Los Angeles is home to thousands of auto paint and body shops. They offer a wide range of prices, which makes many people wonder, how does it cost to paint a car in LA?
When it comes to auto body and paint, many clients are cautious about the cost. They want to make the most of their money while getting their desired results.
So to help clear the confusion, we will discuss the average cost, factors that affect the price, and other things you should expect. Read on to see how much you should expect to pay if you get a new paint job for your vehicle.
The average cost to paint a car
The cost of a paint job widely varies, depending on the size, potential damage, paint type, and other factors. On average, a new car paint can set you back by a few hundred dollars up to $20,000 if you have the budget.
The main determinant of the paint job’s cost is the level of service you need. Below, we listed a rough estimate of what you should expect to pay:
1. Basic car painting
Basic car painting includes only a few coats of synthetic enamel paint or similarly affordable material. This protects your car against corrosion, but it’s not as long-lasting as expensive paint jobs.
For this paint job, you’ll likely spend at least $500 to $900 in the cheapest place you can find in Los Angeles.
2. Standard car painting
A standard paint job is the right balance of cost and value. This typically includes sanding, rust removal, and painting using affordable automotive paint.
On average, you’d pay about $3,500 to $6,000 for this car painting service in Los Angeles. It could be cheaper, depending on the size and condition of your vehicle.
3. Showroom-quality car painting
If you prefer a paint job with showroom quality, you should be ready to pay at least $5,000 to $20,000.
A showroom-quality finish could use up to 24 coats of premium paint. This project also requires a specialized approach that only highly trained technicians can provide.
Factors that affect the cost to paint a car
Like any car repair and maintenance service, a paint job’s cost is on a sliding scale, depending on several factors.
Here at Enzo Collision, we consider the following aspects to determine the actual cost of an auto paint project in Los Angeles:
1. Vehicle size
The size of your car will dictate the amount of paint, time, and labor needed for the job. The bigger it is, the higher the painting cost will be.
Also, it depends on whether you want a full-body paint job or patch-ups on certain parts.
2. Paint color
Your choice of color will also impact the cost of a car’s paint job. Basic colors like gray and white are usually cheaper than red, black, or blue.
If you wish for an unusual color like yellow, orange, or pink, the paint job will cost more since painters have to source the hard-to-find shade you prefer.
Also, it would be more expensive to match your vehicle’s current paint color.
3. Paint quality
For most sedans, a single coat of synthetic enamel paint only costs $300 to $800. Meanwhile, premium and high-quality paint could cost a few thousand dollars per coating.
While quality paint will cost more, it comes with great benefits. It’s more resistant to fading, bleaching, and scratches, not to mention that it also increases your car’s resale value.
4. Paint finish
A car’s finish refers to the level of shine the paint has. It can be semi-gloss, gloss, matte, solid, and so on.
Of these types, solid paint finishes are the cheapest since it doesn’t have effect pigments as with semi-gloss, gloss, or matte. However, solid finishes are only limited to several colors.
Meanwhile, matte, pearlescent, and ceramic finishes are the most expensive. In comparison, matte wrapping will provide the same look as a paint job but at a lower cost.
5. Needed repairs
Before the painting process, many cars need intensive prepping. This includes repairs for dents, rust, scratches, and other imperfections.
Only once these damages have been repaired will the auto technicians start applying a fresh coat of paint.
So if your car looks worn down, you should expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for the restoration. Major repairs will add more to the price.
These are just some factors that will affect the total price of your car’s paint job. If you want an accurate estimate, call us at Enzo Collision, and we will give you a free quote within minutes.
Don’t worry, our estimates are obligation-free. Feel free to weigh your options and return to us once you’re ready to get a quality paint job.
How to avoid getting ripped off on your paint job
Auto-paint shops in Los Angeles aren’t made equal. Some may try to rip you off by slapping you with exorbitant pricing and, worse, with a sloppy paint job.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, you should do the following:
1. Ask for a quote first
We recommend listing two to three shops and asking for a quote from each. From there, you can compare the prices and inclusions to decide which suits your expectations.
Suppose the shop refuses to provide a quote or forces you to sign to a contract, you should walk away immediately. This is a red flag and might be a trap for a substandard paint job.
2. Don't hesitate to ask questions
Ask the right questions when choosing an auto paint shop to hire for your car’s new look. Aside from knowing how to paint a car, the shop should also answer more specific questions.
What kind of paint do they use? Can they match your car’s color? What’s the guarantee?
Aside from these questions, you should also ask about the ETA for the paintwork. Make sure it’s included in the contract, so the technicians won’t drag the project to milk money from you.
3. Check online reviews
Online reviews from legitimate customers will give you a first-hand account of the auto body shop’s reputation. Read what their past customers have to say about the quality of their work.
You can also ask family or friends for referrals, so you’ll know exactly what to expect from a shop.
4. Get everything on paper
Once you’ve picked an auto shop, make sure that all the paint job details are included in the contract. Also, the project’s total price must be set together with a detailed breakdown.
This will protect you against hidden fees and surprise charges. If the shop fails to deliver everything included in the contract, you can legally take them accountable.
5. Only hire licensed auto shops
To avoid scams, you should only work with ASE-certified technicians and fully licensed auto shops. These are legitimate proof that the shop is skilled enough to deliver the results you desire on your car’s paint job.
Don’t hesitate to ask for the technicians’ credentials and experience. If they refuse or try to dissuade you from asking, you should leave and look for another option.
Trust a professional auto paint shop in Los Angeles
If you want to avoid the hassle of finding a reliable auto paint shop in LA, call Enzo Collision instead. We are the go-to auto body shop in the city for all car makes and models.
Our licensed technicians can find or match your car’s color. We also remain honest with our pricing, which means you’ll get a detailed cost breakdown before you sign the deal. Our contract is transparent, and we’ll be happy to address your concerns.
For paint jobs with repairs, we guarantee a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind. Our goal is to give your car the facelift it deserves at a cost you can afford.
