News & Advice

Yes, you can change the color of your car, but it’s a decision that involves several considerations, including cost, the complexity of the job, legal and insurance implications, and the potential impact on the vehicle’s resale value.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about changing your car’s color…

1. Cost

• The cost to change the color of a car can be significant, often more so than a same-color respray, because it involves painting areas that aren’t usually painted during a standard paint job, such as the engine bay, door jambs, and trunk area. This ensures a uniform color change without leaving any of the original color visible.

2. Complexity

• Changing the color of a car is a complex process that requires thorough preparation and disassembly to achieve a professional look. Everything that isn’t going to be painted needs to be removed or meticulously masked off. The vehicle will then need to be sanded down, primed, painted with the new color, and finally covered with a clear coat for protection.

3. Legal Considerations

• In many jurisdictions, changing the color of your car requires you to notify the relevant motor vehicle agency so that your vehicle’s registration details can be updated. Failure to do this might lead to legal issues, particularly if your car is identified by its color in an official capacity.

4. Insurance Implications

• You should inform your insurance company of the color change. The change could potentially affect your insurance premiums, depending on the insurer’s policies. Not updating your insurance company could lead to complications in the event of a claim.

5. Resale Value

• Changing the color of your car can either increase or decrease its resale value, depending on the quality of the job, the color chosen, and the preferences of potential buyers. Classic or high-value cars might lose value if their original color is part of their appeal.

Alternatives to a Full Paint Job

• Vinyl Wraps – A popular alternative to painting, vinyl wraps offer a way to change your car’s color without the permanence or expense of a paint job. Wraps are removable, allowing you to revert to the original color or change to a new color with relative ease.
• Plasti Dip – A removable rubber coating that can be sprayed onto the car’s exterior. It’s less durable than a vinyl wrap or paint but offers a cost-effective way to change your car’s appearance temporarily.

Conclusion

While you can change the color of your car, doing so is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration. Whether you opt for a full paint job, a vinyl wrap, or Plasti Dip, consider the costs, the process involved, and the impact on your car’s value and legality.