Getting Started with a Custom Paint Job for Your Truck

A custom paint job can work wonders after transforming your truck with a Sherrod Customs modification, whether it’s a Chevrolet Silverado Eclipse Edition or any other model. It can make your business more noticeable and be the envy of truck owners everywhere. These distinctive paint jobs can be simple or complex. The cost of a custom paint job depends on what you want. While basic color applications range from $500 to $1,000, high-quality finishes can cost between $1,000 and $4,000. You could spend up to $20,000 or more if you desire something distinctive on the streets of Waycross and beyond.

Well-maintained paint jobs typically last 10-15 years and can increase your vehicle’s resale value by 10-15%. At Sherrod Customs, we’ve forged relationships with high-quality paint experts who always ensure excellent results. We asked them to explain the painting process to give you a complete understanding of what to expect.

Matching the Paint to the Car

You might want to paint a portion of your truck — a flame job on the sides or a touch-up of trouble spots — or you may require an entirely new color or design. Carefully selected colors and designs will unleash your truck’s personality.

Your selection should enhance your truck’s aesthetics while showing off your personal taste or company brand. Some artists create themed designs, such as Harley-Davidson tributes for motorcycle transport vehicles. Others prefer more straightforward but eye-catching styles, such as two-tone paint jobs with bold pinstripes.

If you’re retouching, it’s essential to match the existing color. When considering new colors, be aware of how they fit your brand or personal style. Gray (25%), white (24%), and black (18.5%) are still the most popular choices for trucks, but distinctive colors or multicolor designs draw attention and are great for business purposes.

Masking and Protecting Nonpainted Areas

Precision masking results in flawless custom finishes, keeping paint away from the spots that shouldn’t receive it and ensuring clean lines. A professional painter uses tape and plastic sheets to protect chrome trim, windows, and rubber seals from the coating process. The masking products they use affect the quality and appearance of the finish.

Intricate lines in two-tone designs or stripes require thin tape, while the regular thickness serves more extensive areas. Hot regions near the engine need special heat-resistant tape, and liquid masking products are excellent for odd-shaped parts. Removing the protective coverings at the optimal moment is critical for ensuring the paint doesn’t peel off, particularly with complex designs.

Surface Preparation and Priming

Although you can imagine your Ford truck’s surface as a canvas awaiting transformation, it probably isn’t blank. Unless your pickup is brand-new, it will need a good wash. Dirt, dust, and debris will have accumulated, and we don’t want to be painting over a dirty surface.

A professional painter carefully sands down surfaces before applying the first coat. The sanding process provides a more porous surface that aids paint adhesion. Repairing minor dents and dings before painting helps ensure a flawless finish.

Selecting the ideal primer is the foundation of a stunning finish. Self-etching primers are best for bare metal, as they create a robust bond. High-build primers hide minor flaws, while the epoxy varieties are excellent rust fighters. Each type has its perks; some are easier to sand, while others last longer.

A high-quality paint job involves several coats of primer, with plenty of drying time between each. Once we’ve finished the primer paint phase, wet sanding can begin. This process produces an incredibly smooth base, setting the stage for a striking finish. For premium customization, we may employ specialized techniques and products. They can cost more, but the results are often exceptional.

Familiarity with the different primer types is essential. Steel, aluminum, and plastic need specific formulas for optimal adherence and long life. The choice can affect how long the finish lasts, so it’s a significant part of the customization process.

Applying Paint and Finishing Touches

Our painters can create many effects, including smooth, solid colors or striking metallic finishes. Your choice — metallic, pearl, or candy — affects the final look and price. Each type of finish requires a specific approach for the optimal outcome.

Using specialized spray guns to apply paint efficiently without waste ensures the perfect mix for your desired color and finish. Monitoring heat, air moisture, and other conditions aids the drying and curing processes and delivers the required product.

After the primary coat, custom jobs might add pictures, company logos, or thin lines. Airbrushing allows for detailed designs but requires extra skills and more time. We suggest a dry run on spare metal. A reputable paint shop can use this approach to determine how its artistic ability best serves your desired outcome.

The last step is a see-through coat to shield the color and improve its appearance. This layer adds depth and shine while protecting against sun damage. We ensure it takes the correct time to dry and set so your paint job lasts many years.

Some clients choose vinyl wraps instead of custom paint jobs. While vinyl wraps offer a less expensive, nonpermanent option for altering your truck’s appearance, a custom paint job remains the superior choice if you’re seeking a truly personalized and durable way of making your vehicle stand out. Over time, vinyl wraps peel and fade, whereas custom paint, with the proper care, will retain its beauty for much longer.

Transform Your Truck With Sherrod Customs

At Sherrod Customs in Waycross, Georgia, we specialize in truck exterior enhancements. Our team turns standard pickups into striking machines with more capability and style. A tailored exterior enhancement increases your truck’s value and could turn heads on the highway or trail.

A personalized vehicle finish is more than mere aesthetics; it’s about making a clear statement and getting accurate results. If you’re looking for an eye-catching finish to go with your truck’s impressive ride capabilities, contact us today.