Just wondering if automotive paint has skyrocketed in price in the US as it has in Canada. I have been quoted $4000-$6000 (and these are ballpark figures) to paint my '69 SWB. I am giving the truck to whoever to paint and thats it (Body work will be done and its bare metal), prime scuff and final paint, I am not after a show paint job but would like it to look good. I have been told that the materials alone will be at least $2000 or more, and I have heard for some strange reason that auto paint shot through the roof a few years ago. How is the cost in the US ? And any Canadians in Southern Ontario know of a good painter that is reasonable ? The paint will be polyurethane or ppg or planet color and more than likely be base/clear. Any help would be appricated. Thanks

 

expensive to buy, expensive to have done. When I was in tech school in the early 90's I worked on a cougar for a friend of my dads. They only had to pay material cost, and for ppg deltron base, clear and primer, and other little odds and ends, I think the bill came to just under $200, Now those same materials will be close to or over a grand easily. Most bodyshops have some mark up on the paint. Its getting that not too many shops specializing in collision want to touch a complete anymore, as collision repair and panel painting are more profitable. Not many collision shops have combo men either that do different tasks or a car complete, a lot more specialized areas and replacing instead of fixing. Its probably different in a more resto oriented shop, but labor rates are typically higher.If they do a complete in a shop doing collision repair, It probably will come secondary to other jobs, and for a sand and shoot job you are looking at around 3 grand the same color. no jambs, about to the level of an oem finish. Going from baremetal, a truck of that age, you will likely have a round or two of priming and blocking and likely some areas that need attention, and that also adds to the labor and material cost. Its no different here. I've watched the prices continue to rise. The big paint companys were accused of price fixing not too long ago also, and enviromental regulations have caused constant changes. Canada will be going waterbased in 09. I was kind of grumbling not too long ago to the counterman at my jobber after paying 90 bucks for a gallon of friggen omni primer. I mentioned the cost when I started in tech school and he said, well when I started you could buy a gallon of red for $29. Your typical of someone who hasn't had anything painted being shocked by the cost. Maybe its just cause I am in an auto trade, but people seem to complain more about mechanic and body costs and rates more then other professions. If they only knew the typical costs, time involved and how much overhead is for a shop. Some places may be ripoffs, or can charge a crazy amount just cause of reputation, but I doubt the guy who quoted you that is getting rich and living in luxury. What about the computer technician whos tools fit in a suitcase, can be done in a day, and charges $100/hr.

 

I would reccommend you try Delills Auto Body in Erin Ontario. He has a small shop and is meticulous. He'll tell you no at first because he doesn't like dealing with classic car customers. But he'll do it if you explain exactly your expectations. Its a Father and Son operation, may take 3 weeks to get in but very reasonable and quality. I have used them several times when I need to save some cost.

 

I recently bought white pearl paint for my harley from h.d.
One quart base = $80
One quart pearl= $80
One quart clear=$80
Half quart activator=$80

This does not include primer or
paint thinner
or etc.

 

Check for a jobber up there who carries Omni by PPG..its a cheaper line of PPG and i use it alot and have VERY nice results,just recently Omni has switched the name Shopline,same paints,just new name.
I just done a truck for someone with Omni ,VW Ravenna metallic Blue basecoat,VERY nice color...cost 120.00 for one gallon and came with the one gallon of reducer,it mixes 1 to 1,makes 2 gallons,thats enough for me to easily paint 3-4 cars
One gallon of descent clears average around 100.00 a gallon around here qith a quart of hardener...
Sounds to me like that body shop is either using the highest end of paints for your truck or pullin your leg.
here i pay..
Gallon of epoxy MP170 primer/sealer-70.00
Gallon of 2k sanding primer-90.00
about an average of 70.00-120.00 for basecaots(depends of what colors you want)
Gallon of clearcoat-100.00
and this all with the hardeners or reducers included in the price

i havent heard of any crazy price jumps,my jobber has been the same price for a few years here

 

Yes, paint prices have risen in the last couple of years. It is all tied to petroleum in the long run.

Even with the best level pricing available, my paint costs have gone up at least once or twice a year.

I use Diamont, Carizzma, Uno, Nason, PPG and have seen increases in all of them.

There are so many levels of paint jobs, and prep work needed, individual situations to consider, that quoting a price over the net is impossible. I always tell people that it is like a surgeon doing brain surgery over the phone. If you can not see the patient first before doing the job, then you are a butcher and your work will turn out accordingly. I do not know if you are quoting Candian $ or U.S., and I do not know what colors or paint you are using. The people above quoting prices have to realize that my shop is in business to make a profit, and I buy wholesale and sell retail. I have many things to consider in my pricing, and I can't pay the bills, and the employee benefits etc... by doing paint jobs for cost . Ask around and get referrals from your body shop. Ask for several year old referrals so you can see how the work holds up. If those people are happy, and you are happy with the outcome, then you got what you paid for and it's a good deal all around.