Everyone wants to know the price! How much will it cost to repaint my car? This is the first question asked by all looking to repaint or repair their car. Does it matter? of course it does; but is it the right question? We don’t think so.
You can pretty much walk into any budget body shop (or jua kali as we fondly call them) and have your car repainted at half or a quarter of the amount you have in mind but like most things in life, the old adage rings true: you will get exactly what you pay for. A solid, top notch professional paint job will cost you on average between KES 90,000 to 350,000 depending on a number of variables which we discuss below. These figures are informed by an anonymous user survey conducted by us from our customers over a two year period.
The end result of a professional paint job should be as good as a showroom finish or better!
Here are the five things to know and how they influence the overall cost to get your car repainted:
1) Understand the paint finish on your car
The first thing we recommend is for you to understand the paint finish on your car. Is it pearlscent, metallic or just a standard solid colour? Is it one of those premier colours used by top car manufacturers e.g candy coats, mint green, aqua blue etc.
To establish the colour code on your car, please check the the driver’s door jamb, engine bay or trunk. The colour code location is different from car to car and a little googling will come in handy. With colour code established, any professional painter should be able to give you an indicative quote pre assessment. Note that mainstream colours like plain black, white and grey are typically at the lower end of the price spectrum as illustrated in Figure 1 above.
2) Condition of the body
What’s the state of your car’s body? Does it boast a lengthy repair history? Count the visible dings and dents. Are your bumpers showing signs of detachment, necessitating replacement? Each of these factors calls for repair or replacement, thereby influencing the overall cost.
3) Size of the vehicle
This one’s straightforward—vehicle size matters. Painting a compact Toyota Vitz consumes significantly fewer resources (labor, materials, etc.) compared to a larger vehicle like a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The distinction stems from the total surface area that requires painting.
4) Colour change
Considering a color change? Keep in mind that altering the color could raise the cost by up to 50%, contingent on the extent of the change. This surge is due to the added effort required to paint areas such as the engine bay, door jambs, and interior.
5) Professional paint job
A professional paint job encompasses more than a mere cosmetic touch-up. It involves repairing damages, addressing paint defects, and even rust repair. The application of high-grade paint within the right environment, adhering to manufacturer guidelines, ensures a lasting finish. This aspect is often underestimated. Some environments, though promising, fall short and disappoint clients.
The end result of a professional paint job should rival a showroom finish or even surpass it. This exceptional outcome is achievable due to the remarkable paint quality accessible in the market, which painters can leverage to your advantage.
In conclusion, while the cost is a key consideration, a thorough evaluation of these five factors will provide a holistic view of the expense and value associated with repainting your car. Remember, the aim is not just a stunning finish, but also the lasting satisfaction of a job well done.
See our some of our past work:
A Vibrant Transformation; The Hyundai Tucson’s Full Respray Adventure
Unveiling the secrets to fixing a patchy Toyota Mark X paint job
From Blistered to Beautiful: The Silver Nissan Tiida Paint Repair Odyssey
Follow us on TikTok, Youtube, Facebook and Instagram for regular updates @hipposautospa.
9 thoughts on “What is the cost to paint my car? 5 things to know”