What’s Included in a Maaco Paint Job?

When your vehicle’s paint starts to fade, chip, or lose its shine, a professional paint job can make all the difference. But what exactly goes into a Maaco paint job, and what should you expect as a customer?

At Maaco, every paint service is built around a combination of professional prep work, quality materials, and options designed to fit your vehicle’s condition and your goals. Here’s a closer look at what’s included and how to choose the right service for you.

It Starts with the Basics: What Every Paint Job Includes

No matter which paint package you choose, every overall paint service at Maaco includes a core set of steps designed to deliver a smooth, lasting finish:

• Surface Cleaning: Your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, wax, grease, and old paint residue, ensuring a clean foundation.
• Surface Sanding for Adhesion: Light sanding helps the new paint properly bond to the surface. This step is critical for durability and long-term results.
• Masking to Minimize Overspray: Areas like windows, trim, and moldings are carefully masked to protect them during the painting process.
• Heat-Cured Finish: Once applied, the paint is cured using heat to help create a consistent, durable finish with enhanced gloss.

These essential steps are included in every overall paint package, helping ensure a professional result from the ground up.

Before Painting Begins: Understanding Your Options

Every vehicle is different and so is every paint job! Before getting started, your Maaco team will walk through a few key questions with you:

• How long do you plan to keep your vehicle?
• How do you maintain it today?
• What kind of conditions will it be exposed to (sun, weather, daily driving)?
• What level of finish are you looking for?

These answers help determine the right approach for your vehicle and guide your selection from Maaco’s flexible paint options.

“It’s Your Choice”: Basic, Preferred, Premium Options

At Maaco, paint services aren’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, you can choose from a range of options based on your budget, the condition of your vehicle, and your desired final appearance.

This Basic, Preferred, Premium approach allows you to:

• Match the level of prep and finish to your needs
• Invest where it matters most to you
• Get a result that aligns with how you use your vehicle

Your technician will walk you through each option so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Surface Repair: The Key to a Smooth Finish

One of the most important parts of any paint job happens before the first coat is applied.

Chips, scratches, and cracks don’t disappear under new paint. In fact, chips, scratches, and cracks can become even more noticeable if they’re not addressed first. That’s why surface repair is often recommended.

Depending on your vehicle’s condition, options may include:

• Light Chip and Scratch Repair: Helps reduce common wear and tear for a smoother surface.
• Excessive Chip Repair: Additional sanding to address heavier chipping, often found in areas like the hood or near wheel openings.
• Paint Removal (if needed): For vehicles with peeling, cracking, or failed paint, removing damaged layers ensures a stronger, longer-lasting result.

Your Maaco team will inspect your vehicle and recommend the right level of prep, but ultimately, the choice is always yours.

Sealers: Creating the Perfect Foundation

To achieve consistent color and gloss, many paint jobs include a sealer layer, a critical step that helps the new paint perform at its best.

Sealants act as a barrier between the old surface and the new paint, helping ensure:

• Even color throughout the vehicle
• Strong adhesion
• Improved durability and finish quality

Based on your vehicle’s condition, your technician may recommend:

• Universal Sealer: A great option for older vehicles with minimal surface issues, improving color consistency and finish.
• Urethane Sealer: Ideal for older or more porous surfaces, offering enhanced adhesion, durability, and gloss.
• Premium Urethane Sealer: A high-performance option designed for maximum adhesion and versatility. This is especially effective on vehicles with a mix of metal and plastic surfaces.

Choosing the right sealer can make a noticeable difference in your result, and your technician will guide you based on what’s best for your vehicle.

A Paint Job Built Around You

A Maaco paint job is more than just a fresh coat of color. It’s a process that combines preparation, materials, and expert guidance to help you get the results you want.

From essential prep steps to customizable options, every part of the process is designed to give you flexibility, transparency, and confidence in your decision.

At the end of the day, it’s your vehicle, your goals, and your choice. Contact your local Maaco today and choose the option that works best for you and your budget.