I'm sorry if this topic has been talked about before.... What does it typically cost to paint or wrap a Kei Truck by someone with a body shop? This is outside of my capabilities and I don't have a location to do this myself. I understand that location, complexity, and body condition will affect the cost. I've costs thrown around on the internet ranging from $500 - $3K and some even higher. So, if I picked up a rig that has some minor surface rust and dings (as expected), what should I plan on for a budget? Thank you in advance.
Even if you painted it yourself, you would have over $500 in paint, reducer, primer, activater, sandpaper, wax & grease remover, thinner, tach cloths, filler, finishing glaze, tape and covering. Painting is not cheap and those are only the consumable costs. Then you need to have a good paint gun or two, a large compressor, protection equipment and a clean area to paint. On top of that you have to take the time to repair and prep for painting. Having painted three of these little trucks now, it is just costly in time and expense all around. These paint jobs only seem expensive until you see what is involved.
Just remember, wraps can only stay on for 3-4 years and have to be redone or removed. If it stays on longer it can lift paint when being removed. I was told t his by a wrap vendor at a show one time when I asked about damage to the paint.
It's all a conundrum because you can easily spend what you paid for the truck on paint or a wrap whether you do it yourself or have a shop do it. It is easy to get carried away with scope creep on these rigs, but in the end, they are all 25-30 years old and you have to keep that front and center. I do not want a show truck, but I do want something that is at least presentable. I live in the mountains and one trip up to my cabin and the brush and weeds will likely personalize it...Such decisions!
$3K @ Wrapjax with the logo. Paint and bedliner material cost was about $1500. Too much time to count and a new gravity fed cup gun with disposable cups included. Veloci-tint custom bedliner tint for 2 gallons of Trex bedliner. You could be at $6k in a heartbeat.
Daughter designed the graphics, Bernie my wife picked the colors. It is used to transport their side hustle to local Farmer's Markets and to advertise 24/7-365. The design and colors are to appeal to women, many of whom tell me, "you have a very cute truck". So it works. Most fun four wheel vehicle I have driven in years. To anyone pondering one of the Kei types, please do it! Always questions when we stop. KB
