Automobile manufacturers aren’t known for their exciting paint colors. If your car’s color bores you or you want a custom design to set your car apart from others, discount auto paint options abound to help you get the look you want at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, not all cheap auto painting facilities will provide you with qualify work for your money. With a little effort, however, you can improve your chances of receiving a quality paint job at a discount price.
Find Auto Paint References
Discount paint chains, such as Maaco and Econo are many consumers’ first choice when looking for a reasonably priced car paint job. Because these chains are independently owned and operated, however, the level of work that each performs for the same price may vary considerably. Thus, don’t depend on consumer reviews for a shop across the country to apply to your local discount auto paint facility.
Friends, family and co-workers are the best people to ask for an honest review. Many individuals have either had their cars painted by a local paint chain or know someone who has and will provide you with an honest assessment of the quality.
While online reviews for your local discount auto paint facility may provide you with information to consider, take all internet reviews with a grain of salt. Small business owners sometimes provide their own positive reviews or ask their employees to do so.
Inspecting the Paint Job
If someone you know had their car painted by the paint shop you’re considering, ask to see the vehicle. Keep in mind that your idea of a good paint job and theirs may vary considerably. When inspecting the vehicle, look for the following signs of a shoddy paint job:
- Dimpling, also known as “orange peel”
- Peeling paint
- Overspray on emblems, windows and mirrors
- Streaking
You can also visit the paint shop itself and ask to see photographs of recently painted automobiles. Make sure to ask that the shop show you only pictures of cars that were painted using the package you’re considering. If you’re paying for an economy paint package, looking at photographs of cars painted under a premium paint package isn’t going to help you make an accurate assessment of the quality level you can expect to receive.
Keep in mind that paying extra for an additional clear coat helps extend the life of your vehicle. Many auto paint shops claim that the clear coat is mixed in with the paint. This gives your freshly painted car an initial shine, but an extra clear coat protects it over the long term and is well worth the added cost.
Do the Prep Work Yourself
The prep work is the most time-consuming aspect of auto painting. Because of this, many discount auto paint shops skimp on prep work in order to quickly move to the painting process. While a car that was not accurately prepped may look good temporarily, you’ll notice fading and peeling much more quickly than if your car was prepped properly.
Thus, its in your best interest – and your car’s – for you to perform the necessary prep work yourself. Some auto painting facilities will even provide you with a discount for brining the car to the facility already prepped. The degree of prep work you decide to do may vary, depending on how much time you have available and the tools you have access to. Consider doing the following to your car before turning it over to any auto paint or body shop:
- Remove the emblems and trim
- Tape over the edges of all mirrors and windows
- Remove the headlights
- Sand the existing paint until the surface is no longer glossy
Consider Private Auto Painters
Discount auto paint facilities make a profit by moving cars in and out as quickly as possible. While this is in the best financial interests of the shop, it lessens the chances that your car will receive the attention it deserves.
Some current and former auto paint shop employees paint cars at home in their spare time. Although you should take care to ask for photos and references, a private individual can save you money while also providing your car with more personal attention than any auto paint chain.
Shop Around for the Best Discount Paint Job
Regardless of whether you opt to have your car painted at a local body shop, a discount auto paint chain or by a private individual, always shop around for references and prices. Some paint shop chains offer discount coupons online that further reduce the cost of transforming your car‘s drab exterior into something unique and exciting.
Related Articles:
Sources:
- John Pfanstiehl, Automotive Paint Handbook, Berkley, 1998.
- Car Craft Magazine: Tips and Techniques for How to Paint Your Car
Candice Edwards - Candice Gillingwater is a credit specialist and consumer advocate currently living in Georgia. Her goal is to educate the public about ...
