If the paint on your car looks worn-out, faded, or smudged in some spots, consider giving it a new coat to give it a refreshed look.
However, as most people will tell you, repainting a car is not as easy as sanding off old paint and coating it with your regular store-bought paint. Car repainting is a complex process that you should leave to auto body shops.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to understand the work that goes into repainting your car. Here are the five main things auto body shops do when repainting your car.
1. Prep Work
The most critical part of repainting a car is the prep work that goes into it. The better you do prep work, the easier it makes the rest of the process. Prep work involves sanding down any existing paint and repairing any dents or scratches to create a smooth surface for painting. You may need to replace parts such as bumpers and fenders if they are beyond repair.
2. Primer and Paint Selection
Choose an appropriate primer and paint colour for your car’s make and model year range, and decide if you want single-stage or two-stage paints. Two-stage paints provide more depth but require more labour hours during application.
Depending on your chosen colour, this part of the process can be the trickiest. Many automobile manufacturers develop their proprietary colour blends, which not all auto body shops will know how to replicate. Ask your auto body shop about the colour before giving them the job.
3.Painting Process
After all materials have been selected, professional painters begin applying coats of primer. Painters will follow this up with multiple coats of colour until they achieve their desired coverage. Lastly, painters will add several layers of clear coat finish, which protects from UV rays while giving off an attractive shine at the same time.
4.Cost Considerations
Most auto body shops charge by the hour. However, they can also charge extra fees due to the job complexity and the rarity of the parts and paint required. Many auto body shops charge anywhere from $1000 to $3000. Don’t go for the cheapest or most expensive shop you can find. It’s best to shop around and find a shop that will give you the most bang for your buck.
5. Time Frame
Many factors can affect the time it will take to finish repainting your car. Besides the number of hours it will take to finish the project, you should also factor in the waiting time for the availability of parts and materials and the capacity of the autobody shop to take in work.
It’s common to see auto body shops with a waiting list, so it may take anywhere from a week to a few months to finish your project.
Conclusion
Repainting your car can help breathe new life into your trusty workhorse. However, before rushing to your nearest auto body shop, it’s crucial to understand the costs in time and finances involved, as well as the availability of parts and materials. With research and patience, you can expect your car to look brand new in no time.
Lucky 13 is an auto body and paint shop in Edmonton that provides services in custom colour changes, minor and major auto body repairs, and more. Contact us today to get a free quote!