the cost of painting

[pat29]

Before I go out and ask, I thought id post this question here. I have an 01' explorer sport. I love this ford, very low maintaince. Tomorrow sometime on the way home from work she will hit 160k miles, most of which is all highway. This said, the paint on the front bumper and the hood is highly scratched, chipped and faded. I've always keept her clean, always washing and waxing. Last week i knowticed small 1 inch by 1 inch spots in several locations that were cracks in the paint. It looks just like an old painting all spider craked. At first I thougt dirt or bird stuff, but no. The paint seems to be starting to crack. Anyway, just to toss some discressionary money around, anyone know how much it would supposivly cost to get the front bumper and hood repainted? This will be the last black car i own. It might be the most impressive color all waxed up, but its impossible to keep clean.

[Charlie]

I'd guess in the neighborhood of 600-2000, depending on where you go, and how good of work they do. There are many cheap places to go, and many expensive places. Just remember, you usually get the quality of what you pay for. Just get a few estimates, and make sure it's a reputable shop.

[mark v]

Best bet is to actually contact a painter cause they can see and examine what needs painting and they are the ones painting your vehicle.

[pat29]

thanks guys. Two shops said the same thing about the price. Both quoted me 400 for the hood and 240 for the bumper. Scratch coat and a clear coat. They both let me know that the small spots were the start of the paint failing due to contaminants at some point in time. They sighted that bird dropping are acidic and can, over time, eat away at the clear coat leaving the underlying base coats exposed to the elements. Outside of this, they commented on how good she looks for 160k.