If your car is in dire need of a new coat of paint and you don’t have the money to take it into an auto repair shop then don’t worry as there are plenty of options available that allow you to do it yourself.

One popular trend that has become more commonplace among car owners is using spray-on paints and the most commonly used product is Plasti Dip. This is a great product for those who want to paint detailed patterns or add a bit of flair to the vehicle.

If you are a creative person or have a clear vision of what you want your car to look like and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on having a professional do it for you, you can easily do it yourself. In this guide, we’ll be taking you through everything you need to know about Plasti Dip so you can have full confidence in your ability to repaint your car with ease.

We’ll be discussing what Plasti Dip is to give you a better understanding of the product as well as how long it lasts and how to correctly apply it to ensure that it stays on for as long as possible. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert in all things Plasti Dip and will be ready to repaint your car.

What is Plasti Dip?

Whether or not you have come across Plasti Dip before, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of what the product is to know what to expect when you use it on your car. Simply put, Plasti Dip is a paint that has a PVC base meaning that it provides a rubberlike coating on the car.

Like many products, Plasti Dip wasn’t actually designed with car paint jobs in mind and has its origins as a product for dipping various tool handles but is now primarily used for painting cars.

The great thing about Plasti Dip is its versatility when it comes to customizing your car as you can use it to paint over the entire surface of the car, paint on patterns and details, or even paint over your tire rims for a bit of extra flair. Whatever you plan to do, Plasti Dip is guaranteed to satisfy your needs and give you endless options and possibilities.

Another reason why Plasti Dip has become so popular among car lovers is that it is also incredibly easy to use so whether you have customized cars before or have no experience in the field, it is a great product to use as you simply use a spray can or spray gun to apply the paint to the surface.

How long does Plasti Dip last?

The most commonly asked question regarding Plasti Dip is how long it lasts. Understandably, when you are working on a job that involves customizing your vehicle, you want to be sure that it is going to have the durability and longevity expected of the product. One of the best benefits that Plasti Dip offers is that it can last up to three years without retouching when applied correctly.

Compared to other similar products on the market, this is by far the best in terms of reliability and longevity and means that you are not having to worry about spending extra money on retouching and repainting frequently. When applied correctly, you can be sure that the paint is going to last without losing the pigment integrity or vibrancy.

Applying Plasti Dip correctly

As mentioned in the previous section, to ensure that the Plasti Dip lasts as long as three years you need to make sure that you apply it correctly so it can have reinforced durability and longevity. The most important thing you need to remember is that you should always be mindful of how you are spraying the paint onto the surface.

Firstly, make sure that the spray can or gun is held at the same distance throughout to ensure even coverage as well as allow you to have better results. The distance you should be will be specified in the instructions. You want to make sure that there is a little paint as possible dripping or spilling onto the ground around the car. This implies that you are either standing too close or applying too much pressure as you spray.

Dripping or spilling the paint not only creates waste but can also cause marks on the surface that can be tricky to cover. A mistake that people often make is that you need to apply multiple coats to build up the color, however, if you have done the process correctly, you should only need one coat.

Make sure that you are following the instructions as closely as possible, especially if this is your first time using Plasti Dip. This will give you the best chances of success and ensure that the product provides the longevity you expect.

Is Plasti durable?

One of the main reasons why people often use Plasti Dip is its durability. It has an impressive temperature range as it can withstand temperatures between -30 °F to 200°F meaning that you don’t have to worry about the paint flaking off in extreme weather conditions, regardless of what part of the car you have painted on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Plasti Dip is the leading product in the car painting market thanks to the longevity and durability of the paint, provided that it is applied correctly. Whether you are planning to add a pattern or design to your car or repainting the entire car surface, you’ll be able to benefit from what Plasti Dip has to offer.

Make sure that you follow the tips and tricks provided in this guide to ensure that you get the best results and will also mean that the paint lasts for as long as possible without needing retouching.

Getting spray paint on the wheels of your car, whether on purpose when you decided to spray them all a funky color, or accidentally when you spilled some on there after touching up another part of your car may eventually result in you having to remove said spray paint.

Of course, if you have purposely sprayed them a certain color, ideally you will want to keep it that way forever, however, we are only human and our minds change constantly, which may result in you wanting to remove it and revert to the original wheel.

If spray paint accidentally runs onto your wheels as a result of you touching up another part of your car this can be even more annoying, especially if it is a bright color.

Both of these situations will mean that you want quick and easy spray paint removal. Luckily for you, that’s where we come in.

In this article, we have prepared a detailed step-by-step guide on how to remove spray paint from your wheels and have them looking brand-spanking new and shiny in no time.

Things to Consider

Removing spray paint is generally a simple job and can be done with the help of a stripper or paint remover. However, the tricky part comes in when you realize that these abrasive strippers can actually cause damage to your wheels, causing them to wear down.

This presents something of a catch-22 for car owners who want to remove the well-bonded paint from their wheels but do not want to be left with wheels that look damaged and worn. As well as this, removal methods may also cause damage to the tires themselves and the wheels underneath.

Our guide has been formulated to do the best job possible with as little damage as possible. This does mean that the method requires a little bit of elbow grease from yourself, but we promise that the results will be worth it and will save you a load of money as you will not need to get new tires!

Always remember to follow the guidelines on your chosen method of paint removal (whether they be paint thinner or stripper) and ensure that it is suitable for your wheels and tires before using.

What tools and supplies do I need?

Sadly, you cannot just use soap and water to remove spray paint from your wheels it will not just rub off easily. Instead, you need a very specific set of tools that will all work in tandem to get the spray paint off of the affected areas as quickly as possible.

In this section, we will be detailing exactly what you need to remove the spray paint, and exactly why you need these things. Read this carefully and ensure you have everything before you start out, because trust us, you’ll need it all!

• Old towels or rags (ensure they are clean) – you need these as a way of removing the remover liquid and any excess paint after the removal process is complete. Things may get messy and you will be glad of some old towels or rags to help clean up.
• An old, clean toothbrush (or a new one that you buy specifically for this) – the toothbrush, as weird as it sounds, will help you remove paint and debris from smaller, hard to reach areas.
• Paint stripper – Whilst this can be very abrasive and damaging to your car when used in small amounts as we direct you it can be very useful. It allows you to cut through the spray paint and remove it quickly
• Water – water is an integral part of the paint removal process and as such you will need quite a bit of it. You will use it for degreasing, cleaning the area before removal, and cleaning up the area after removal. If you choose to repaint it afterward then you will need water for that, too.
• Sandpaper – Now, don’t panic, we’re not going to ask you to sand the whole wheel off! This will be used gently and sparingly to buff the surface on which the paint lies, thus making it easier to remove and requiring less paint stripper. Keep in mind that you will not need this if your wheels are aluminum.

Or alternatively….

• Drill and brush attachment – you can use a drill with a brush attachment in place of sandpaper if you wish. Of course, these are harder to come by than sandpaper and far more expensive. However, professionals among us may well prefer this as it can be more precise. It can also buff the surface more quickly and remove a little more than plain old sandpaper. That being said, it is far easier to buff too much with this method, so choose wisely. Likewise, this will not be needed for aluminum wheels.
• Your usual toolkit – Lastly, you will need a basic toolkit full of mechanical and manual tools is essential in most households. You won’t need anything fancy by any means but just keep what you do have to hand

Alloy Wheels Versus Aluminum Wheels

Depending on whether your wheels are made from alloy or aluminum you may have to use slightly different spray paint removal methods.

In order to ensure you know exactly how to go about the removal process for both types of wheels, we have decided to give you a step-by-step guide for both.

It is, therefore, essential that you work out what your wheels are made from before beginning the paint removal process. This will ensure that you use the right process of removal for your wheels and will limit and prevent any unnecessary damage that may occur.

First, we will look at the removal method of spray paint from alloy wheels.

Removing Spray Paint from Alloy Wheels

Step 1 – Take Off the Wheels

Now, this step is not essential but it would make your life so much easier and is also safer. We highly recommend that you remove the wheels that need the paint removal process.

You can do this one by one if you wish, or alternatively, you can get them off all at once. This will ensure that you do not damage the body of the car in any way.

Step 2 – Clean Up the Surface

In this step, you will be focusing on ridding the wheels of any dirt and debris present. Wheels on cars get filled with tiny particles of rocks and stones, trash, dirt, mud, and gravel.

You need to ensure all this is off before applying any substance intended for getting paint off. Wipe it off with some water and a rag. If you wish you can use car shampoo for this step but this is not essential.

Step 3 – Spray on Your Paint Stripper

As soon as you have ensured that the wheel is free of any dirt and debris you can freely spray on a small amount of your chosen paint stripper.

It is very important that you apply paint stripper only on those areas where there is paint that needs removing. Putting it on a non-painted area could cause damage.

You should leave the stripper on the paint for as short an amount of time as possible, ensuring it is not left on for longer than 15 minutes. You will see the paint begin to bubble after this time.

If the paint bubbles before 15 minutes are up then that is fine, you can just take move onto the next step to remove the paint.

Step 4 – Wipe the Paint Off the Wheel

After 15 minutes (or when the paint has started to bubble) you can then take off the paint and remover. To do this you will need the old clean towels or rags that we recommended at the start.

These can be used to simply wipe the surface on which the paint lies. The paint should easily budge. Any leftover dried patches of paint should also lift off quite easily.

If, for any reason, you have had to place the remover on the tires, ensure you remove this first, leaving it on for no longer than 15 minutes (even less if you can!). Stripper can damage tires very quickly if left on for too long.

If you have smaller harder to reach areas you can use the toothbrush we recommended to work into corners and crevices. This may require more detail and concentration to make sure you get all of the remover off. As tedious as it is it is vital that no paint remover or stripper is left on any part of the wheel.

Step 5 – Clean with Water

When you have removed as much of the residual paint as possible you will now need to go in with another clean towel or rag and your water. Ensure the water is fresh and clean. Rinse away any leftover dried paint and remover.

If you are experienced in using one, a pressure washer may also work well at this point. Do not use one if you never have before as improper use can actually damage the car and the paint job.

However, if you use them often feel free to use them on a low setting for the purpose of getting rid of any stubborn areas of paint.

If you still have stubborn dried-in paint but do not have a pressure washer to hand you can repeat the process above again, using small amounts of paint remover or stripper and leaving it on for around 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 6 – Buff, Buff, and Buff Again!

This is where your sandpaper or drill and brush come in! When you are satisfied that all of the paint and debris has been removed and the wheels are clean again you can go in with your buffing method of choice and gently bring the wheels to a polished finish.

The sandpaper will take much longer, however, it is recommended if you have to get into tight crevices. Also, it is easier and cheaper to procure than a drill with a brush head.

Please keep in mind that, if you have aluminum wheels, you should not follow this step! Move onto the next section to find out how to remove paint from aluminum wheels and the alternative to buffing.

Removing Spray Paint from Aluminum Wheels

Removing spray paint from aluminum wheels is not much different from removing spray paint from alloy wheels. The only real difference comes in the final step.

Unlike alloy, aluminum cannot be buffed with sandpaper or a drill and brush. Instead, you need to use a slightly different method to get it looking polished and removing any stubborn dried-in paint.

As you can see below, the removal process is identical, save for that last step.

Step 1 – Take Off the Wheels

Now, this step is not essential but it would make your life so much easier and is also safer. We highly recommend that you remove the wheels that need the paint removal process.

You can do this one by one if you wish, or alternatively, you can get them off all at once. This will ensure that you do not damage the body of the car in any way.

Step 2 – Clean Up the Surface

Remove dirt and debris by wiping it off with some water and a rag. If you wish you can use car shampoo for this step but this is not essential.

Step 3 – Spray on Your Paint Stripper

Spray on a small amount of your chosen paint stripper. It is very important that you apply paint stripper only on those areas where there is paint that needs removing.

Putting it on a non-painted area could cause damage. Leave it on for 15 minutes or until it starts to bubble. If the paint bubbles before 15 minutes are up then you can just move onto the next step.

Step 4 – Wipe the Paint Off the Wheel

Use the old clean towels or rags that we recommended at the start. These can be used to simply wipe the surface on which the paint lies. The paint should easily budge.

Any leftover dried patches of paint should also lift off quite easily. Use your toothbrush for smaller areas and any nooks and crannies.

Step 5 – Clean with Water

Rinse away any leftover dried paint and remover with fresh, clean water.

Again, as above, you can use a pressure washer on a low setting if you are experienced with using one. This is not essential and a pail of water and a rag will work just as well.

Step 6 – Scraping the Excess Paint

Your aluminum wheels are more likely than alloy to have leftover paint on them. However, because you cannot use sandpaper or a drill in case of damage the only option is to scrape away the paint residue.

Use a wire brush or plastic scraping tool to remove any excess dried-in paint, rinsing well with water each time. Do this gently so as not to scrape or damage any of the aluminum underneath. Repeat this until all the paint has been removed.

Summary

Removing spray paint is tedious, time consuming but often necessary (such as an accidental spillage or simply a change of mind).

Following our detailed guide can make your life just that little bit easier, regardless of whether you have alloy wheels or aluminum ones.

Remember, set yourself up with the right tools and follow the instructions on your paint stripper or thinner very carefully.

You should also make sure that you do not leave the stripper on your tires for too long, ensuring first that it is suitable for them, and never leaving it on for more than the specified time.

Thank you for reading our article, and good luck with your paint removal!

Is your vehicle in need of a new paint job? Maybe you just fancy a change of color to spice things up. Whether you want to paint your car’s roof or just want to touch up certain areas, you will need the best automotive paint gun for the job.

If you’re in the mood to change the color of your car, you’ve come to the right place. We know how stressful it can be trying to find a professional to do a paint job on your vehicle.

Not only is it hard to find one which will produce the exact color you want but they can be very expensive. Some professional paint jobs range from $500 to a whopping $4,500 and not all of us have that kind of money floating about. (We wish we did!)

The main reason paint jobs cost so much is because of hourly labor. The longer it takes, the more cash you’ll have to spend. However, there are other ways to spruce up your vehicle without having to raid the piggy bank.

With the right equipment and practice, you can achieve the same quality finish with a fraction of the cost. You know what that means. More money left over for other car upgrades!

“What equipment do I need to paint my car?” we hear you ask. Don’t worry!

Image	Product
Top Pick	Devilbiss 803558 Paint Gun Professional quality Easy to use Compatible with all types of paints Easy to clean Check Price	Check Price
	Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO Easy to use for beginners Leaves a professional-grade finish Includes additional accessories for added convenience Holds a large amount of paint Check Price	Check Price
	Master Pro 44 Series High-Performance HVLP Spray Gun Highly professional-grade finish Adjustable settings and components Easy to clean Easy to paint precise and intricate areas Check Price	Check Price
	ANEST IWATA W-400 Bellaria Spray Gun Ideal for left-handed and right-handed users Lightweight for easy use Excellent center of gravity balance for more comfortable handling Compact design Check Price	Check Price
	TCP Global Brand Professional New 2.5mm HVLP Spray Gun Lightweight for easy use Compatible with thicker liquids Consistent spray pattern Fully adjustable to reach harder areas Check Price	Check Price

Top 5 Automotive Paint Gun For Beginners

We have spent over 20 hours researching the best automotive paint guns for beginners on the market.

That way, you can sit back, relax, and discover the right paint gun for you to get started on your motor as soon as possible.

Devilbiss 803558 Paint Gun

Top of the pile of best automotive paint guns for beginners is the Devilbiss Finishline. With one of the best showings of any paint gun on the market, this product’s paint spray quality is unmatched by most.

At first, using a paint gun can be a tricky process and can take time to come to terms with. Fortunately, Devilbiss Finishline is very easy to adjust and use, especially for beginners.

Paint guns also need regular maintenance to keep them clean. This gun isn’t just easy to manage but simple to clean for the next time you use it.

Another fantastic feature of the Devilbiss paint gun is its compatibility with all different types of paints. Therefore, you don’t have to stick to one paint job. Why not go crazy and use different colors on your vehicle or paint a friend’s car for them?

It is worth noting that this paint gun is best used with a solvent. This ensures the paint has an appropriate thickness for an even finish. This leads to the paint being compatible with latex paints, urethanes, and most types of paints you can think of.

It is highly durable and will stand the test of time thanks to its heavy-duty aluminum cup and stainless steel parts. There is no doubt that Devilbiss Finishline will deliver a very professional finish every time with dynamic air control ensuring all your paint jobs have an even coat and surface. 

PROS

• Professional quality – Allows you to save money but get the same result as a professional 
• Very easy to use – Perfect for beginners who may be less confident in using a paint gun
• Compatible with all paints – Can try all kinds of paints for automotive purposes and other paint jobs

CONS

• Most expensive – Professional quality means you will have to fork out more cash

Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO

Without a doubt, the Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO spray system will help you create a masterful paint job on your automobile.

This is the best complete HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) system for budding enthusiasts and beginners. If you are looking for a professional-grade finish, this gravity paint gun will do the job. 

The Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO boasts a very powerful 1400 watt 2-stage bypass motor to help produce more paint for a quicker finish.

A paintball’s cup is where the paint is held in order to use on your automobile and this has a 400cc cup that holds a good amount of paint but not too much so the gun feels heavy. Its lightweight nature means it is easy to use and paint efficiently.

This product is for those of you who want the highest quality paint for their car. A cleaning kit, air cap set, filters, and a 6-foot long hose are included Iand is everything a professional would want and need to get the job done properly.

The Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO paint gun will apply a professional-grade finish every time and is especially impressive when used on metallics.

PROS

• Ideal for beginners – Easy to use nature is suitable for those who have never used a paint gun before
• Professional-grade finish – Leaves an even finish and surface that any professional would be proud of
• Additional accessories – The inclusion of a cleaning kit, air cap set, filters, and a 6-foot long hose makes this the complete package for producing the best possible paint job

CONS

• May require a different tip – Some users have needed to replace the tip when using certain types of paint

Master Pro 44 Series High-Performance HVLP Spray Gun

Next up is another high-performance product but this is less expensive than many similar paint guns on the market. The Master Pro 44 Series High-Performance HVLP Spray Gun is certainly one of the best spray guns in terms of costs combined with quality.

Its 1.33 mm fluid tip set is perfect for when you want to paint base coats, single coats, clear coats, primers, and a wide range of light to medium viscosity paint coating materials.

Maintenance is pleasingly simple with the Master Pro 44 Series Spray Gun. It is adjustable for an easy cleaning process which helps the longevity of the product.

This dynamic spray gun delivers a very high cfm (cubic feet per minute) without overspray affecting the finished product.

These are designed with the professional painter in mind with all gun components being made with exacting precision so you can paint precise areas when needed. However, it is still easy to use and ideal if you are just starting out with a paint gun.

You should be able to achieve the perfect performance with all kinds of paint coatings thanks to its Advanced Superior Atomization Technology. This means all paint coatings are fully atomized for an ideal pattern and a clean, even base coat or topcoat finish.

PROS

• Highly professional-grade – Can get results very similar to professional paint sprayers for a much lower price
• Adjustable settings and components – Helps provide optimal performance for all kinds of automobiles and precise areas of the chassis
• Easy to clean –  Adjustable nature allows for easy maintenance helping the gun last longer for more dynamic usage 

CONS

• Seals wear out quickly – Can lead to possible leakage and a loss of pressure

ANEST IWATA W-400 Bellaria Spray Gun

If you’re looking for a tactile paint gun that will produce professional results time and time again, the Anest Iwata W-400 Bellaria Spray Gun may be the one for you.

It has a smaller design than most spray guns which is ideal for beginners who want to get to grips with the art of automotive painting.

What it lacks in size, it makes up for in performance. It still produces the same amount of power as many of the bigger models on the market.

The W-400 Bellaria Spray Gun weighs far less than most models providing outstanding weight distribution on the hand. Therefore, you will feel very comfortable when holding the gun and painting for hours on end.

The cup is located right above the spray gun at the center of the cap gun. This results in an excellent center of gravity balance making the gun very easy to operate.

What we loved about this gun is that it is just as easy for left-handed people to use as right-handed. Left-handed individuals actually have the advantage of the cup not getting in the way and obstructing the spray area.

For those of you who are looking to improve your painting skills and want a quality finish, Anest Iwata W-400 is the paint gun for you.

PROS

• Ideal for left-handed users – The location of the cup doesn’t obstruct your spraying view when in use but this is still very easy to use for right-handed individuals too
• Lightweight – Lighter than most paint guns on the market resulting in an easier to use product
• Excellent center of gravity balance – Easy to operate, especially for beginners and novices

CONS

• Pressure drops – The amount of paint spray is decreased compared to other models

TCP Global Brand Professional New 2.5mm HVLP Spray Gun

Another fantastic beginner option is the TCP Global Brand spray gun. With its lower price and wide fluid tip, it is a perfect choice for learning the ropes of automotive painting.

A 2.5 mm stainless steel nozzle allows you to use thicker paints such as latex or urethanes as opposed to just sticking to regular beginner paint sprayers.

You will find this one of the easiest paint guns to use. Its portability is also exceptional so you can move it around all parts of the car with ease.

It is fully adjustable to reach harder parts of the car but this is a little more complicated to use than previous entries on our list. However, you should soon get to grips with the product and find it easy enough to adjust.

Once you do get used to this, you can take full advantage of the control knobs to adjust the spray pattern, fluid control, and air pressure to get the precise results you desire.

You will be able to produce a consistent spray pattern for a smooth professional finish with the TCP Global Brand Professional Spray gun. Its full baffle head assembly enables you to produce fully atomized paint so the layers are completely even.

PROS

• Lower in price – This will save you money when compared to most products and should last a long time too
• Compatible with thicker liquids – Thicker and more durable stainless steel nozzle allows you to use very thick materials such as polyester primers, latex paints, thick enamels, metal flakes, etc so you have more choice of what and how to paint
• Consistent spray pattern – Produces even layers for a smooth professional finish

CONS

• Difficult to clean – Harder to adjust than some models resulting in a more time-consuming maintenance procedure
• Clogs – Some users have reported that the gun clogs easily which can be very hard to clean out

Buyer’s Guide

Before you go ahead and buy any old automotive paint gun, there are various factors and features you should consider. Whether it’s the spray quality or the air pressure it can generate, you must take these factors into consideration to find the best paint gun for your needs.

Below, you will find important aspects to consider which will help you make that final decision in absolute confidence.

Different types of paint guns

There are four different types of paint guns for automotive. Each one has unique qualities that may be what you are looking for. Let’s take a look at each one in detail:

High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) Sprayers

This is the most favored and commonly used type of paint gun when used by automotive enthusiasts. This is mainly due to their ability to have a narrower aim for the spray with a softer pressure.

As the name suggests, you can hold high volumes of paint with these canisters meaning you can spray a lot more in one go. This quantity is ideal for larger projects when you may need to paint the whole body of the car.

Low-pressure sprayers such as these are the best suited out of all paint guns for detailed and more intricate projects by providing better accuracy with higher levels of control.

These can include the body of the car and smaller components throughout. Many users love the fineness these sprays produce which comes out like a fine mist.

Low Volume Low Pressure (LVLP) Sprayers

These are almost identical to HVLP sprayers but have a lower volume capacity. There are benefits and disadvantages of low-volume paint guns.

One positive is how there is a larger center of mass towards your wrist giving you more control over the gun because of the lower volume and weight of paint. A negative is that you will have to refill the container more frequently which can take up more time.

Compressed Air Sprayers

This is regarded as a traditional paint gun and is another commonly used type that uses compressed air to shoot out pressurized paint like a fan. The spray’s consistency from these guns is typically thicker and has broad stroked coats.

One downfall of using compressed air sprayers is that it tends to waste a lot of paint from the spray. This is because around half of it stays on the surface because of the sheer pressure emitted.

Airless Paint Sprayers

This type of paint gun uses high pressure instead of using air to pump the paint out. Airless paint sprayers usually pumps air up to 3,000 psi through a spray nozzle or hose.

As with compressed air sprayers, airless paint guns have a similar drawback. The amount of paint wasted when being applied is a big disadvantage and can be quite costly.

Another con is the considerable amount of time it takes to clean this type of gun compared to others. This is because the hose has to be cleaned after every single use.

If this isn’t performed, paint can build up inside and produce air bubbles resulting in a much poorer quality finish.

The weight

Many beginners are surprised by how long they have to hold an automotive paint gun when spraying a car. This is especially true if you are working on the whole body of the vehicle.

Holding a paint gun in your hand for an extended period of time can put strain on your hands and cause discomfort. This is why it is important that you consider the weight of the gun before purchase.

Lightweight models will feel far more comfortable in your hands and won’t leave you aching. Make sure you find one that you can support and hold easily.

Air Pressure Rating

Automotive paint guns have air pressures. Most of these guns use up to 10-14 scfm (air volume) at 40 psi but this can vary from one to another.

You will want a device that is capable of delivering a good amount of spray for a wider and more even coverage. You should find one that can perform well without achieving high pressure.

Ease of Cleaning

Automotive paint guns need regular maintenance and cleaning but some more than others. Because automotive paint guns spray paint, their internal compartments usually get covered in paint which can easily clog up the inside.

Therefore, you should ensure the paint gun you intend to buy is easy to disassemble and clean. This is especially important for those internal parts. The harder a paint gun is to take apart, the longer it will take to clean leaving you frustrated.

Electric and Pneumatic

You can choose between electric and pneumatic automotive paint guns. If you are looking for a higher performance model, pneumatic may be the way to go as these typically offer more power.

On the other hand, electric models are far cheaper and usually much easier to use. Electric versions may be better suited to you if you use them infrequently and don’t intend on painting huge areas of vehicles.

The Feed

The feed is a container attachment in which the paint is held when the spray gun is in use. This can hold either a gravity or a siphon (conventional) type of feed.

Gravity feeds use less air pressure than Siphon feeds through directing gravity to apply the desired pressure. This results in a more atomized spray achieving a smoother, more balanced finish.

Siphon feeds use air pressure to release the paint and are the cheapest option. They also have the advantage of being able to hold more paint than gravity feeds.

Nozzle Size

The nozzle size that is right for you depends on the type of paint you want to use. Heavier paints, such as primer, require nozzles with greater-sized holes to allow more room for the thicker paint to escape.

If you will be using thinner paints like metallics and overcoats, it is recommended you use a smaller holed nozzle so that the final coverage is evenly spread.

Portability

A portable automotive paint gun kit can save you time and energy. Some kits come with added storage compartments to keep all of your additional gear safe and out of the way.

If you can carry all you need with you at all times, you won’t have to go back and forth to a workspace to get certain supplies.

These kits are very handy when painting a car. You can also find automotive paint guns that come with a shoulder strap so you can keep your hands completely free when spraying which is very convenient when doing those precise and delicate areas.

Gallons Per Minute

You should invest in a paint spray gun that has a high GPM (gallons per minute) number. This will allow you to be more efficient when painting the entire car.

The GPM is the amount of paint a paint gun can transfer from its container to a surface in a minute. If your project is on a bigger scale, you will want faster coverage while maintaining a very even finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are automotive paint guns?

An automotive paint gun is often referred to as an HVLP or high-volume low-pressure gun. These guns are used to spray high volumes of automotive paint to cover a vehicle quickly and precisely.

Automotive paint guns are designed for giving maximum coverage with the use of a variable spray. They are generally very efficient and easy to use. They allow you to paint the entire body of a car or single panels without much trouble or cost.

That is right! Getting your own automotive paint gun and doing it yourself is a lot cheaper than hiring a professional and most of the guns on the market today offer a professional-grade quality finish.

Nonetheless, most automotive paint guns are used by professional car painters as it can take some time to get used to using one properly and carefully.

That’s not to say car enthusiasts shouldn’t use one as they can greatly improve the speed at which a car is painted and gives more control and coverage than other means.

These paint guns are very useful for processing multiple layers on a car that has been stripped down or when a replacement part needs to be matched up with the car’s bodywork.

Some automotive paint guns come with narrower nozzle sizes in order to do more detailed and finer work such as writing or drawing but this is usually left to a professional artist or an automotive painting specialist.

How do automotive paint guns work?

These paint guns work in one primary way and that is by delivering a high volume of paint at quite a low pressure. This process results in a consistent spray that spreads paint all over the desired areas of the vehicle without leaving large concentrated areas that look and feel unsightly.

All automotive paint guns either use a motorized pump or pneumatic pressure. They then pressurize a stream of air that attracts the paint into and through the gun before it shoots out the hole of the nozzle.

Paint guns for your automobiles come in many shapes and sizes but most systems are designed with adjustable spray nozzles so you can change the shape of the paint spray.

This allows you to change how the spray lands on your car and makes it easier to get an even coverage of paint. You can also interchange a variety of fluid types to create contrasting patterns for certain projects.

Do I use more paint with an automotive paint gun?

The type of paint sprayer you use has the biggest effect on how much paint you use. It is recommended that you always buy 20% more paint than you think you need just to be on the safe side and have enough for a big job.

Paint jobs typically require a second coat and touch-ups so having some leftover is always an advantage.

HVLP spray paint guns typically need more paint when compared to other painting methods such as brushing or rolling.

Airless paint guns usually require double or even triple the amount compared to roller paint as they depend on high pressure to atomize the fluids. The same goes for paint sprayers that rely on air compressors.

Can I use an automotive paint gun to apply primer?

The short answer is, yes. The best automotive paint gun for this undercoat is the gravity feed spray gun.

However, before you start using your paint gun to apply primer, you should always consult the instruction manual to ensure you are using the correct air cap size and nozzle for the primer to be used effectively.

What PSI is best for painting a car?

When painting any vehicle, the paint requires consistent pressure to deliver an equal amount of fluid every time. Any premium spray paint gun should be able to achieve this desired consistency.

It is recommended you choose a paint gun that can hold more gallons and has a larger compressor capacity.

In terms of PSI, you should look for a paint gun with around 90 PSI and around 14-18 CFM (cubic feet per minute). This can be done by finding a good-sized 60-gallon tank that has a 6-horsepower compressor.

Deciding whether or not to get a paint job done professionally is a big decision. One of the most important factors that need to be considered is how much it’s going to cost you, but looking at the price list of every auto shop in town is a time-consuming and confusing task.

Maaco is a leading name in the automotive industry with over 42 years of experience and a commitment to providing customers with reliable services, so it’s a great choice for anyone who thinks their car might need a fresh coat of paint. But how much does it cost, you ask?

This article will cover all things automotive paint prices, so you’ll walk away from your computer, tablet, or smartphone knowing more than just the cost of a Maaco paint job.

We’ll break this down into an estimate of the cost of labor versus the cost of supplies, as well as working out how much it would cost to do it yourself, how to save money, and what it could end up costing you if you hired another professional to carry out a paint job on your car.

How Much Does a Maaco Automotive Paint Job Cost?

Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting is an American automotive services company that was first founded by Anthony A. Martino and Daniel I. Rhode under Driven Brands, Inc.

The North Carolina-born company has expanded far beyond their starting corner of the world and now provides professional automotive painting services in over 500 locations all over the globe, yet still using a single, secret master formula that they have been working on since first opening their garage doors in 1972. It’s like Chick-fil-A with their famous sauce – you’ll find one everywhere and you’ll experience the same standard of quality every time.

Even with all this experience and a patented paint formula they’ve spent nearly 50 years perfecting, Maaco still offers their services for some pretty reasonable prices. Their costs can range anywhere from around $300 to $1,000 depending on the work you’re having done, how large your vehicle is, and what type of paint you want to use for the job.

Even at the lower end of the spectrum, you needn’t worry about poor quality nor paint that ends up peeling immediately as every Maaco paint job is backed by a 3-year warranty. You do tend to get what you pay for, but even their lower budget services are still providing a pretty decent quality and at the higher end of the spectrum they do deliver high-end services.

Of course, you should still do your research and shop around for a few quotes from other auto body shops, but definitely keep Maaca in your consideration when you’re thinking about having your car professionally painted.

If you do end up using Maaca, why don’t you leave a Google review to share your experience to help others who are unsure about their decision?

What is the Estimated Cost of Painting a Vehicle if You Do It Yourself?

If the figures that are showing up in your search results are a little staggering, you might be wondering if there’s a cheaper way to give your car a fresh coat of paint without having to spend such an eye-watering amount, which leads most people to ask if it can be a DIY job.

The answer is yes, you can definitely carry out a paint job on your car yourself without too much effort, and without having to spend as much as you would if you were to hire a professional painter to complete the job for you. But how much exactly does it cost?

It’s hard to predict the exact amount that you could end up spending on a car paint job if you do it yourself, as it leaves a lot of the design elements up to you.

You have a lot more creative control over the paint, the equipment, and the budget, but it’s important to remember that this is also an incredibly time-consuming activity that can’t be rushed.

For those of you who are leaning toward an edgier aesthetic, you don’t need to go out and purchase any stencils or fancy equipment to achieve this look. Masking tape is great for achieving neat borders and can be used to separate sections of your car for color-blocking.

Don’t just cover any areas on your car where you don’t want to end up getting paint-splattered; also make sure that any flooring, tool boxes, tools, and generally anything you don’t want to get paint on are well covered with an old sheet before you start.

What Is The Average Cost of Hiring a Professional Company to Paint a Vehicle?

The research we conducted showed us that you’d be looking at around spending $300 on a paint job as a minimum estimate, with more luxury services reaching well into the thousands.

There are a few different factors that can affect the overall cost, including the following:

Vehicle Quality

The average cost of what you spend on a paint job should take into account the cost of the vehicle itself, as you should always be thinking about the value of your car. You’ll obviously want it to hold its value for as long as possible in case you should want to sell down the line.

Opting for a cheaper service might save you a few pennies initially, but you’ll lose out in the long wrong and could devalue your car by not investing in a quality paint job. For example, if your car is worth over $50,000, you might want to consider a more luxury auto paint service.

Repair Work

The quality of your car will affect it just as much as the cost of the vehicle, as any additional repair work that needs to be carried out will, of course, add an extra charge onto the final bill.

This could be anything from buffing out a few scratches to replacing the bumper entirely, but depending on what repairs are needed it could hike up the price of parts and labor. Some of these jobs can be quite time-consuming and complex, so expect to pay more for the work.

Paint Quality

While it’s the cost of labor that usually has the more predominant influence over the final cost of a paint job for your car, the type of paint that’s used can also add to or lower the overall price that you ultimately end up paying, albeit only minimally.

Artistic Design

As we’ve already mentioned, some drivers may want to add a little bit more of a creative flair to their vehicle so they can roll around the streets in style. If you’re looking for more than just your average paint job, then you’ll be paying more than an average price for it.

Painting with multiple colors or sticking to a specific design will add more time to the total labor for the job, which in turn increases the cost of having it done professionally.

The Bare Minimum – Is $300 Too Good to be True?

It’s unlikely that you’ll find a (reputable) auto repair shop that is able to offer a painting service for less than this amount, but even if you could, it’s in your best interests to look elsewhere. Even $300 is pushing it, but is this cost too cheap to even be worth considering?

Owners of expensive cars should definitely steer clear from a paint job that’s this low-priced as the quality of the service means that it is likely to be more of a detriment than a benefit.

Even if you have a cheaper car that’s mainly used for your commute, $300 errs on the side of being a little too little to spend on a professional paint job. If the cost is this low, it could be due to cheap labor exploitation or poor quality! Whatever the cause, it’s cause for concern.

This isn’t always going to be the case – the auto shop may be offering you a good deal because of loyal custom or because they have a promotional offer running at that time.

There are certain auto shops, like Maaco, who will be able to do a good paint job for a total cost that is nearer to this price point, but for $300, you could probably purchase better materials and get on with the job yourself.

If you do choose to get it painted professionally for this price, be sure to top your painter if they do a good job as this is an absolute bargain.

What Is The Average Cost of Painting a Sedan?

If you’re the proud owner of a sedan then you’ll be looking at paying around $500 to $700 for a professional Maaco paint job. This is a great investment if you’re thinking about selling it in the future as the outer aesthetic will hugely impact the interest you receive in it.

However, if it’s already starting to show problems with the engine or any of the other inner workings that affect how the car will run, then no amount of paint (or money spent on it) will improve the value of your vehicle, making it less of a smart investment and more of a waste.

In the second instance, consider painting the car yourself to cover any rust spots or eyesores, and you’ll increase the chances of making a sale without spending as much as you would to have it professionally painted, which would reduce any potential profit you make.

What Is The Average Cost of Painting an SUV?

SUV owners can expect to pay slightly more for a paint job as this typically costs between $600 and $900, although this figure could easily rise to over $1,000.

There’s a wider margin for SUVs because the price will depend on the details, like the type of paint that’s used and whether you need any additional repair work to be carried out.

Repairs are a common variable among SUVs due to their off-roading ability, whereas sedans are used mainly on the roads and therefore there is less fluctuation in the price of a paint job.

What Is The Average Cost of Painting a Truck?

You’ve seen the size of some trucks, so you’ve probably already worked out by now that a truck will cost more to paint than your average car. It usually falls between $700 and $1000 due to the larger surface area that needs to be covered as this means more paint is used.

Don’t let yourself be scammed into paying more than you should be, however. Trucks might be a larger type of vehicle, but the additional area being painted isn’t so significant that you should be paying much more than what we’ve quoted here, so question your painter if it is.

What Is The Average Cost of Painting a Commercial Vehicle?

More expensive again is the cost of painting a commercial vehicle, as here you’d be looking at a minimum spend of $1,000 with more luxury services being closer to $5,000 in total.

If you’re designing your own company vehicle, it’s worth researching some of the other options that are available to you aside from paint. For example, why not go for a vinyl wrap design instead? It’s not necessarily cheaper, but it will give your vehicle a professional look.

For those who are dead-set on painting and don’t mind forking out a few grand to get the job done, you can achieve a similar effect to a vinyl wrap by commissioning some large stickers or magnets which you can place over the Maaco paint job to make it more interesting.

What Is The Average Cost of Painting a Semi-Truck?

This is where you’ll start to notice a bigger jump up in costs, as painting a semi-truck is going to be a lot more expensive than painting any other type of vehicle.

Brace yourself, because a semi-truck paint job is likely to have a starting point of around $2,000 and can reach an eye-watering $10,000 if you want it done to high-quality standards.

Is Hiring a Professional Really Worth It?

In some situations, there is definitely a huge advantage to having a paint job done professionally, like if you have a classic or high-value vehicle, or if the bill is going to be covered by the insurance anyway. In the latter case, get the best paint job they’ll spring for!

The rest of the time, it’s only worth it if you’re comfortable with spending that amount on having it done. If $1,000 is what you consider pocket change, for example, (lucky you) then hiring a professional will be much easier and more convenient. For the rest of us, it’s worth doing yourself as this will save you a lot of money.

How Can You Estimate the Cost of Painting Your Vehicle?

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the total cost of painting your vehicle will depend on a number of factors. It’s also worth noting that the accuracy of the estimate can be as precise or as vague as you choose, again depending on certain factors.

If, for instance, you happen to be extremely interested in the painting process or if you’d like to find out the exact cost before you commit to doing it yourself, you can work out how much paint you’ll need to use by measuring the square footage of the intended area.

Once you know the square footage of what you’re painting, you’ll easily be able to cost this up with the price of paint and, if choosing to use one, a spray gun, to work out how much you’ll end up spending on the job altogether.

As a general rule, you’ll need at least 2 gallons of a basecoat paint and another 2 gallons of clear coat paint, plus 2 gallons of the color.

Alternatively, there are painting kits available to buy online which come with the basic essentials you’ll need for the job for around $150.

Estimating Maaco’s Paint Price

When you’re not sourcing the materials and carrying out the labor yourself, it’s difficult to know for sure how much a paint job will cost you in the end, but Maaco is pretty good for giving you an estimate once they’ve assessed the vehicle for damage and repairs.

As a chain, Maaco can also guarantee pretty consistent prices across their shops which you’d struggle to find with some of the smaller, independent automotive repairs companies.

If you want to know exactly how the cost of a Maaco paint job works out, take the estimate they’ve given you (e.g. $400) and the size of your car (e.g. a 75 square foot sedan) and you can use the following equation to calculate the costs:

$400 / 75 square feet = $5.33 per square foot

Of course, the actual numerics will vary depending on the type of car you have and what you’ve been quoted, but this is a good example of how to estimate a Maaco price.

Estimating The Price of Paint When Doing It Yourself

Pricing up a paint job when you’re doing it yourself is much easier as you’ll have access to the exact costs of every material or tool you need. You also don’t have to factor in the costs of labor, not unless you fancy paying yourself a wage, that is.

So, let’s have a go at doing this with a few of the most popular products for carrying out an automotive paint job. We searched on Amazon for each of the following:

• Basecoat: Rust-Oleum Automotive Paint – $21.06
• Clearcoat: Dupli-Color Clear Coat Paint – $22.99
• Color coat: Dupli-Color Emerald Green Metallic Paint – $22.99

Total Cost: $67.04

You can see from this how you’d go about estimating the price of painting your vehicle yourself. It’s a pretty basic formula and if you reach a total you’re not happy with it’s easy enough to try and find a cheaper alternative to use instead.

Want to make the job a whole lot cheaper?

Then you might be better off with something like the Dupli-Color Universal Automotive Paint Aerosol which is an all-in-one spray that will cost you tens rather than hundreds of dollars.

Want to make the job a whole lot easier?

Then consider purchasing a spray paint gun which will help you finish much faster than you would using a traditional paintbrush. The REXBETI Home Electric Spray Gun is a good choice, even if it does turn the job into a slightly pricier one.

Alternatively, you can search for an all-in-one basics kit like the Restoration Shop Acrylic Urethane Auto Paint Kit which includes everything you need for less than $150.

Estimated Cost of Labor for a Maaco Paint Job

Things get even trickier when you’re trying to estimate the labor costs for a professional paint job, especially if you can’t find out the wage of the employees who work at Maaco.

Our investigation tells us that Maaco employees typically earn around $10 to $30 an hour. When you add on the cost of paint and materials, this means you could be charged up to $50 an hour for using Maaco’s professional painting services.

But how long does it really take to finish an automotive paint job?

According to their wait times, you could be without your car for up to 2 days while they get the job done, so now might be a good time to find that bus pass you lost the other week.

Our estimation, however, is that a seasoned Maaco painter could easily have this wrapped up in about 4+ hours, so this is what we’ll use in our estimation. As we said, it’s harder to be exact when you’re not doing the job yourself, but this should give us a good idea of the cost.

This one is just as easy to estimate – just divide the amount you’ve been quoted (e.g. $500) by the number of hours the job took to complete (e.g. 4), and take away what you’ve already worked out for your materials, then you’ll be left with an estimate of what you’ll pay for labor.

How To Save Money On Your Vehicle’s Paint Job

The first and most obvious choice to cut costs on your car’s paint job is to do it yourself. This is especially worth considering if your car’s seen better years or if there are engine problems that negate any aesthetic appeal anyway. In fact, in this case, we’d actively encourage it.

Don’t let your brain run away with you and start thinking that if you don’t go to a professional, your car will end up looking worse than it first did when you started. This simply isn’t true.

There’s nothing to say that you won’t be able to achieve professional-level standards by painting your vehicle yourself, but there are a few supplies you’ll need to get the job done.

Paint Masker

Masking up before painting is one of those jobs that nobody wants to do, but it makes all the difference to the final results. Your lines will go from shaky to smooth for a crisp finish, and you can effectively cover up any areas you want to avoid getting paint on in the process.

Get your hands on a hand-masker and some automotive paint tape and you’ll be able to get on with it with minimal effort and professional results.

Body Filler

If you’re painting your car, you’re not going to want existing marks or scratches on the surface showing through when you’re finished, so getting a good body filler like this one from Bondo and some spreaders will help to smooth out any imperfections before you get started.

It’s not the easiest technique to master so maybe give it a go on a less important project before attempting this on a high-pressure job, but there are plenty of videos you can watch online that will point you in the right direction.

Sandpaper

Seeing as having a smooth surface to work with is so essential when it comes to painting a car, you’ll need to get yourself a wet sanding kit that will give you a clean finish.

If you’re covering an old layer of paint with a fresh new coat it might not need much sanding down, but it depends on which type of paint was used then and what paint you’re using now.

In cases where there’s a lot of peeling you should strip it right back using some type of paint and rust stripper, but if there’s not as much wear and tear then wet sanding should be more than enough to buffer the surface until it’s smooth.

Paint and Rust Stripper

You won’t get far when painting an old car if you don’t have a paint and rust stripper handy, as the older the paint is, the harder it is to take off ready for a fresh coat. Skipping this step means that areas where the new paint sits on top may flake off, leaving gaps in the surface.

For a particularly rusty vehicle, we recommend using the 3M Paint and Rust Stripper which is as effective as it is affordable, so you can rely on it to do a good job.

Powder Sander

If sandpaper has got no chance and a paint and rust stripping is also struggling, you may need a power sander to fully remove a particularly stubborn, particularly old coat of paint.

This will make even lighter work of this essential job, but it’s more expensive than your average sheet of tracing paper. We think that the Black+Decker Random Orbit Sander is reasonably priced considering the quality, and it’s a highly rated Amazon’s Choice pick.

Plastic Razor Blades

When it’s time to peel off any masking tape you’ve applied or if there are old stickers on the vehicle that need to be removed before painting, the last thing you want to do is risk scratching the paint you’ve just labored over applying with a knife or razor blade.

Luckily, a plastic razor blade will often be able to remove adhesives from the car’s exterior without leaving a mark. It can even be used to help you line up your tape as you apply it.

Drop Cloth

Laying one of these down will protect your flooring from the paint and keep any spray to a minimum for a quick clean-up after the job is done.

Masking Film

There are also your windows to think about, and these can be easily covered with some masking film. Like masking tape, masking film can also be used to protect any areas of your car where you’d like to avoid painting.

Aside from doing it yourself, there are a few other ways that you can save money on your vehicle’s paint job, including but not limited to the following:

Minimize Prep Time

Even if you’re not doing the whole paint job yourself, one way to reduce costs is to reduce the amount of work the professionals will need to do. Preparation is key, so getting just a few small bits ready could help lower the overall cost.

This could include buffing out a few dents or replacing any damaged parts yourself to

Avoid Car Dealerships

Dealerships are where people go when they want to buy a new car, but they shouldn’t be the place you turn to when you’re in need of a paint job or repairs. All this will get you is a huge hike in prices, as you won’t just be paying for the cost of the work itself.

The majority of dealerships won’t have this done in-house, so you’ll be paying to have it sent somewhere else when you could easily cut out the middleman and go straight to the source yourself. This will save you a tonne of money, so it’s definitely advice worth listening to.

Get Multiple Bids

Haggling can sometimes feel tricky to navigate, but one way to get a good deal is to pit competitors against each other to see who can offer you the best price. You should be able to get a quote from them via the phone, so call a couple and see what they can do.

Once you have a few quotes from a few different places, you can go back to your top choices, reveal their competitor’s prices and see if they come back with a better deal. It’s not as scary as it sounds, and it’s a surefire way to get the best possible price.

Hire a Handyman

If you know someone in your local area who may be interested in taking on a job like this, why not ask around to see if anyone else you know can recommend their services.

This can be a great way to help those in your own community, and you’ll often get a better price when it’s someone you know doing the job. Good places to look online include Facebook, Marketplace, Craigslist, and other websites for finding local handymen.

Do always keep in mind that there’s always a chance you may not end up with quite as professional-looking results and they might not be insured if there’s any damage.

Get Second-Hand Supplies

Searching for second-hand supplies is a great way to keep costs low and there’s plenty of people selling odd bits and bobs on websites like the ones listed above, so there’s no need to spend more than necessary on new kit for the job.

Be a Good Customer

They say it costs nothing to be kind, but it could end up costing you if you’re not when it comes to the costs for these types of jobs. Tradesmen will put a lot into the work they do and they deserve respect, but going the extra mile might earn you a cheeky discount.

Is Maaco Worth It?

If you’ve made it this far, there’s probably only one question left on your mind. Is a Maaco paint job worth it?

After all this research into how much a Maaco paint job costs, we’re pretty confident in recommending their services per the criteria we set out earlier in this article.

Relative to the price, Maaco seems to be worth it in certain circumstances, or if you one a Honda, Chevy, Chevrolet, or another common type of car, and it saves you the hassle of doing it yourself. Our research shows that most people are pretty happy to pay for a Maaco job.

To recap, it might not be the best fit for a car that’s already on its last legs, but Maaco is worth considering if a professional paint job would benefit your vehicle and if you’re looking for a quality, quick painting service where they charge reasonable prices.