Paint job

[dkeshish]

Unfortunately California is much more expensive due to epa stuff.  When I had mine painted by a friend of a friend he charged me about $750 and I had to do all the pulling off of the fenders and tank,  all the prep work  and since it's a 3stage paint (base pearl then clear)  it was more expensive.  Usually he said he would charge about 1200 or so.  It was a while back so I'm guesstimating.  Lucky me I didn't have any issues in way of scratches or dings.  Black is definitely not a forgiving color as the panels have to be flawless.  Which means for sure there is bondo work needed..  More cost.. . 

I have a friend who's a painter.  He does a lot of high end show cars, hot rods, and things like that.  He'll fill in with some easier work like parking lot dings and such.  He charges $145 per panel unless it's black or a 2 part color, and then it's $180+, depending on the paint.  A panel would be like a hood or fender.

That should give you an idea of some pricing, at least in Indiana.

[pcarrell]

I have a friend who's a painter.  He does a lot of high end show cars, hot rods, and things like that.  He'll fill in with some easier work like parking lot dings and such.  He charges $145 per panel unless it's black or a 2 part color, and then it's $180+, depending on the paint.  A panel would be like a hood or fender.

That should give you an idea of some pricing, at least in Indiana.

[CDNRatMan]

lots of asking and looking around your area.

[shaman258]

Well you find a young person who is trying to open their new business and is really good at what they do and are still not charging a million dollars an hour, because they understand they need to get a decent customer base, and have them do it....

seems like a good plan. so how do I find said person?

[CDNRatMan]

  Well you find a young person who is trying to open their new business and is really good at what they do and are still not charging a million dollars an hour, because they understand they need to get a decent customer base, and have them do it....

[shaman258]

Depends on the painter and his / her skill.  You say it's just basic black, but black is one of the most unforgiving colors to shoot.  Surface prep for black is twice what is for say, white.

So are we talking a few hundred? or closer to $1k?

[pcarrell]

Depends on the painter and his / her skill.  You say it's just basic black, but black is one of the most unforgiving colors to shoot.  Surface prep for black is twice what is for say, white.

[shaman258]

I know there are a number of different variables to take into consideration so an accurate number is virtually impossible, but I'm wondering what you all think is a average price for a basic paint job if the parts are taken to a shop. I would be looking to get just a basic gloss black and clearcoat, nothing fancy. Seems like its a fairly small job so whats an average price to pay in southern California?