Good price for a paint job would be??

**Thazachsta** · 10-10-2012

Hey,

I'm currently looking at painting my car a blue green crystal (bleen), and I really have no clue as to how much it'd cost for a good paint job. I know dealerships are ridiculous, but I'm not sure about other people. I heard $500-$1,000 would be a price to expect. Any thoughts on who could do a good job for that price? I currently live in MS, but might be moving to SC, AL, or TN soon... :P

Thanks,
Zach
PS. Sorry if this is in the wrong section...I tried searching for similar threads, but couldn't find any.

**Bluemagic** · 10-10-2012

What's your definition of "good paint job"? Good paint jobs cost alot more than 1000 bucks.

**Thazachsta** · 10-10-2012

Honestly, I don't know...I'm openly dumb, but trying to learn here. I would just like something to look better than what "uncle billy" could do in his garage. I want it to be professional, but not incredible. That help any? I'm also looking at suggestions in what other people think. If you'd suggest something else (like a higher price), I'm open to hearing it.

**stealthee** · 10-10-2012

If you are looking for a complete color change, with door jams, underhood and all, expect to pay $3000-$5000 for a good job.

Material alone will cost in the $800-$1500 range.

**Bluemagic** · 10-10-2012

I would shop around. Any paint shops in your area? I know everyone hates Maaco but in all actually u get what you pay for. I've seen some decent Maaco paint jobs Key word "decent"

**Scottydoggs** · 10-10-2012

stay away from macco, they suck hands down. any of their paint jobs suck.

my brother paid 7,000 for a pick up, and 5,000 for a suburban, its all in how much body work it needs.

go to a body shops, get a few est's. look at their work, go with your gut.

**Matt Palm** · 10-10-2012

do alot of the prep yourself you will wave a ton of money but make sure you dont eff it up other wise it will end up costing more due to them fixing your screw ups

**FordMan77** · 10-10-2012

Yep, it's all in the prep. The more you can do the less it will cost. When I took my T-bird to the paint shop for an estimate I told the guy that I would strip it of all the trim, lights, badges, windows, etc. and bring it to them on a trailer. All they have to do is the paint prep and paint what I need and the estimate I got was about $2600, but that's not the whole car, or a color change. The only hard part is it's got factory chameleon paint on it and it will be getting the fiberglass hood fit/finished and painted along w/ the GFX at the same time, which runs up my price a bit.

I could do the prep myself, but with time constraints at home it's just easier to let the shop do it, plus they said they'd take out any small dings (hail, etc.) before they shoot it. As Matt said, if I screw up the prep then it will cost more in the long run.

**matt5112** · 10-10-2012

I was under the impression paint shops won't touch cars if you do the prep work.

Or at the very least, won't warranty the work.

Now stripping the car they like.

**Bluemagic** · 10-10-2012

Most wont warranty it.

**FordMan77** · 10-10-2012

Correct. The place I had it looked at said that if I filled/blocked/primed/sanded it and they painted it then they could not guarantee the work. He did cut me a break on the hood fitting/finish since I was going to strip the car ahead of time.