How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Ford Mustang? Price Range Breakdown

Factors That Determine Mustang Paint Job Cost

Painting a Mustang can greatly enhance its appearance and increase its value. However, a quality paint job is a significant investment. The cost to paint a Mustang can range widely depending on the extent of the work required, the quality of materials used, who does the work, and numerous other factors.

Condition of Existing Paint and Body

The condition of the existing paint and bodywork has a major impact on cost. A basic repaint of a Mustang with paint in good shape will cost much less than one requiring extensive prep and bodywork repairs. Factors that increase paint job cost include:

• Faded, oxidized, or damaged clearcoat or paint that needs to be sanded down to bare metal
• Dents, rust spots, or collision damage requiring panel repairs or replacements
• Stripping old paint if it is too thick or incompatible with new paint

Quality of Paint Products

The quality level of the paint products used also affects overall cost. High-end urethane or enamel paints provide superior gloss, durability, and longevity compared to economy acrylic enamels. However, they cost more upfront. Mustang owners aiming for show car quality typically opt for these premium automobile paints. Other product choices impacting paint job expense include:

• Number of separate paint coats (3-5 is typical)
• Use of sealers and primers
• High-grade sandpapers and supplies

Custom Paint Options

Custom paint applications like multi-stage pearls, candy colors, matte finishes, and graphics or stripes also add to the bottom line cost. These specialized techniques require more skill and labor to execute properly. Other popular Mustang custom paint ideas that increase price include:

• Two-tone paint schemes
• Hand-painted pinstriping designs
• Custom airbrush artwork

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Mustang Professionally?

Most Mustang owners choose to have their paint jobs done professionally in order to ensure top-notch results. Body shops and specialty restoration shops average between $3000-$7000 for a complete professional repaint. However, prices can go much higher for show-quality finishes or extensive restoration work.

Full Body Shop Refinishing

A full professional refinish job includes thorough prep work, dent and rust repair, primer and sealant coats, color and clear coat application, materials and labor. The average cost for a basic high-quality single stage paint job is $3000-$5000. Expect closer to $5000-$7000 for a premium quality job with tri-stage pearl or candy paints.

Show Car Quality Concours Restoration

For ultra high-end "concours" show car restorations with hundreds of hours of labor, costs often exceed $10,000 and may reach $15,000-$20,000. These museum quality paint jobs are exponentially more work intensive. They demand extensive disassembly, custom mixing and spraying of paints, and maniacal attention to minute details. The materials alone can surpass $5000 for exotic paints and supplies.

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Mustang DIY?

While DIY Mustang paint jobs require substantially lower cash outlays for labor costs, the painting process demands advanced skills. The prep work in particular is labour intensive. Costs hinge on the quality of products selected and the extent of repairs needed. Realistic budget estimates for DIY paint jobs typically fall between $1000-$2000.

Primer, Paint, Supplies

Sample costs for high-quality DIY paint job materials include:

• $200 - Urethane Primer
• $300 - Basecoat Paint System
• $250 - Urethane Clear Coat
• $150 - Sandpaper & Supplies

With preparatory repairs and modifications, realistic total budget estimates generally start around $1000 and may go up to $2000 or beyond with extensive restoration work.

Skill Level Requirements

While cost-saving, DIY painting requires strong technical skills, proper tools, and environment. Ambitious do-it-yourselfers able to produce professional quality results typically have autobody training or experience. Key factors for success include:

• Proper surface prep (extensive sanding/cleaning)
• Dust-free paint booth/area
• High quality spray painting gear
• Multiple thin, even coats
• Adequate curing times

Without the right skills, equipment, and workspace, achieving desirable finishes is extremely difficult.

Additional Mustang Paint Job Cost Considerations

Beyond the primary paint costs, additional related expenses can include:

Registration Compliance

In some regions, significant color changes require updating vehicle registration records. There are often small fees associated.

Stripe and Decal Removal

Eliminating existing stripes, decals or wraps requires chemical solvents or heat guns for adhesive removal. This adds labors costs prior to painting.

Overspray Protection

Masking off windows, tires, wheels and other areas not being painted helps prevent overspray. Taping takes time and materials.

Cut and Buff

A cut and buff after painting removes minor imperfections and enhances gloss for best finish. This adds a few hundred dollars typically.

In summary, the total cost to paint a Mustang runs from around $1000 DIY to $5000+ professionally or much higher for concours level show cars. Proper preparation is key to achieving desirable long lasting results.

FAQs

What is the typical cost for a basic Mustang repaint?

The average cost for a basic single stage paint job from a professional body shop or restoration specialist normally ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. This includes preparation, primer, paint and clear coat application.

What do professional shows car quality Mustang paint jobs cost?

For museum-worthy "concours level" restoration paint jobs with hundreds of hours of meticulous labor from expert specialists, expect costs from $10,000 up to $20,000 or more just for the paint work itself.

Is it really possible to DIY paint a Mustang for under $2000?

While extremely ambitious, with the right skills, proper equipment like a paint spray gun and booth, high quality paint products, and extensive preparation for clean surfaces it is possible for some do-it-yourselfers to repaint a Mustang for under $2000 total outlay.

Does the Mustang's existing paint condition impact cost?

Yes, the condition of the current paint and body panels is a major cost factor. Mustangs requiring extensive rust repair, bodywork, old paint removal or primer to prepare surfaces adequately can cost thousands more than those with paint in good shape.