We all love our vehicles and how they can sometimes serve as an extension of our unique personalities. Despite some claims to the contrary, we’re an image-oriented society, one where making the first impression is of the utmost importance. The color of any vehicle is one of the first things anyone notices.
Some drivers are not content with the color of their vehicle at the time of purchase. So, they take it upon themselves to have it painted to suit their tastes. No one likes driving an eyesore. But before you start examining a color palette and thinking about painting flames on the side of your vehicle, you should know some important facts.
I’m going to do my best to answer some of the questions drivers have about paint jobs. I’ll explain why you can’t get your vehicle painted any color you want, why you can’t just spray paint your car to suit your liking, and the hidden implications if you get your car painted a different color than it originally came in.
Why Aren’t All Colors Available for My Vehicle?
Everyone has personal tastes that make them an individual. We have our favorite musical artists, directors, and, most importantly, colors. Going to the dealership and choosing a vehicle with the right features and powertrain is one thing, but we all want it in a color that ideally reflects our unique interests. And, well, there’s a slight probability that your favorite color might not be available.
Much of this can be attributed to consumer demand. Certain colors are more popular among a broad range of clients. Another aspect goes into supply and production costs. Certain colors are easier to produce than others. This is why your choices will still be limited even if you decide to custom-order your vehicle directly from the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider regarding the limited availability of certain colors has more to do with the bigger picture of the global economy. Reporting for the Monday Morning Economist, writer Jadrian Wooten cited that the global financial crisis that occurred in 2008 led many brands to cut costs and streamline production of certain items.
The cost-cutting measures meant fewer colors were available, and basic tones, such as black, white, and silver, became the most frequently used. Therefore, getting a unique paint job for your vehicle usually requires going to a location specializing in aftermarket customization. I’ll be diving into this aspect next.
Is Spray Paint a Viable Option for My Car?
It’s human nature to cut costs on things that require time and money. Spray or store-bought paint on your vehicle might seem like a good idea that will circumvent the high costs of a professional body shop. However, just because you can do something to your vehicle does not mean you should.
Using spray paint on your car might seem like an effective cost-cutting measure, but in fact, it’s exactly the opposite. Several cans will be needed to spray paint an entire car, and the colors of spray paint seldom match one another, so several cans of the same color and brand will be needed.
In addition to the number of cans you’ll need for a DIY job, it’s much longer than you might think. Painting a car takes time and preparation, and if you’re not experienced with masking windows and other items, you’re in for a very arduous task ahead. Spray paint is ideal for short-term, temporary jobs and is not designed for a vehicle.
I know the ineptitude of spray-painting a car from personal experience. One of my first vehicles was a 1988 Mazda 323. In the ignorance of my youth, I somehow decided that spray-painting it black with white racing stripes was a good idea. The process took forever, with multiple cans of spray paint, but the paint bled through in a matter of weeks, leaving me with an eyesore to drive. Needless to say, I was happy to get rid of it.
Achieving a Professional Custom Paint Job
Some tasks should never be attempted on your own. Having your car professionally painted is one of them. If you’re booking a custom paint job, it’s always best left in the experienced hands of a professional. It’s a delicate process that involves preparation, chemicals, and multiple layers of paint, depending on what you drive.
If you bring in your vehicle for a custom paint job, there are many steps that the technicians will follow. However, each location is different, so you might want to ask them what their process might entail.
First, a shop might disassemble certain parts of your vehicle to ensure that paint goes on smoothly and in the right areas to completely cover the necessary parts. The next phase involves removing the original paint job. Different techniques are used, depending on the location, but the paint will be stripped, which is usually done with harsh chemicals.
After the old paint is removed from your vehicle, the surface is sanded, and primer is applied to prepare for the paint. Different paint jobs are available; some use multiple coats to create a shimmering appearance, while less expensive jobs might use just one or two coats. Once the painting is completed, the vehicle is buffed to remove imperfections.
The cost of a paint job will differ based on location, quality, and sometimes the vehicle itself. It’s important to shop around for the right body shop.
Key Considerations Before Painting Your Vehicle
Getting your vehicle painted is an important choice that must be considered carefully. Remember that any vehicle is a long-term investment, and altering the exterior paint job of what you drive can have consequences. Two areas you should be mindful of are vehicle registration and resale value.
Each state has its own vehicle registration regulations, so depending on where you live, it’s important to take your time to familiarize yourself with them. When you first purchased your vehicle, there’s a very good chance that you filled out what the color was. You might have to update this information if you get a custom paint job. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
All vehicles depreciate when they’re sold and driven off the lot. Getting a paint job that differs from the original can decrease resale value. If you plan on selling your vehicle in the future, you might want to consider this.
Each manufacturer offers different warranty coverage. Before you have your vehicle painted, you should review yours. Altering the paint job from its original tone can have an adverse effect on your warranty, sometimes voiding rust and corrosion coverage altogether.
Should You Paint Your Vehicle? Final Thoughts
Like many automobile ownership choices, deciding whether to get your vehicle painted is entirely subjective. If having a vehicle that allows you to express yourself uniquely is important, getting a custom paint job might be a good option. However, it’s important to do some legwork beforehand.
Check the different shops in your area. See which ones have a good reputation and have received positive reviews. Don’t try to paint your vehicle yourself unless you’ve been properly trained. You don’t want to make the same mistake I made using spray paint.
Double-check your warranty coverage and registration laws in your state. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Finally, make sure this is the color you want. The last thing you need is to get a paint job and then regret it a few months later.
