Paint & Body FAQ's
PAINT & BODY SERVICE RELATED POPULAR QUESTIONS:
Q: WHAT DOES FLEXBILT DO REGARDING PREP BEFORE PAINTNG MY VEHCILE?
A: Every vehicle is different but it is the prep work that determines the quality level of a paint job. We sand all body panels that will be getting new paintmaaco. Sanding creates a smooth, uniform that bonds the old surface and any new surface(s) that may have needed body work. It is not as simple as just saying "sand the surfaces", it is all about the technique and proper stages of different grit sandpaper that is used. New paint that is sprayed on a surface that is not properly prepped will, more than likely, peel, bubble, and/or crack within months of being painted. Moisture, grease, oil, wax, and other chemicals that are found on most vehicle exterior surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased before being primed and painted.
Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLE STAGE AND BASE COAT - CLEAR COAT?
A: Base coat-Clear coat paint finishes are what most automotive manufacturers’ use when building new vehicles since the mid-80's. This "two-stage" finish is simply the color your choose (the base coat) and the clear coat (the protective coat that provides the shine). Once the base coat dries, one or two coats of clear is applied over the base coat. Even though the prep is still the most important step, it's the clear coat that provides the protective layer that is the major contributor to the durability & longevity of the paint job. The two-stage base coat/clear coat is the most durable and maintenance free of all finishes in our professional opinion but can easily be called "five-stage" at FlexBilt. Because of the cost in extensive prep (1), very thorough cleaning (2), primer coat (3), base coat (4), and clear coat (5), it is also the most expensive. Single stage finishes uses a technology that allows the color and protective clear-coat resin to be applied in one single paint spray step. Because of this single step, it is usually much more difficult to hit the color match. From perfect color match on partial paint jobs to providing the best coverage in restoring an old 1958 classic Corvette, base coat/clear coat, hands down, is the best option.
Q: WHAT IS PRIMER OR SEALER?
A: A primer or sealer is what's sprayed on before the base coat paint is sprayed. The purpose is to create a uniform surface for your new paint to adhere to. On our A & B paint jobs, both also get a stage of wet sanding on the primed surface before a base coat (main color) is applied. Primer/sealers provides a uniform and even paint job and is a critical step on color changes and vehicles that have had extensive bodywork or new body panels installed.
Q: HOW LONG WILL THE PAINT LAST?
A: How long your paint job will last entails a lot of different variables. If longevity is important to you, FlexBilt encourages, at least, a "B" rated paint job that uses the two-stage paint process and higher quality clear coat. However, longevity is also based on how well you care for your vehicle - weather conditions, garage kept, keeping it clean, etc. all play a factor. Depending on our "A", "B", and "C" level paint jobs, each carry their own guarantees. We will cover this at length with you depending on your expectations, budget, and paint job level chosen.
PAINT & BODY ESTIMATE RELATED QUESTIONS:
Q: DOES FLEXBILT CUSTOMS CHARGE FOR ESTIMATES?
A: Absolutely not! We know that a quality paint and/or body work order takes time away from your vehicle and money. We also know it is a very important decision on who to go with. We respect our competitors and will always give you our best price possible that is line with your expectations and budget.
Q: DOES FLEXBILT RECOMMMEND SETTING AN APPOINTMENT FOR A FREE PAINT & BODY ESTIMATE?
A: Yes, we request that all customers call ahead (334-363-0168 M-F from 830A to 530P) to bring your vehicle in for our paint & body team to go over everything and provide an accurate estimate. Depending on the complexity of your work order, estimates can take as little as 10 minutes to over 30 minutes.
Q: WHY WON'T FLEXBILT CUSTOMS GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE OVER THE PHONE OR FROM AN EMAIL WITH PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS?
A: It is very important that our paint & body team sees and closely examines your vehicle so that we can provide you the most accurate quote. Common things we want to define is prep time - the most important step in any paint job. Surface rust, to body damage, uneven body lines, dings & dents, etc. all need to be noted and accounted for. Our end goal is to work with the smoothest body panels as possible. Cracks, peeling, surface rust, and coloration issues are all hard to detect with pictures alone. There are circumstances that we will provide estimates on vehicles you are considering buying out of state (online, auction sites, or traditional auction). In these cases alone, we will provide an estimate for a flat fee of $25.00.
Q: WILL THE FINAL PRICE I PAY BE THE SAME AS THE ESTIMATE?
A: In 90% of the estimates, yes. The price you pay could be higher than your initial estimate if hidden damage is discovered during the repair and/or refinishing process or if the cost of parts increases. This is extremely uncommon; however, when it does occur, we will always call to discuss your options and offer you the opportunity to come in and see the repair area first hand and discuss any potential additional costs. We never "surprise" customers with extra expenses that were not planned, discussed, and pre-approved.
PAINT & BODY PRICING RELATED POPULAR QUESTIONS:
Q: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL COST TO PAINT A VEHICLE?
A: No two vehicles are the same. From painting a newer truck vs. painting an old 80's Jeep with extensive rust, both carry a much different prep list that must be tackled before new paint can be applied. Depending on the repairs needed and the type of paint service you are looking for, it is very hard to say what a paint job will cost. If you are just looking for a range, we should be able to do that for you! Other cost variables, like the type of paint used, will also determine the overall cost of your paint job.
Q: HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST TO GET A DENT FIXED ON MY VEHICLE?
A: Depending on the size of the dent, we have a lot of different innovative ways to pull, fabricate, replace, or fill dents you have on your vehicle. On the low end, a small dent can be fixed for around $100 to a much larger dent can cost well over $1,000. The best way to answer this question is to bring in your vehicle and let us give you a quick quote.
Q: WHICH IS BETTER - A NEW PAINT JOB OR JUST GETTING MY VEHICLE WRAPPED?
A: There is a lot to consider if you are trying to compare a wrap vs. new paint. There are a lot of articles on the web that says you can get either for about the same cost. Again, there are too many options and variables to say "they are about the same". There are a lot of factors you need to consider when looking at paint vs. wrap. If you decide to wrap your vehicle, make sure you get references and examples of the work of the wrap shop. Also, know some wraps actually decrease the value of your vehicle and it can be costly to remove the wrap - especially on some of the nicer wrap materials.
Q: WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH TO REPAIR A SMALL DENT OR DING ON MY VEHICLE?
A: To repair a ding or small dent right, the process is fairly tedious. Of course, there are levels of quality in the repairs. Our team is experienced and trained to make your vehicle "good as new!". If there is just one dent involved, the following steps are involved: our body technician must grind all of the paint off of the area to be repaired, then he must prepare the body filler compound (various forms depending on dent and body material involved), apply it uniformly, then wait for it to dry. It's then sanded and either glazed or a second coat is applied, at which point you have a second round of drying. We sand it again, mix a 2k primer, apply the primer and paint. There is a right way to get it the way it should look. If you just want a dent pulled or a quick/non-fancy repair, we do that too...but we don't like to since our name is on our work. But, we understand and respect if you are working with a strict budget.
Q: WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR THE EXTRA PREP TO TAKE OUT THE SCRATCHES AND DENTS, WON'T MY CAR STILL LOOK BETTER WITH NEW PAINT?
A: You may choose to simply have your vehicle painted without addressing issues like peeling, cracking and old bodywork. Keep in mind that in order to receive the smoothest possible finish and highest possible gloss, these issues will need to be addressed. If the conditions are bad enough, it can and will affect the gloss and overall appearance of the newly painted surfaces. While you will receive a warranty if you choose to paint over dings and dents, that is not the case if you decline to repair conditions that your estimator has advised you to repair.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CHANGE THE COLOR OF MY CAR?
A: If you simply want to change the color of the exterior, there is a charge in addition of your paint package to do so. Although it is not necessary, you can have your doorjambs, under the hood and trunk painted for a.
TOP GENERAL QUESTIONS ON PAINT & BODY WORK:
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PAINT MY CAR?A: First, if another paint & body shop says they can do a thorough/quality paint and/or body job within three days, that should be a red flag! Of course, if it is a minor ding/dent or a small areas that needs to be fixed, two to three days is absolutely possible. However, it it is a complete full paint job, expect a quality job to be completed in three to six weeks. A quality paint job, especially, is all about the prep behind the paint! Some "franchise" paint & body shops boast about the quick turnaround. Just know, 95% of the end results, if not higher, clearly shows the results of rushing through a paint job. On all complete paint jobs executed by FlexBilt Customs, you will receive a weekly plan that shows and defines the multiple steps we take to meet, and often exceeds, your expectations.
Q: IS REPAINTING A CAR WORTH IT?
A: That's a question we get a lot but only you, the customer, can answer it! What you will get is a new, clean look that will definitely revitalize your vehicle. Whether it's a newer vehicle that you love but hate the current color to a classic that has been in your family for years but needs to refresh, a new solid paint job always puts a smile on our customers face. The reveal delivery day is always fun for our staff.
Q: DOES PAINTING A CAR DECREASE VALUE?
A: Painting your vehicle should never decrease the value unless you choose a paint job from a shop that does it in less than a week! There are no short-cuts in a quality paint job! The way your vehicle is kept up after it has been painted will also factor into the value of the vehicle.
Q: CAN YOU PAINT OVER EXISTING AUTO PAINT?
A: We take great pride in every one of our paint jobs. The only time we would paint on paint is if it is the same color and the job is under a "C" level paint job (economy budget). Even then, the entire vehicle will still get sanded and prepped properly before the same color base coat is applied.
Q: HOW DO I PREPARE MY CAR FOR FLEXBILT CUSTOMS PAINT JOB?
A: First, we do NOT want you to wax or apply any chemicals before bringing in your vehicle. However, if you can wash it thoroughly with a mild or heavily diluted car wash soap, that would help us in the initial prep of your vehicle.
Q: HOW LONG DO FLEXBILT PAINT JOBS LAST?
A: The longevity of a paint repair varies by the quality of base coat and clear coat paint package that is chosen. There are a lot of different brands of paints to choose from. We will work with you on optimizing the right base and clear to go with based on budget and expectations. The upkeep of your vehicle after the paint job is completed plays a major role in the longevity along with keeping it garage kept.
Q: WHAT COLORS DOES FLEXBILT OFFER?
A: If the paint color is on the market, we can get it. We work with multiple suppliers and a few direct paint manufacturers. If you are just looking to paint your vehicle the same color, we will simply pull your paint code from inside your drivers door and mix the color locally (usually AkzoNobel or PPG).
Q: WHAT COULD CAUSE THE FINAL BILL TO BE MORE THAN THE ESTIMATE?
A: The only main reason your final bill could be more than your original estimate is usually due to our team finding additional damage or issues (usually rust) that was not noticed or identified when the estimate took place. Also, if you vehicle was involved in an accident, damage could have occurred behind the body panels, bumpers, or even additional damage to the frame or sub-frame. As a policy, FlexBilt will not move forward on a work order, if additional costs are identified, without your written or documented approval.
Q: DOES FLEXBILT CUSTOMS OFFER BODY WORK AND PREP ONLY IF THE CUSTOMER WANTS TO DO THEIR OWN PAINTING?
A: Yes, no problem! If you have the experience to paint your own vehicle, we can do all of the necessary body work and prep and turn it over to you to paint. We even offer paint booth rental on selected Saturday's and Sunday's (appointment only) for $250/day. This allows for a clean, filtered environment for you to paint your vehicle. Heat lamps for drying is available too!
GIVE US A CALL MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BETWEEN 8:30 AM AND 4:00 PM CST AT 334-363-0168 TO SET UP A TIME FOR A PAINT AND BODY ESTIMATE OR CONTACT US NOW!