How much does it cost to paint a bumper? Is the color of your old car bumper starting to fade? Or is it possible that your newly purchased car bumper does not match the color of your vehicle? The expense of repairing body damage on a car always seems to be higher than you expect.
However, when you consider the cost of labor, components, and materials, as well as the extent of the damage and the type of car you’re driving, it’s easy to see how auto body shops arrive at these seemingly outlandish prices. If you need your car’s bumper painted, shop about and get multiple quotations to save money, even if it involves putting in some extra effort.
You may either get a new one with further investment or paint the old one for over 70% less than the cost of a new one. However, if you’re still undecided about whether or not to paint your bumper, there are a few compelling reasons to do so. Now that you appear to be convinced go ahead and paint it all.
- How Much Does It Cost?
- Cost By A Professional?
- Cost By DIY?
- Types of Bumper Paint
- Things You Must Know?
- Can I Paint Myself?
- Tips And Tricks
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper If You Hire A Professional?
Hiring a professional firm can be more cost-effective than doing it yourself. If you have a nice car, you should give it to the right person for the job. Why? As a result, if you don’t have any experience removing the bumper, you can damage electrical connectors or perhaps the bumper itself.
Furthermore, automotive painting is not the same as wall painting. If the bumper has never been painted before, it will require a little amount of additional preparation work, closed surroundings, and three completely separate coats, including:
Primer
If the bumper is brand new, it will need to be re-primed. The normal price for priming is $30 per quart; you’ll only need 1/2 of that to conceal a bumper.
Basecoat
The base coat is the colored paint that matches (or doesn’t match) the rest of the car, and it’s worth a lot of money, depending on the quality and color.
Clearcoat
The clear coat finish protects the paint job from scratches while also adding a lovely level of transparency. It has lovely transparency about it. Try an affordable paint gun when you only want to paint a vehicle professionally.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper?
If you want to perform the bumper painting yourself, go ahead and do it. However, don’t forget to include two aspects when estimating costs: the first is the preparation, and the second is the paintwork. Because you’ll be removing the vehicle bumper, this will need some hefty lifting. The amount of difficulty is determined by your experience with vehicles and autos, as well as the sort of vehicle you are working on.
If you’re an expert in this field, it shouldn’t take you more than half an hour, but if you’re a novice, plan on spending at least two hours on the preparation. You have now removed the bumper of the automobile. The steps are as follows:
- There will be existing paint on the bumper; clean it up and smooth it out before painting. You’ll start with 80-grit sandpaper and work your way up to 180 or 200-grit sandpaper. Sandpapers range in price from $5 to $15.
- You’ll need to clean up the mess you made when you’ve finished sanding the surface.
- To prepare a smooth surface for painting, remove all debris, dirt, and grains.
Work On The paint
We’ll get to the fun part of the painting now that you have a great and fine surface to paint on.
You’ll need the following items to complete the painting:
- 1 pint of basecoat (enamel or spray paint)
- 1-pint clear coat enamel paint
- Gloves
- Medium brushes with hard bristles in a square shape.
You’ll need to apply the base coat, enamel, or spray paint to complete the procedure. After that, apply a clear enamel coat. Allow 2-3 days for drying. You’re now ready to go. How much does it cost to paint a bumper? Paints will cost between $30 and $60 altogether, depending on the brand and type of paint. As I previously stated, the total cost would be between $60 and $100.
Cost Per Square Foot
Keep a few things in mind if you decide to paint your bumper yourself: The average car bumper has a width of roughly 6 feet and a length of one foot. As a result, you’ll need to paint a 6-square-foot area. A pint of base coat or clear coat and another pint of your selected paint will be sufficient for a 6 sq. ft. area.
Make sure the paint for autos is made explicitly for automobiles before taking it. When you come to the automotive paints section, make sure it’s compatible with the paint color code that you’ll find anywhere in the driver’s side door. So, if you’re going to do it yourself, How much does it cost to paint a bumper per square foot? Because of the ingredients, it will cost roughly $8-$10.
Estimating How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper – A Profession
When you hire a professional to do the task, they’ll assess the state of your vehicle, identify the type, estimate the difficulty of removing the bumper, and the cost of materials. Before you hire a professional to paint your automobile bumper, keep the following in mind:
- It takes at least 2 hours and up to 3 hours for a professional bumper paint job to be completed.
- Keep in mind that the professional company will bill you hourly for work.
- The labor cost of a reasonably good auto body shop is estimated to be roughly $70-$130 per hour.
- Then there’s the material cost, including the paint and base coat gallons. Professionals normally choose the highest-quality paints, which can cost between $50 and $100.
How much does it cost to paint a bumper? Adding the figures together, the total cost of having your bumper professionally painted would be between $180 and $300.
Cost Per Square Foot
If you want a low-cost, low-quality professional bumper painting, expect to pay $25-$30 per square foot of paint. Expect to pay roughly $40-$50 per square ft. painting if you hire a high-end business that does the highest quality paint job.
Paint And Labor Cost Estimation
Paint
A minor requirement for paints is 1 pint of clearcoat and 1 pint of selected color if you want to get a really stunning bumper paint job done. The paints would cost roughly $40-$60 in total, including the base coat and precise finish. This estimate is for enamel paints that must be applied with a brush.
In the case of spray paints, you’ll likely need two cans of each clear coat and base coat, which will set you back roughly $50-$70. Furthermore, if your automobile bumper isn’t in good shape, you’ll need additional supplies such as sandpaper and dent removal equipment. So, if you have a bumper in good shape, the material cost will be between $50 and $70, excluding the cost of repair.
The Cost Of Labor
Bumpers were merely metal pieces that shielded the automobile’s back from unexpected bangs and jolts in the early days of contemporary car creation. You’d unscrew the two or four bolts, and there you’d have it! It’s out. Car bumpers are now more integrated than ever before, with backup cameras, backlights, airbag sensors, warning sensors, and other features.
If you want to paint your automobile bumper, you’ll need to remove it first, which may require a lot of technical effort unless you have a car from the 1960s. As a result, the difficulty level will climb in tandem with labor time and cost, depending on the integrated parts.
For example, if you have a Honda, removing the bumper will be easier and take no more than 2 hours, with labor costing roughly $100-$150. However, if you have a Mercedes, you will need to remove the bumper and all related parts safely, which will take approximately 4 hours at the most, with labor costing roughly $200-$300.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper – The DIY Route
You can paint your bumper yourself if it has tiny fractures, dents, or rust stains. Significant damage, such as cracks and serious dents, will necessitate bumper repair or replacement, both of which should be handled by an expert.
You’ll need the following items to complete the DIY project:
- Sandpaper
- Basecoat
- Primer (clear coat)
- Latex gloves
- Clothes
- Goggles for safety
- A face mask or a face covering
Paint and accessories for automobiles are accessible from online retailers. Bumper paint kits start at roughly $80 for small touch-ups, and kits for larger tasks are usually in the $100 range.
Keep in mind that taking on the project on your own has several disadvantages:
1. You Must Be Cautious
Paint the bumper in an open, well-ventilated place to avoid breathing paint fumes. Make sure you’re wearing goggles and a mask to stay safe.
2. You’ll Have To Remove And Reinstall The Bumper
The removal of the bumper from your vehicle’s structure could take anything from 20 minutes to several hours. The amount of time it takes will be determined by the complexity of your vehicle and your level of automotive experience.
Depending on the vehicle, components behind the bumper may need to be properly disconnected and then reconnected once the bumper is painted. A 2019 Toyota Corolla may be more difficult to work with than a 2001 model because modern cars have more intricate bumpers.
3. You Should Still Have An Expert Inspect Your Automobile
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to paint a bumper after an accident, the easiest way to find out is to have your vehicle evaluated by a reputable auto repair shop. Even if your vehicle was only lightly touched in the collision and there is no visible damage beyond a few scratches or dents, the numerous components behind the bumper still pose a risk of internal harm. In more serious collisions, the wheels, frame, grille, and structural support may all be damaged.
4. It’s Conceivable That Your Paint Isn’t Exactly Matched
The bumper paint colors on a Blizzard Pearl Toyota Corolla and a Clear White Kia Sportage are dramatically different. If you aren’t dealing directly with the manufacturer or a competent auto body paint shop, there are no guarantees that the paint you buy will match the rest of your vehicle perfectly.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper – Different Types
There are two types of paint jobs: economy paint jobs and customized entire repaint jobs. The entire specifications for both paintworks are listed below.
1. Bumper Cover Painting At A Low Cost
These paint treatments will only cover your car’s exposed areas. The car’s interior is completely uncovered. Enamel paints are used in this method. No additional protection is provided by this type of paint job. Coatings will no longer be applied. As a result, the final product isn’t really impressive. How much does it cost to paint a bumper at a low cost? A low-cost paint job like this will easily set you back $250-$400.
2. Customized Bumper Cover Total Repaint
This is a top-of-the-line paint job. You obtain a high-quality finish that matches your car’s color and gives it a premium appearance. This style of paint job covers the entire vehicle. High-quality paint materials are used to cover both apparent and hidden surfaces. This will prevent you from getting a nasty scrape on your skin.
This type of painting can be very expensive. You’ll need to consult a professional. How much does it cost to paint a bumper? Painting an automobile can cost anything from $1,000 to $5,000. As a result, we estimate the total cost to be between $500 and $550.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper – Some Things To Know
There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to paint the complete bumper cover. This will make it easy for you to accomplish the assignment carefully.
- The information printed on the bumper cover is really important. Headlights, fog lights, sensors, cameras, and other equipment are all included. As a result, take particular caution when removing these items from your bumper cover. Remember that removing these items normally costs roughly $90 in labor. So you understand the sensitivity. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re a beginner.
- Consult a friend or coworker for assistance. This can help you get started and may even provide you with an extra pair of hands to assist you.
- You will save a lot of money on labor if you buy high-quality products.
- Begin with the simplest of tasks. This is an excellent place to begin. Stop immediately if you notice something that isn’t quite right.
When Do You Need To Repaint Your Bumper?
You might need to refinish or paint a bumper for various reasons. For starters, if you’re replacing an old bumper, you’ll need a fresh coat of paint. This is because new bumpers don’t come with any paint color, so you’ll have to match them to your car.
After the repairs, you’ll have to repaint your bumper. If your bumper has a dent or crack, you’ll need to repaint it following repairs. Otherwise, the paint color won’t match, and you’ll risk the paint flaking and breaking even more. Even if your bumper only has a few scratches and nicks, it’s worth thinking about repainting it. That’s because even little chips and scratches can quickly escalate to more serious damage.
If you have a metal bumper, it will rust, and if you have a plastic bumper, you will lose paint until you fix the problem. Finally, if you’re planning to sell your car and your bumper is in bad shape, repainting it can be worth it because you’ll recover the expense in the sale price.
Saving On How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper
Remove the bumper only if absolutely necessary. If you own a valuable automobile, you’ll want to paint the bumper correctly. But what about that economical automobile that gets you to work every day? You might avoid the effort of removing sensors by simply masking off the hood/trunk and painting the bumper.
Making Use Of A Spray Paint Can
You don’t have to use the identical paint color match that the color code specifies. Spray paint is a quick and easy technique to paint the entire bumper without having to use an air compressor or a spray gun.
Stay Away From The Paint Store
Our stance is that you should only employ a professional for the work if your insurance company is involved or if your vehicle’s worth depreciates without a professional appearance.
How Long Does It Take To Paint A Bumper?
A repaint process typically takes between 2 and 4 hours. If additional work is required to restore your bumper to its original condition, it will take longer and cost more. Because labor costs around $100 per hour, a 2-hour task will only set you back $200, whereas a 4-hour job will set you back $400.
The cost of paint materials is usually calculated on an hourly basis. You should plan to be without your vehicle for some time, as mechanics might take a long time.
Is It Possible For Me To Paint It Myself?
Many drivers ask if they can simply paint their own bumper after learning that a new bumper can cost upwards of $1,000. While it is an option, you should consider your skillset. A single blunder could end up costing you a lot more money in the long term.
Advantages:
- It is cost-effective.
- Develop a new skill.
Cons:
- Need to get the correct tools (sprayer).
- The results may be uneven.
Is It True That The Insurance Covers Maintenance And Repairs?
Most insurance policies do not cover normal wear and tear. If your bumper was damaged in an accident, though, your insurance may pay the cost. A comprehensive collision policy should cover repairs to your damaged bumper.
The right policy will also protect you if your bumper is damaged due to bad weather or theft. Check your policy right now to see what’s covered. You don’t want to be in a situation where you have to pay for a costly repair out of pocket.
Tricks And Tips On How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper
If you’re on a tight budget but still need your car bumper painted, here are a few pointers that might help.
1. Do Not Remove The Bumpers
Why not skip the whole mess of removing the bumper and all the attached systems if your car is your go-to vehicle for work, and that’s pretty much all it does with the average looks and functions? You can mask off the hood and paint the bumper’s outside surface to give it a fresh look. If you own a high-end or historic vehicle, though, this idea is unlikely to appeal to you.
2. Go For It On Your Own
It will cost you a lot of money to paint automobile bumpers, whether you go to a low-cost auto body shop or a high-end professional company. So, if you’re an expert in the automotive field, save your money and do the painting yourself!
3. Spray Painting Provides Good Coverage
If you want to do it that way, spray paint is preferable because it provides more coverage without removing the bumper.
4. Get Rid Of The Color Code
Yes, choosing a color that is exactly the same as the paint color code is a smart idea. If you’re on a tight budget, you may skip this step and save money by using the closest shade of bumper paint you can find.
Bumper Painting: Facts You Need to Know
- Bumpers are frequently damaged components of a vehicle and can be unsightly to owners.
- Minor damage like scratches or scuff marks can be fixed using a DIY process.
- For DIY bumper painting, you will need sandpaper, a base coat, a clear coat, primer, gloves, drop cloths, protective goggles, and a mask.
- Automotive paint and accessories can be found through online retailers such as TouchUpDirect, with light touch-up kits starting at around $80.
- DIY painting involves removing and reattaching the bumper, which is a more involved process than painting a wall in your home.
- There is the possibility of internal damage to the vehicle, so it should still be looked at by a professional, especially after an accident.
- Not all bumper paints are a perfect match, so there’s no guarantee that the paint you buy will be a perfect match to the rest of your vehicle.
- Professional auto body shops can perform full-service paint jobs on nearly every vehicle make and model.
- Rates for bumper painting vary depending on the auto repair shop but labor rates range between $47 and $215 per hour, with supplies costing a few hundred dollars.
- When looking for an auto body paint shop, choose one that is BASF certified for high-quality paint colors and coatings, as technicians receive extensive technical training in paint technology and color information systems.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Bumper, Final Verdict:
A bumper on your car serves a certain role. Most car owners believe that the car bumper’s main purpose is to avoid or lessen the severity of an accident. The bumper was created to protect the car’s hood, grills, gasoline pump, exhaust, cooling system, and trunk. Steel, aluminum, rubber, or plastic are among the materials used to make the bumper. In the event of a car collision, the bumper absorbs the impact. Many people question how much does it cost to paint a bumper?
Keeping your car in excellent shape isn’t always easy. Driving around town and even cross-country inside the country can cause the paint on your bumper to peel, and who knows, you may even replace your bumper for some reason during the lifetime of your car that is standard. And while your bumper will be replaced, the chances of it being the correct color or not are small because new bumpers are usually supplied unpainted.
