Does Maaco Do Custom Candy Paint?

Maaco is well-known for its affordable auto painting and collision repair services. However, when it comes to custom paint jobs, such as the highly sought-after custom candy paint, Maaco might not be the best choice.

Maaco's Focus on Standard Paint Jobs

Maaco primarily specializes in offering affordable auto painting and collision repair services. Their focus is on standard paint jobs and repairs, rather than high-end custom work. While they might offer some options for color and finish, including metallic and pearlescent paints, true custom candy paint jobs—characterized by their deep, translucent colors and complex layering—are typically not within their standard offerings.

Specialty Auto Body Shops for Custom Candy Paint

For a true custom candy paint job, it would be advisable to consider specialty auto body shops that focus on custom work. These shops often have the necessary expertise and equipment to achieve the desired effects, providing a high-quality and long-lasting finish.

Maaco and Custom Candy Paint: A Special Case?

It's worth noting that sometimes, a Maaco franchise might bring in custom work under a different name, making it a bit more flexible. However, this is often not the norm, and the additional services and expertise required for a custom candy paint job may come with a hefty price tag.

For instance, I spoke with a Maaco franchise owner who also takes on custom work. This individual provides a service that is not your typical shop. If your car is completely prepped, and you don't want minor areas such as door jambs, inside the gas flap, under the hood, and trunk to be done, you can expect a price tag of at least $5,000. Yes, at least $5,000. In some cases, the cost can be much higher.

Cost and Materials for Custom Candy Paint

The cost of materials alone for a custom candy paint job can be quite substantial. For example, with a company like HOK Candy Colors, just the color can cost $160 per quart. You might need at least three quarts for each item. The reflective base coat costs $160 per quart, and a silver base coat is $100 per quart. Primer is $60 per quart, and clear coat is $309 per gallon.

These figures don't include other necessary materials such as reducers, catalysts, or any other additives, nor do they include the cost of sandpaper, masking paper, or any other surfacer. Add everything up, and you will easily be looking at $2,000 just in materials.

Longevity of Custom Candy Paint

A custom candy paint job doesn't last very long. The special paint formulation that makes the paint look so vibrant also makes it susceptible to fading under the sun. You can expect fading in about a year of sun exposure, and a really bad-looking car within 4-5 years at most, at which point you will need to start all over.

Additionally, it's important to ask if the paint job is a two or three-stage process, involving a base coat, candy coat, and clear coat. Be a little wary of any work from Maaco, but if you want a top-quality job, it might be worth the investment.

To get a better understanding and more accurate estimates, consider getting quotes from other local body shops. Auto paint supply stores can also provide valuable information on the proper procedures and quality.

As always, AutoBody Online is an excellent resource for professionals, offering up-to-date information and tips about the trade.