What a lucky nephew! It could cost between $500 and $5,000 to paint a truck.
That’s a pretty broad range, we know. The price will depend on how serious the job is, how much sanding is required, and how much your local body shop charges. In major cities, costs are generally higher, for instance.
If you are willing to attempt a DIY job, make sure you have the skills to sand, tape, paint, finish, and remove the windows. You could save money—but you might end up with unattractive overspray if you make a mistake. You could always just remove the scratches
and call it a day. Let’s assume you want to hire a trained professional.
A skilled paint job can involve as many as 24 coats. It may also require specialized paints and finishes, depending on where you live. For example, do you need rust removal and UV protection?
Here’s a breakdown of what you could expect to pay for a professional job:
Basic ($300 - $1,000) - Synthetic paint with minimal coats, not usually applied to unseen areas like beneath the hood
Standard ($1,000 - $4,500) - Sanding and rust repair followed by several coats
Showroom quality ($5,000 +) - Completely sanded down to bare metal, rust repair, multiple coats over four weeks
Remember to transfer the title
over properly before you hand over the keys to your nephew. If you need help navigating the car insurance
transfer process, use the Jerry
app. We can help you (or your nephew) find a low rate. Our friendly agents can answer questions and help ensure a smooth transition! Good luck with the paint job!