Custom Paint means Custom Price

Every project is unique, so it is difficult to say exactly how much any one custom paint job or art piece will cost without knowing the size, number of colors, and level of detail; however we do have some guidelines that will help give you an idea of what range your specific project will fall into. Our general rule for pricing is based on the amount of time spent on a particular project. Our hourly rates vary depending on the task being performed.

For example, artwork, airbrushing, pinstriping, and graphics are charged at a higher hourly rate than bodywork and base coat painting.

You can expect an exact quote for your personal project.

The Riddle of Custom Paint Pricing

When it comes to pricing, one the most frequently asked questions is,

"How much to paint a skull on my Harley tank?"

It is difficult to say exactly without seeing the tank, and the exact artwork that you want. When determining a price for custom work there are many variables that need to be taken into account.

The Preparation.

Using the example of a motorcycle tank, we must first know the condition of the metal. Is it a clean factory finish that can be used as the base for the graphics and artwork, or are there dents, chips, or repair work that needs to be done? Are there decals, badges, or pinstriping that needs to be removed? Each of these conditions must be addressed in order to ensure a long-lasting quality paint job. Most of these items fall under preparation and body work and have a relatively fixed cost to get the item ready for paint.

Then there is the artwork!

This is the more subjective piece of the pricing puzzle. Assuming we have resolved any bodywork /repair issues, and continuing to use our example of, "How much to paint a skull on my Harley tank?" I usually address it this way. I can paint a $100 one-color skull with nice shading and minimal detail, or a $1000 realistic skull in full color with highly detailed cracks, reflections, and highlights. It really is about the amount of time I get to spend on the project, not how much money you want to spend on it. The image below will help illustrate the example.

All three skulls are based on the same sketch.

They are identical in size and shape.

1.

The skull and chain on the left represents a less expensive project. Although only one color was used, there is still dimension, and form to the artwork; you can see shadows and highlights, but the detail is not too involved. It is a good-looking piece that can be had for tighter time and financial budgets.

This job clear coated and polished is about $300.

Now compare him to the guy in the middle.

2.

Taking a closer look at the artwork in the center of the panel shows much more detail.

Keep in mind that this skull was rendered with the exact same one-color process as the first one, but more time was spent on the surface texture and increased detail of the shadows and highlights. The same effort was put forth for the chain above and below this middle skull. This guy takes about three times the amount of time as the first one.

This job clear coated and polished is about $400.

3.

Then we move our eyes to the rightmost skull and chain. Right away we notice a padlock has been added to the chain. Greater detail and more texture effects are added to both the skull and the chain. Also note the additional colors yellows, whites, and the reflections from the surrounding green flames. All these aspects require more materials, and more time, but result in a more detailed, one of a kind piece of art that will be truly custom just for you.

This job clear coated and polished is about $500.

We will work within your budget, both time and financial.

Maybe we can use fewer colors, or less detail on the graphics in order to save time and money.

You can get some awesome paintwork for $300-$500!

Pricing