How Much to Paint a Panel on a Car

We've all heard about Maaco and their incredibly low-priced paint jobs. Do you get what you pay for? Are their prices really that low? How do they do it?

If your car needs a paint job, and you're wondering if Maaco is the place to do it, you've come to the right place! Read on to learn about this car painting giant, their business practices, and their services. Decide for yourself if a Maaco paint job is right for you and your car.

Table of Contents

What's the Big Deal about Maaco?
- Many Locations
- Warranty Information
- Price Match Guarantee
History of Maaco
What Does Maaco Really Cost?
- How Much Does Maaco Charge to Paint a Sedan?
- What's the Cost of a Maaco Paint Job for an SUV?
- What's the Price of a Truck Paint Job at Maaco?
- How Much Does Maaco Charge to Paint a Commercial Vehicle?
Is Maaco Reputable?
- Better Business Bureau
- Consumer Affairs
What Services Does Maaco Offer?
Paint Services
- Basic Paint Service
- Preferred Paint Service
- Premium Paint Service
Other Services
- Surface Repair and Spot Painting
- Parts Replacement
What are the Advantages of Using Maaco?
What are the Disadvantages of Using Maaco?
- Franchise Business Structure
- Single Stage Paint Application
- Limited Color Matching
- Rushed Prep Work
How Can Maaco Charge So Little?
- Quick Turnaround
- High Volume
What is a Reasonable Charge for Repainting a Vehicle?
- Low-End Paint Costs
- Mid-Range Paint Costs
- Showroom Quality Costs
Can I Paint My Vehicle Myself?
When Should I Hire a Pro?
Replicating a Maaco Paint Job
What You Will Really Need for a DIY Paint Job
- Sandpaper
- Paint and Rust Stripper
- Sealer
- Paint Sprayer
- Drop Cloth
- Paint Masker, Tape, and Masking Film
- Body Filler
- Paint (Of Course!)
Things You Might Want for Your DIY Paint Job
- Portable LED Lights
- Power Sander
- Disposable Hooded Paint Suit
Pro Tips for Your DIY Paint Job
- Check for Unevenness
- Use a Guide Coat
- Read the Technical Sheet
- Test Your Paint First
- Test Your Spray Gun First

What's the Big Deal about Maaco?

According to the Maaco website, they are the number one auto paint company in America. They claim to have repainted and repaired over 20 million vehicles!

Many Locations

Part of Maaco's appeal is its availability. Maaco has over 500 franchise locations in the United States and Canada. They also offer online estimates and online appointment booking. Online availability is very attractive to consumers in our digital age!

Warranty Information

Maaco boasts a limited national warranty. This means if you change locations, any Maaco company should honor the warranty on the work done by a different Maaco franchise. (That is, as long as you provide the original invoice and repair order.)

Panel replacement or repairs have a one-year warranty against cracking, shrinking, or rust. Surface or rust repairs only have a 90-day warranty. Paint jobs have a one to five-year warranty against delamination, cracking, and peeling. The warranty length depends on whether you purchase the basic, preferred, or premium paint job.

The warranty on any work done by Maaco is voided if there is additional work done by anyone else on the vehicle.

Price Match Guarantee

Maaco has a price match policy with a lot of fine print. Read carefully before proceeding! They will match a competitor's price for an identical job.

For the price match guarantee, the competitor estimate must be within 50 miles of the Maaco franchise, and within 10 days of a Maaco estimate. Check with your franchise for their policy before bringing in competitors' quotes.

History of Maaco

Maaco was founded in 1972 by Tony Martino in Delaware under the company name "Driven Brands". In just five years, his one store grew to 200 paint and auto centers in North America. The 1980's brought a huge advertising campaign, including their famous slogan, "Uh-oh! Better get Maaco!"

The combination of Martino's business plan and the advertising worked. By 1987, Maaco grew to 400 stores. Several notable celebrities have appeared in Maaco's television commercials, including Burt Reynolds and Craig T. Nelson.

In the 2000s Maaco expanded their website, and their online presence. They even have a clever hashtag, #MAACOver (get it?). In 2014, founder Tony Martino was inducted into the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame. In 2008, Maaco and Meineke Car Care Center combined under the Driven Brands parent company.

In 2012, Jonathan Fitzpatrick became the president and CEO of Driven Brands, Inc. In addition to Maaco and Meineke, Driven Brands has also acquired 1-800 Radiator and A/C, CARSTAR, Take 5 Oil Change, ABRA, ATI, PH Vitres d'Autos, and Uniban. They continue to be successful and grow.

What Does Maaco Really Cost?

A Maaco paint job can cost as little as $300, and as much as $1,000 or more, according to the most recent estimates. Why is there such a wide price range? There are a variety of factors that go into a new paint job. The price is based on any body work needed beforehand, the size of the vehicle, and which tier of service you choose.

How Much Does Maaco Charge to Paint a Sedan?

The bare-bones, basic Maaco paint job on a sedan that doesn't need any body work will be around $300. For the premium paint service, it will cost around $500-$700 to get a sedan completely repainted.

If you own an older vehicle and are just looking to improve the car's aesthetics, a Maaco paint job may be just what you are looking for!

What's the Cost of a Maaco Paint Job for an SUV?

An SUV has much more surface area than a car. Depending on the size of your SUV, and any repairs needed, a Maaco paint job will cost between $600-$900.

What's the Price of a Truck Paint Job at Maaco?

Most trucks have a similar amount of paintable surface area to an SUV. Again, several factors will go into your estimate, including prep work, repairs, and truck size. Overall, the average price for a paint job for a truck at Maaco is $700-$1,000.

How Much Does Maaco Charge to Paint a Commercial Vehicle?

If you're looking to advertise your business on a commercial vehicle, you're probably looking for a custom paint job. These can be pricey, ranging from $1,000-$5,000. Vinyl vehicle wraps are a more cost-effective alternative to a custom paint job.

Is Maaco Reputable?

Some people may turn up their noses at a Maaco paint job. There are entire online forums dedicated to the question of Maaco's reputation. I checked two reliable sources: the Better Business Bureau, and Consumer Affairs.

Better Business Bureau

When I looked up Maaco on the Better Business Bureau, there were 626 listings. 312 of those had a rating of 'A' or better. 47 stores had a 'B' rating. 22 stores had a 'C', 29 had a 'D', and 25 had an 'F'. The remainder of the stores were not rated. Only 41 stores are Better Business Bureau accredited.

A Better Business Bureau accreditation simply means that the company makes a good faith effort to promptly resolve complaints. The company pays the Better Business Bureau a yearly fee for accreditation review.

Consumer Affairs

According to Consumer Affairs, Maaco currently has 3.8 stars out of 5, based on 57 ratings in the last year. Common complaints include color errors, or rough finishes. Many customers were pleased with the paint job and customer service at their local franchise.

What Services Does Maaco Offer?

We all think of paint when we think of Maaco. Paint may be their specialty, but they do offer other services, as well.

Paint Services

According to the Maaco website, all their vehicle paint processes involve five steps.

Repair: This is one of the points of service that may affect your end cost. Maaco can repair your car's dents and blemishes in their shop before they paint.
Surface smoothing: This step should eliminate any surface scratches or dings.
Sealer: Maaco offers three levels of sealer. This step is designed to create a fresh foundation for the new paint.
Paint: See below to learn more about the levels of paint services offered.
Finish: Clear coat is added to protect the paint and help the car look glossy.

When you pick up your vehicle, you will get a chance to inspect it before you sign off on the paint job. If you are dissatisfied, Maaco promises to fix any problems you might encounter.

Basic Paint Service

The basic paint job has the lowest price tag. Maaco uses a single-stage enamel paint. Single-stage paints have the base coat and gloss coat combined. The basic service has a one-year warranty. Enamel paint is inexpensive, adheres well to the car, and provides good coverage. But it is more prone to fading and chipping over time.

Preferred Paint Service

The preferred paint service uses a single-stage application of urethane paint. Urethane paint is resistant to chipping and fading, plus it is more durable than enamel paint. This level of paint service includes a three-year warranty.

Premium Paint Service

The premium paint service claims to have the best durability and appearance, but also the highest price tag. The premium service includes a two-stage application and a five-year warranty.

A two-stage paint application uses a dull base coat, then a separate finishing coat. The end result is usually a higher shine and better durability.

Other Services

Surface Repair and Spot Painting

Spot painting is a small, localized paint job to repair damage, usually due to a minor bump or accident. The areas in need of repair are sanded, then painted to blend in with the rest of the vehicle. Once the paint is touched up, the car is sealed and buffed.

Parts Replacement

Maaco offers the option of recycled parts, when available, to keep costs down. The use of recycled parts does affect the warranty. New parts or certified aftermarket parts are available, as well. Maaco will provide the service to replace the necessary auto parts.

What are the Advantages of Using Maaco?

Obviously, Maaco's low cost is a huge incentive to use their services! Plus, if you find a lower price at a competitor, they will match it. Their work is covered by warranty. It is also very easy to find a nearby Maaco just about anywhere in the United States.

Maaco is also a one stop shop. They will repair, prep, and paint your vehicle. They are usually capable of custom paint jobs in a wide variety of colors and finishes.

What are the Disadvantages of Using Maaco?

Franchise Business Structure

Maaco operates its stores as franchises. The franchise owner sets the tone for the store, not Maaco. As a result, there may be different standards and procedures at different Maaco locations. Research locations in your area before taking your car in to be painted.

Single Stage Paint Application

A lot of automotive paint companies disassemble vehicles before painting, then paint each panel separately, then reassemble the vehicle. Maaco's paint process is a little more streamlined. They tape off trim, then spray the entire vehicle with paint. The result can be less uniform than a traditional panel by panel paint job.

Limited Color Matching

Maaco has their own line of paint colors that are used in their stores. If you are in the market to completely change the color of your car, there are a lot to choose from! If you need a spot repair or want to match the existing color of your car, that may be a bit more tricky.

Rushed Prep Work

Again, this may depend on the location and the technician, but a common complaint about Maaco is that they rush the prep work. Preparing a car for paint can be very time-intensive. It involves surface preparation, masking, and taping. A busy Maaco franchise may not have the time or manpower to effectively prep every car that comes through their business.

How Can Maaco Charge So Little?

This is the million-dollar question! Some automotive businesses charge thousands of dollars for a paint job. How can Maaco make money on $300 paint jobs?

Quick Turnaround

First of all, Maaco primarily does quick, one-coat paint application jobs. Instead of removing the body panels from a vehicle, and painting each of them separately, Maaco preps, masks, and paints the entire vehicle. This allows them to save time per vehicle. In the service industry, time is money.

High Volume

Second, there are a lot of Maaco stores out there! By servicing a high volume of vehicles, Maaco is able to make money while not charging very much.

What is a Reasonable Charge for Repainting a Vehicle?

We know what Maaco charges to repaint a vehicle! What about the other guys? We'll give a rough estimate of what any other business in the United States may charge for a paint job.

Low-End Paint Costs

According to CostHelper Cars' recent data, customers who got a budget car painting job, like the ones performed at Maaco, spend between $400 and $875, with an average cost of $566. This report states that about one-third of those surveyed were unhappy with their low-cost paint job.

Mid-Range Paint Costs

CostHelper defines a mid-quality paint job as a service that costs between $1,000-$1,800 with an average cost of $1,316. Unlike the customers who went for the budget paint jobs, most customers who paid out for a mid-quality paint job are happy with the results.

This mid-range price range usually includes more extensive prep work on the vehicle, such as rust removal and panel repair. If you talk to any car person, they will tell you that prep work is key for an amazing paint job!

Unlike Maaco's basic, and professional paintwork, these mid-range automotive paint jobs usually include 3-5 coats of clear car paint to give the vehicles a glossy, durable finish.

Showroom Quality Costs

Obviously, if you are looking for showroom quality, or a highly customized paint job, be prepared to shell out some cash! The CostHelper readers who sprang for high-end paint for their vehicles spent between $2,400-$7,500, with an average cost of $4,975.

Though, a speciality paint job may cost as much as $20,000! All of those surveyed who spent the money on a showroom quality paint job were satisfied with the results.

A showroom quality paint job usually includes:

Extensive prep work, including the removal of body panels.
Completely sanding away any previous paint.
Dent repair.
20-24 layers of paint, including 6-8 layers of clear coat.
Custom details like an airbrush artist, or metallic paint.

Can I Paint My Vehicle Myself?

Absolutely! Many car owners choose to paint their vehicles themselves. If you have looked at the options, and feel like you could do just as well yourself, then it is worth a try!

A new coat of paint will give your car an aesthetic boost. If you're considering selling the vehicle, shiny, new paint could make a huge difference in its sellability.

When Should I Hire a Pro?

If you have an expensive or classic vehicle and you want showroom quality paint, I would recommend hiring a professional to get the look you desire. If you have been in an accident, and insurance is covering the cost of new paint, it may be worth it to allow a professional to do the job.

Replicating a Maaco Paint Job

How much would it cost for you to paint your car on your own with Maaco-type supplies and paints? I found some similar paint options on Amazon to compare prices.

The first thing you'll need is a polyurethane auto body paint, similar to the paint used by Maaco's professional and premier tiers. This paint is a single-stage acrylic paint that would deliver similar results. You will probably need about three quarts for the average paint job.

Next, you'll need a glossy clear coat. This will give your car the shine you're looking for! You'll need another three quarts of the clear coat.

Or, you can buy a complete urethane paint kit. This kit includes one gallon of urethane paint, stir sticks, and a spray-on urethane paint hardener, all fairly similar to what you would get from Maaco.

What You Will Really Need for a DIY Paint Job

If you want a professional-looking paint job without the professional price, you may be able to achieve it yourself. Vehicle paint and supplies can be expensive! Get some estimates, and evaluate the cost of supplies before you get started.

Sandpaper

Any rough parts of the vehicle need thorough sanding. Wet sanding is recommended for automotive work. Learn more about wet sanding in the video below by AMMO NYC. This variety pack of sandpapers should get the job done!

Don't be afraid to start with a harsh-grit sandpaper, like 80-grit. Once all the surface bumps are sanded down, switch to a finer grit. A fine-grit paper, like 150-grit will be ineffective on bumps and imperfections and is better for smoothing things out at the end of the sanding process.

Paint and Rust Stripper

If you are taking off all the previous paint, or have rust to remove, you will need a paint and rust stripper. This highly abrasive pad fits onto most standard drills.

Sealer

Sealer may seem like an unnecessary step since you just paint over it in the end. However, most experts use sealers. It is especially important if you have any exposed metal on the vehicle, or you're making a drastic color change.

Paint Sprayer

An automotive paint sprayer will make painting your vehicle so much easier! Most paint sprayers that would be suitable for automotive work run with the help of an air compressor. If this all seems like a huge investment, air compressors are often available for rent, or you could borrow one from a friend.

Drop Cloth

A bunch of disposable drop cloths will make clean up a breeze and protect your concrete from paint damage.

Paint Masker, Tape, and Masking Film

A paint masker is a great tool to keep paint off any part of the car you want to keep clean. Use masking film to thoroughly cover all windows and trim.

Body Filler

Sandable body filler is a great way to fill in dents and dings. Use body filler spreaders to apply the filler for the best results.

Paint (Of Course!)

Any of the paints listed above will work to repaint your vehicle. A urethane or acrylic urethane paint will have a glossy, durable finish. These kinds of paint can be tricky to apply. Find some videos, and have a practice run before you apply the paint to your car!

Duplicolor, Speedo-Kote, and Restoration Shop all manufacture high-quality urethane paints.

Things You Might Want for Your DIY Paint Job

There are a few tools that aren't totally necessary, but will make your job a lot easier!

Portable LED Lights

Commercial automotive painting businesses have lights on every inch of the vehicle. While you may not be able to replicate this at home, portable LED work lights will definitely help light up any flaws! The more light, the better!

Power Sander

Sanding an entire vehicle by hand requires a lot of elbow grease! Make your job easier with an orbit sander. This will save you time if you have a lot of old paint, rust, or scratches to remove.

Disposable Hooded Paint Suit

A hooded paint suit will keep your clothes neat and clean! Just roll it up and throw it out when you're done.

A paint suit will also protect your brand new paint job. Most of our clothes contain bits of dust and lint. Any tiny speck of dust or hair will adhere to wet paint and can mar the vehicle's finish. If you keep your paint suit sealed before and after painting, it should be free of dust.

Pro Tips for Your DIY Paint Job

You've got all your supplies, read all the tutorials, and watched all the videos. You're ready to paint! Here are a few, final pro tips before you get started.

Check for Unevenness

It is difficult to see any uneven or wavy patterns on a dull car. After you have sanded down the primer, apply a very light coat of wax and grease remover down the side of the car. This will replicate the shine of your final paint job. Sight down the shiny surface of the car to look for any unevenness.

Use a Guide Coat

A guide coat is a very light coat of paint over the primer. This will allow you to tell what you have sanded and what you've missed.

If you have a light-colored primer, use a dark guide coat. If your primer is dark, use a white guide coat. This is a small, extra step that can really make a difference in the final product.

Read the Technical Sheet

Don't wing it! If your paint did not come with a technical sheet, there should be one available online. Read it carefully! Not all vehicle paints are created exactly the same.

It is important to be aware of any special instructions for your particular paint. Keep the technical sheet near your work area for easy access during your project.

Test Your Paint First

Paint a couple of test patches on some smooth cardboard. If you have sheet metal to practice on, that's even better! A larger test area will allow you to see any unevenness. Practice makes perfect!

Test Your Spray Gun First

Don't immediately start spraying your vehicle! Practice with the spray gun first. If you have running paint, or the paint applies unevenly, adjust the nozzle and try again. Don't start painting your car until you are satisfied with the spray pattern and your skill with the paint gun.

Final Thoughts

We've all heard the saying, "You get what you pay for." Sometimes, that really is the truth! Some people have been satisfied with a basic Maaco paint job. If you're trying to shine up an older car to sell it, Maaco may be just what you need. However, if you are particular about the finish on your vehicle, it may be worth it to explore other options.

Check out all of your local automotive paint stores, including Maaco, plus, weigh the benefits of a DIY paint job before you make your decision.

How Much to Paint a Panel on a Car

Source: https://paintstrategies.com/maaco-paint-job-cost/