How Much To Paint Car Hood?

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If you’ve noticed scratches, dents, or fading on your car’s hood, you might be considering getting it repainted. Painting a car hood isn’t just about slapping on some color; it’s about understanding how much to paint car hood and what are the processes involved. 

On average, a basic car hood paint job can cost between $200 and $400. A mid-level one will be about $300 to $600. And if you want the best quality, it might be around $1,000. However, this cost varies on different aspects like where you live, the type of paint you choose, and the shop you go to. 

How Much To Paint Car Hood Professionally?

Getting a professional touch can alter the look and longevity of your car’s hood paint. But how much does it cost to get that sleek, expert finish? Let’s get into it.

Low-End Car Hood Paint Job Cost

When it comes to professionally painting a car hood, the cost and quality can vary based on your preference and budget. On the lower end of the budget-friendly options, you have quick touch-up choices, and you can expect the Maaco cost to paint a hood to be in the range of $200 to $250.

This involves a simple basic car hood paint job, which combines clear coat and color in one. This process might not be as durable and might not offer a perfect color match, especially as some chains use their unique paint blends. 

Typically, there’s minimal preparation, and it might leave small dents or rust patches untouched. 

Mid-Range Cost to Paint a Car Hood

For those looking for a balance between cost and quality, the mid-range paint job is a good fit, that usually costs between $300 to $600. It offers a noticeable jump in quality, with additional work like fixing paint blisters, dent repair, bumper painting and rust removal. 

The painting process is more detailed, starting with a primer followed by multiple layers of urethane paint and a clear coat. The mid-range car hood paint job ensures a better finish and longevity. 

High-End Car Hood Paint Job

If you want top-tier quality, the high-end paint job is the way to go. It’s a significant investment, with costs for an entire car ranging from $800 to a whopping $8,000 or even $20,000 for extremely detailed work.

 It involves stripping down the old paint to the bare metal, ensuring an impeccable finish. Only premium urethane paints are used, applied in multiple layers to guarantee depth and shine. 

If you want custom details, such as airbrushing or specialty paints, you should look into this range. Regardless of your choice, there’s a paint job specific for every need and budget.

How Much Does It Cost To Paint Your Own Car Hood? | DIY Guide

Instead of wasting big bucks for a professional job, I decided to paint it myself. Let me share my experience, step by step, including how much I spent on each part of the process.

Prepping with Masking Tape

The first thing I did was to grab some masking tape to cover the bits of the car I didn’t want splashed with paint. 

I was pretty surprised when the basic masking tape cost me around $7.16, but I realized it’s essential for a clean job. It was easy to put on and peel off without leaving residue. Make sure the areas you don’t want painted are well-covered.

Using a Groundsheet

I then spread out a groundsheet in my garage. I already had one that I used in a previous project, so no extra cost here. 

I had a lifesaver; there was no need to clean up paint drips afterward. The groundsheet was large enough to cover my working area. 

Sanding the Hood

The next step was to get the car hood ready for paint. I bought Fandeli sandpaper and spent a good amount of time ensuring the surface was smooth. 

I went in circular motions, checking my work frequently for consistency. It cost me about $18, but the smooth finish was worth every penny.

Applying the Primer

Before I applied the paint, I applied Rust-Oleum 249418 automotive primer that cost me $6.88.  The primer came in a spray can, which made application simple. 

A few passes and the hood was uniformly covered, ready for the paint. I noticed how it seamlessly prepped the surface, ensuring better paint adhesion. The difference it made in the final outcome was remarkable. 

Investing in a Paint Sprayer

I could’ve gone the brush route, but a friend suggested a Y-KINZ HVLP spray gun set. It set me back by $45, but the even finish it gave was unparalleled. The sprayer was a little tricky to use at first, but after a few tries, I got the hang of it.

Choosing the Paint

For the actual paint, I went with Sherwin Williams urethane clear coat. It cost me about $52, and one quart was just right for my car’s hood. 

The key here was to keep the layers thin and even, and I went with about 3 to 4 coats. Make sure you stir the automotive paint thoroughly before coat application.

You can follow the step-by-step car paint correction process in detail.

Final Touch with a Top Coat

To seal and protect the paint, I applied a Dupli-Color automotive topcoat. This added another $14 to my total spend, but the gleaming finish was so worth it! It gave the paint an additional coat of protection. 

I could apply the topcoat quite easily, and I could really see the shine once it dried.

Do you know the costs of repainting a car or truck? Explore our guide to get an idea of the expenses involved.

My Overall Spend

It might seem like a lot of money upfront, but think of the costs you’re saving in labor. By the end of it all, my wallet was lighter by around $143.04. 

But when I looked at my car’s refreshed hood, every cent felt worth it. Plus, I got the satisfaction of doing it all with my own two hands!

Check out Maaco’s online estimator to paint your car by checking out the informative guide.

To Wrap It Up

If you’re considering giving your car hood a fresh coat, don’t hesitate to DIY. It’s more economical, and the personal touch? Priceless! Trust me or not, when I could get success in this DIY, so can you! 

So, get ready to paint your car hood at your garage. Get back to this guide on how much to paint car hood whether you plan to get it done by professionals or yourself.

FAQS On Car Hood Painting

Q. Which car color rapidly fades out?

While black is an elegant car color choice, it begins fading more rapidly than other colors. Minor contaminants like dirt, dust, or pollen stand out on its surface, causing it to appear lackluster.

Q. What color car stays cleanest longest?

White cars tend to maintain a clean appearance for longer durations. They are adept at concealing minor imperfections, scratches, and water marks. Additionally, dirt is less noticeable on white, in contrast to colors like black or grey which might highlight dust and grime more prominently.

Q. What colors to avoid for cars?

Avoid dark colors like black, grey, blue, red, green, or navy, as they show dirt, scratches, and imperfections more readily than lighter shades.

Q. Is it possible to only repaint a car’s hood?

Yes, if the hood is old or has rust, you can repaint it. Just clean it well before painting, and it can look like new. Make sure to match the paint color with the rest of the car.

Q. Which car paint color is the most affordable?

Standard colors like grey, white, or black tend to be more budget-friendly. Opting for unique or premium brand colors will likely cost you extra.