How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Truck?

If you’re thinking about getting your truck repainted, you’re undoubtedly thinking about how much it’ll cost. Maybe you want to boost the valuation of your vehicle, or perhaps you want it to seem brand new again.

With time, a few scrapes and dents develop, allowing the paint to flake, and the peel will expose the body. Raw metal body panels will act as rust magnets that will eventually lower your truck’s appearance and value. It helps to be proactive rather than waiting for the paint to deteriorate.

The Average Cost for a Truck Paint Job Varies Between $180-$20,000, Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY

This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator. It’s tough to say how much a truck paint job costs because the price varies depending on a lot of factors.

Basic Truck Painting Service

• Cost: $400-$875

Expect to pay between $400 and $875 for a basic truck painting service. The process will involve removing rust from metal surfaces, sanding them to prepare them for painting, putting on a priming layer, and finally applying the paint.

Standard Truck Painting Service

• Cost: $1,000-$3,500

The cost of a standard truck painting job ranges between $1,000 and $3,500. The precise cost is decided once the scope of work is determined. Costs vary based on the car’s make, model, state, and complete paint job using higher-quality paint. To provide a smooth, shiny finish, the treatment in this price segment involves extra prep work and three to five coats of clear coat vehicle paint.

Showroom Quality Painting Service

• Cost: $2,500-$20,000

If you want a showroom-quality finish, it will cost you between $2,500 and $20,000. Your truck will be stripped of its existing paint down to the bare metal. Once a thorough removal of dents, rust, and other body imperfections is completed, 20 to 24 layers of paint, and six to eight layers of clear coat, are expertly applied.

Do It Yourself

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Cost: $180-$1,850
• Parts:
  • YATTICH Paint Sprayer
  • BLACK+DECKER MOUSE Sander
  • Lacquer Spray Paint
  • Top Coat Paint – one quart
  • Microfiber Towels

If you don’t want to hire a professional, you could restore your truck’s paint job yourself to save money, although it can be a demanding job. Depending on the quality of the paint ($100-$1,000) and whether you need to buy tools like an automobile paint sprayer ($40-$600) or, sandpaper or sander ($40-$250), supplies can cost anywhere from $180 and $1,850. One needs to be proficient in using a spray gun and handling paint to achieve satisfactory output.

Although it may seem complicated, painting your own truck is a chore well within your ability. If you have the right tools and a tidy place of work, you can do it yourself and save money. However, decent technique and plenty of practice are necessary for skillfully painting a truck.

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What Is a Truck Paint Job?

A truck paint job is an elaborate process. Let’s look at the steps involved:

• Wash the truck and dry it thoroughly once the door handles are removed.
• Sand the existing paint down. Make sure any places with paint chips are well sanded to mix in with the rest of the truck. Apply primer, then give it time to dry thoroughly.
• Dents are filled with dent filler, and the entire surface is sanded for equal smoothness. Epoxy primer or lacquer is then applied.
• Blow off any dust or debris with a leaf blower. Clean and completely dry the truck.
• Clean the work area thoroughly to eliminate all dust and filth.
• To prevent paint drips, use a paint gun to apply the paint gently yet steadily.
• After the paint has dried, use a buffer to buff the truck to create a smooth, shiny appearance.

What Does a Truck Paint Job Include?

It includes sanding, priming, painting, and lacquering your vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s condition and the type of work required, it can take several hours for a team to paint your truck for you.

What Happens if You Don’t Get the Paint Job Done?

• Problems with rust: Impact-induced cracks may permit water to penetrate the paint, reaching the truck’s exposed metal parts. Water will oxidize the metal over time, resulting in rust patches.
• Long-term paint deterioration: The paint damage resulting from dents or scratches will worsen if you ignore it. The paint might crack and get worse due to regular wear and tear. This may result in peeling and flaking, exposing the underlying sealant.
• Diminished resale value: No matter how well your vehicle runs, the exterior look is crucial for anyone seeking to buy a secondhand truck. An easy way to improve the valuation of your truck is to get the paint job done.

When To Get Your Truck Painted

As far as painting your truck is concerned, there is no set rule. Paint offers more than just a unique appeal; it also protects the body from wear, strain, and corrosion. Consider a partial paint job to cover the problematic areas if your car’s paint is scratched or a complete paint job if the paint is damaged in an accident or regular wear and tear.

Common Symptoms You Need To Get a Paint Job Done

• Fading: One of the warning indications that a paint job is needed is fading. It’s practically a given that the paint will fade if your car isn’t regularly washed and polished.
• Peeling: When the paint begins to peel away from the truck’s surface, it indicates that painting is required. The clear coat could become loose and separate from its paint job with the passage of time and living in a hot climate.
• Scratches: If the scratches are only slight, they can be fixed with some touch-up paint. A complete replacement of the external paint will be necessary for more serious, substantial scratches.

Related Maintenance Services

Services related to a truck paint job:

• Scratch and dent repair
• Detailing

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Get the FIXD Sensor and free app now for a personalized maintenance plan based on your vehicle’s make, model, and mileage. FIXD provides regular maintenance reminders to your phone so you never forget to change your oil, or replace your brake pads. It even monitors wiper, and battery life to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly. Get FIXD immediately and eliminate the worry of auto maintenance. It’s as easy as that.