How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Car Door?

Car paint jobs are notoriously expensive. This is largely because automotive paints are relatively expensive, but body-shop labor costs can be a big part of the price as well. One method of avoiding the high cost of getting a brand-new paint job is to spot repair or simply paint one vehicle panel. The costs associated with doing so are far less than what it costs to repaint the entire car.

Identification

Spot repairing is a cost-effective method and is far cheaper than repainting a whole car door. But, in many instances it isn't a good fix, and it generally doesn't provide the same quality of appearance. This article will discuss the costs associated with painting a car-door panel.

Types

When painting a car-door panel, you can choose DIY painting (do-it-yourself) or painting by professionals at a body shop. Generally, DIY painting is cheaper because there are no labor costs. But the cost of specialized equipment and available volume of paint may make DIY painting prohibitive for some people.

Considerations

Several factors help determine the actual price of painting a car-door panel. The size of the panel is one of the most important factors. Bigger doors require more paint and time; therefore they cost more to paint. The type of paint is another important facet of the price. Some paint types are more expensive, especially custom paints and those found on luxury vehicles. Finally, the desired paint job can greatly influence the price. Those who are repainting a damaged door with a custom paint job of some kind can expect to pay far more than those who are using standard paint with no special designs.

Expert Insight

Although the price for painting a car door can vary wildly, in most cases the cost will be somewhere between $300 and $1,200. The majority of normal cars with standard paint jobs will cost between $400 and $700, but larger vehicles and those with special paint can cost more. Those painting the door on their own can probably slash at least 35 to 50 percent off of the cost by eliminating labor. Also, be aware that car dealerships generally charge more than body shops. It is argued by some, however, that dealers do a better job and know the vehicles better.

Warning

Even though it will definitely save you money in the short term, it isn't recommended for people without expertise to attempt to paint their car door on their own. If you make a mistake in a DIY auto painting project, you will likely have to take the car to a body shop to have the mistake corrected, eventually costing more than it would have to just let the professionals paint it for you in the first place. Be sure to honestly evaluate your own abilities before attempting any repairs to your car and make sure that it's really worthwhile to take the risks associated with doing so.