the resale value of your car to a considerable amount. By investing in your car, you can get a high trade-in value.

Most in-demand car color change is probably matte black. So, how much does it cost to paint a car a different color or if we be specific, how much does it cost to paint a car in matte black? Experts say the average cost to paint a car matte black is between $2000 to $2500.

But if you have a more than 10 years old car, then it is highly doubted that painting your car will be worth it. In such cases, usually, the car paint change cost outweighs the benefits.

And in case, your old vehicle functions well and you want to transform it with a fresh coat of paint, make sure it is a valuable investment. But if your car isn’t in that much of a good condition, repainting it may turn out to be far more expensive than the value you would get on resale.

Avoid Doing It Yourself (Hire professionals)

Those DIY car painting at home videos indeed sound promising and it cannot be denied that a lot of money can be saved by painting your car by yourself instead of hiring professionals. There are also some random social media posts that claim to get your car painted at a low price. Yes, car paint cost by an unprofessional will be cheap, but they are not reliable, and you should not trust them easily.

And the last thing you want to do is to attempt to do the work yourself. Unless you happen to be a car paint professional better step away and leave the task to the experts. While it might be tempting to get a “good deal” from a random guy offering to get cars painted on Facebook, you want to be sure you hire a professional service for this job.

Your car costs thousands of dollars, and the last thing you want to do is get it back looking worse. An experienced car painter has the proper tools and high-quality paint to ensure that your car looks terrific when the painting is completed, and it will last for many years to come.

Additionally, some professional body shops have personalized wraps that you can choose from to add even more customization to your ride. If you want to be aware how much does it cost to wrap a car and what are the pros and cons of car wrapping, check out this car wrapping cost guide.

Changing Color of Car Won’t Fix Everything.

When repainting or painting a car a different color, it is essential to have realistic expectations. Usually, a new car paint will add value to your car, and by investing in new paint job, you can get a higher resale value for your old vehicle. But sometimes it has the opposite effect.

Getting a car painted with a fresh coat of shiny paint without fixing the damage properly can actually highlight problem areas. Scratches, gouges, dents, pits, rust spots, and holes can get highlighted, which will make the problem worse.

Sometimes you may like a particular color on paper, but changing the color of your car may turn out to be a terrible idea. This new color may not look as appealing as you thought it would look like! To prevent disappointment, be certain to be 100% sure which color you want to paint your car.

Painting a car a different color won’t change everything. It is therefore recommended that before making the final decision, you should sit back and ask yourself – Do you really want that? Is it really worth it?

Painting a Car a Different Color Takes Time

Some automotive body paint shops claim to paint a car in three days or less, but in general, you should expect your car to be in the shop for at least a week. But why does it take so much time? There are several reasons why painting a car can take time.

First, new paint can’t be applied to old paint. If it’s a different color, removal of the old layer of paint is needed, and some prepping is required to make the car ready for a layer of new paint.

Second, some smoothening work is required. The fading, oxidation, and irregular surface of a car’s existing paint prevents the smooth application of a new coat.

Third, the process of painting itself. Painting an entire car would definitely take time if done with delicate care. So, expect to wait for a week or so to get your car painted. As of now, you know the reasons why repainting a car a different color can take time; so you should be prepared to manage without your vehicle for a while.

It is recommended that you should not get your car painted just before an important event. It should be ready well before the time it is needed.

You might also like to know: How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Car? (Car Wrapping Cost)

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car a Different Color?

After all this shilly-shally, the question arises; how much does it cost to repaint a car a different color? The answer varies depending upon the location and quality. For a good-looking vehicle returned to its former glory once again may cost you a psychic amount of money. But if you want to quickly pump up the resale price before selling off your ride, then a less expensive paint job will work just fine.

In this section, we have explained the both; how much does it cost to paint a car yourself (DIY) and how much does it cost to paint a car professionally (auto body paint shop). So, just go through them to see the average cost to repaint a car and learn how much does it cost to change the color of your car. Here we go:

Average Cost to Paint a Car a Different Color DIY:

If you don’t want to spend so much money, painting your car by yourself is definitely an option. Although, I personally don’t recommend you to paint a car by yourself, but if you are confident enough and want to take the risk then go ahead, afterall the final decision is yours.

You can do so if you feel that you’re skilled enough to do the paint job at home, and mind that this is a big if, as it is least likely you will be satisfied with the results unless you’re a professional car painter, of course!

Even then, remember you can get a similar result for much less money. Also, make sure to invest plenty of time to do the job and cancel all plans for a week. So, how much does it cost to paint a car a different color yourself? Before starting, you should read up and do a lot of research about how to change the color of your car without having to spend much!

Repainting a car a different color requires many essential car painting tools and equipment. Fortunately, you can rent some of the most expensive DIY car paint spraying equipments instead of purchasing them to save money. And if you are wondering “What equipment do I need to paint a car?” then here’s the do it yourself car painting equipment list:

• Spray Gun or Paint Sprayer
• Random Orbit Sander
• Portable Air Compressor
• 2000-Grit Wet and Dry Sandpaper
• Rust Remover Spray
• Masking Tape
• Body Filler or Glazing Putty
• Primer and Primer Thinner
• Automotive Paint and Paint Thinner
• Cleaning Solvent
• Respirator Mask and Safety Glasses
• Nitrile Gloves
• Painting Coveralls (Paint Suit)
• Inflatable Paint Booth

The total cost of these essential car spray painting tools and supplies can range anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on what you already have at home. Keep in mind you should have a well-ventilated area where dust and debris can’t get to your new paint job. It is definitely the best choice to let a pro do the work.

Average Cost to Paint a Car a Different Color Professionally:

The average price to paint a car varies depending upon the quality of paint you are looking for. It also depends upon your location. High-profile locality auto body shops will cost more as they have high profile people living there. A little bit of research about auto body paint shops near you can go a long way.

When it comes to getting your car painted a different color professionally, there are many options under $500 to $600, but you should expect very poor results. For a good paint job, you should expect to spend $1000 to $3500. You can get the showroom quality paint job if you spend more like $5000 or so.

If a budget of several hundred dollars limits you, you can still get your car painted a different color, but you should not have high expectations. The budget painters use low-quality paint that is neither reliable nor are they as visually appealing as the original paint on your car.

Most people who choose one of these budget-friendly paint jobs for their vehicle are unhappy with the results.

For a few thousand dollars, like around $1000 to $3500, you can expect an even application of good-quality paint and a reasonable amount of attention to detail. For a showroom-quality look, expect to pay a minimum of $5000. You can definitely get a better finish and better quality if you spend more.

You might also like to know: DIY Car Painting Tips: How to Paint a Car at Home

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car a Different Color (FAQs):

If, of late, you are thinking that you want to change the color of your old car, then apart from considering the few essential things that are mentioned above, you might also have other questions in your mind that remain unanswered. Isn’t it?

If you are among those car owners who are planning to changing the colour of a car for a long time but feeling skeptical due to various unaware questions (such as Is it legal to paint your car a different color? does repainting your car decrease its value? Is it really expensive to paint a car a different color?) then this section is here for your rescue.

All these most frequently asked questions are answered here in this section. So, just read the precise answer to clear your doubts and make a reasonable decision. Here we go:

How Much Does It Cost to Change the Color of Your Car?

Well, that was a lot, wasn’t it? Whatever the reason you are planning to get your car repainted, it is suggested to go for good quality paint. Read all the essential things to consider before painting your car a different color and before making the final decision to paint your car.

While the cheapest way to paint a car a different color is by doing it yourself, it is not really a smart decision. It is always recommended to hire professionals to get your car painted. Professionals are skilled and experienced people who can give your car an aesthetic appeal like no other place.

How much does it cost to paint a car a different color professionally? I may conclude that the average cost to paint your car a different color with good quality paint and a decent finish is around $2000 to $2500. If you just want to pump up the resale value of your car quickly, a few hundred dollar’s paint job will work just fine.

Remember that painting your car the same color will cost less than painting it a different color. Also, keep in mind that if you change the color of your car, the color feature needs to be changed from your RC book legally.

I hope this comperhansive guide helped you learn all the basics of painting a car and the average cost to do so. So, if you have been dismissing plans of getting your car painted for some time now, it’s high time you take the plan into consideration!

If you are an expert and want to add anything to this detailed guide on average cost to paint a car a different color DIY and professionally, then please feel free to write us in the comment section below. We would love to share your proficient opinion with our lovely readers.

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