Automotive Paint
How Much to Paint Side Skirts?
Side-skirt painting cost depends on material, damage, preparation, color matching, finish quality, removal, and local labor rather than a fixed price range.
Published · Automotive Paint
So, if you are recently thinking of painting the side skirts of your car then you must be also wondering how much to paint side skirts!
Well, the cost of painting side skirts on both sides of a car may vary. However, the painting cost ranges from $100 to $350. Sometimes, you may have to pay more than this.
Nonetheless, to enlighten you with detailed information regarding the topic, bear with us till the end.
Also Read: How to Paint Flat over Semi Gloss?
How Much to Paint Side Skirts?
Painting side skirts can vary widely because material, scratches, repairs, sanding, primer, color matching, clear coat, removal, and local body-shop labor all affect the job.
However, some might also have to count almost 500 dollars to paint their side skirts. Yes, that is not surprising if you want quality paint and are willing to pay for that.
Moreover, some car owners want to paint both their side skirts and rear bumper. Thus, if you want to have both paintings done then it will cost around $400 to $500.
Again, the price range varies depending on the painter as well. Many people would simply go to a body shop for having the task done. However, most body shop painters will spray a cheaper paint over your pricey side skirts. Thus, they will also cost $100 to $200 for the task.
Then again, some shops charge around $150 to $200 for each side. However, the best deal you may find is $250 for both sides. It will not hurt your purse.
On the other hand, the custom modifiers use the best paint for spraying over the side skirt surface. Hence, they will also charge $350 to $500 or sometimes, more than that. In this case, the job includes priming, adhesion, painting, clear coating, and everything else.
How Much Does It Cost to Repaint Side Skirts?
Repainting used side skirts may require extra preparation for chips, scratches, failed coating, or prior repairs, but rust is only relevant when the skirts or hardware are metal.
So, it is obvious that repainting side skirts would cost more than the first time painting them. It is simply because the labor of scratching off the paint and cleaning the rust will cost extra.
Nonetheless, the amount should not cross $900. Still, it might seem like a lot. But some body shops will do it charging around 600 dollars. Then again, custom modifiers would charge a lot more than this as they ensure quality and offers the best possible paint materials.
Important Read: Tips on Removing Paint from Rubber
How Do You Paint a Side Skirt?
Painting side skirts usually involves removal when practical, cleaning, sanding, repair, primer, color, and clear coat using products compatible with the skirt material.
Step – 1: Remove the Side Skirt
This is the first thing to do before you get started with the process. First, remove the bolt that is about 10mm in diameter and screwed it near the front.
After unscrewing the bolt, it is time to remove the plastic holding plugs from the car bottom. When you are done removing the plug, pull the side skirt firmly giving a slight pressure, it will come off from the car frame.
Step – 2: Clean Off the Side Skirt
After removing the side skirt, it is time to wash it thoroughly. To clean it off properly, you can also use a degreaser. It will remove all dirt and road tar off the side skirt.
Step – 3: Prepare the Surface
After cleaning off the side skirt from dust and tar, prepping is important. For this purpose, you will need sandpaper of around 400-grit.
Rub the sandpaper over the side skirt surface slightly so that it scratches off old paint along with the rust.
Step – 4: Apply Primer
Before applying the paint, it is important to apply the primer first. Professionals suggest applying plastic primer. It holds the paint very well and protects it from bumps and rock scratches.
About two light coats of primer would do the job perfectly. Let the primer coating dry before applying another layer or a layer of paint.
Step – 5: Apply Color Paint
After applying primer, select quality paint and start applying. You can apply several coats of paint over the surface of the side skirt. To make the paint job smooth, applying more than three coats of paint is necessary.
However, you have to make sure that each paint coat dries first before applying another paint layer. Generally, one day is enough to dry the paint coat properly.
Step – 6: Apply Clear Coat
The final task is to apply a clear coat. To have a perfect, seamless, and smooth paint job, applying a clear coat is a must. You should also apply several numbers of clear coats to make it long-lasting and look professional.
Applying coats after coats over a week period will do it just fine. You should not hurry the entire process. Let each coating dry completely. After finishing the job let the side skirt rest for one or two weeks.
By this time, the paint will stick to the surface properly creating a strong bond. When the wait is over, fix the side skirt to your car again.
About Painting Side Skirts:
Do Side Skirts Improve Performance?
Side skirts can affect airflow on some performance vehicles, but many factory or cosmetic skirts mainly protect lower bodywork and change appearance.
Moreover, side skirts help to improve the aerodynamic performance of the car. They can prevent the air from interrupting the low-pressure front of the car that comes in from the sides.
That is why professionals suggest attaching the side skirts lower to the ground. This way they work better.
Final Thoughts
Side-skirt painting cost is best estimated from material, condition, preparation, color matching, finish quality, and local labor rather than a generic per-part price.
Also, since we have provided you with a DIY guideline about how to paint a side skirt, you can give the process a try. Just select the best quality paints and you will see the magic!