3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Paint Your Own Car

Tony Mers • February 2, 2021

As Americans, we tend to love our cars like the solid body metal children that we treat them as. From buying air fresheners to cozy steering wheel covers, sometimes we end up cherishing our cars just like our own pets or children. Many times this means getting routine maintenance done at a dealership or taking in a damaged car for auto body repair services. Whatever the case, it's important to get your car worked on by a licensed professional.

This is no less true when it comes to touching up the paint on your car or repairing the paint job after hail damage or some other natural disaster. While it may seem like you should be able to paint your car yourself, nothing could be further from the truth. You can certainly paint your bedroom or bathroom, but painting an automobile requires skills only found at an auto paint shop.

You should bring your car to an auto paint shopso it looks nice and neat. You don't have to get racing stripes or bright colors to complete a quality paint job, but painting a car is a skill that should not be taken lightly. Let's see why it's a whole different animal to paint a car and why you should definitely pay for the service.

Most Paint Jobs Follow Auto Body Work

It's rare that people change their car's paint color on a whim. It is certainly done, and there is certainly a car paint shop around you that would be glad to indulge your whims, but many times painting a car comes after auto body work. Auto body work almost always comes after an accident, but in fact there are four main causes of auto body damage: weather, negligence, fender benders, and high-speed collisions.

You'll want to make sure that the place where your auto body work is done is also an auto paint shop or can recommend one. Only they will be able to apply paint in the layers and coatings that will work for your unique situation.

You Can't Just Use a Brush

In order to apply auto paint, you need to use special, and expensive, primers and let them sit in a garage. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, these may be covered by another cover of sealant or additional primer. Since you're trying to match the original paint color of your vehicle and not have any bad matches, you have to be delicate, so you can't use a brush. Most often what is used is a sprayer device that allows for a broad, smooth, and even coating that looks akin to factory paint.

The Fumes Can Be Toxic

If you observe the inner workings of an auto paint shop, you'll notice that most of the professionals there are wearing ventilator masks. This is because inhaling auto paint can be incredibly hazardous and detrimental to your health. You're better off hiring a professional to delicately paint your cherished car instead.

Hire an auto paint shop to repaint your car following an accident or other damage-inducing situation. While painting your car may seem like a DIY task, you will be much happier with the results your local auto paint shop can provide you instead.

Inside an automotive workshop, a technician is using a drill to remove the lug nuts on the tire of a
By River North Collision Repair July 28, 2026
Broken axle symptoms can affect vehicle safety and performance. Identify four common warning signs and learn when professional axle repair becomes necessary.
A close-up of a black car's side mirror and tinted window with bright reflections against a dark bac
By River North Collision Repair July 10, 2026
Get a clear overview of car door damage repair costs, common pricing factors, and when repairs or replacement make the most sense for your vehicle.
Diminished Value Claims in Illinois: What You Should Know
By River North Collision Repair June 29, 2026
Illinois drivers should know how diminished-value claims work after a collision and what steps can help them recover the loss of their vehicle's value.
How To Match Auto Paint for a Seamless Finish
May 20, 2026
Learn how professional auto body technicians match auto paint. They blend color matching and finishing techniques for a seamless, factory-quality repair.
Repair Estimate Terms: What Does R&R and R&I Mean?
By River North Collision Repair May 8, 2026
Get a clear explanation of repair estimate terms like R&R and R&I. Learn how each impacts cost, repairs, and decisions for your vehicle after a collision.
Why Paintless Dent Repair Is More Eco-Friendly
By River North Collision Repair April 21, 2026
Learn why paintless dent repair offers an eco-friendly option for while fixing exterior vehicle damage. Chicago drivers save time, materials, and money.
Do Sensors and Cameras Complicate Bumper Repairs?
By River North Collision Repair April 16, 2026
Sensors and cameras can make bumper repairs more complex and costly. Learn what impacts repairs and how experts handle modern vehicle technology.
How Paint Technology Has Changed in the Last Decade
By River North Collision Repair March 30, 2026
Discover how automotive paint technology has evolved in the last decade, from waterborne coatings to stronger clear coats and faster repair processes.
How Chicago Streets Contribute to Auto Body Damage
By River North Collision Repair March 17, 2026
Chicago streets can cause dents, rust, and paint damage to your vehicle. Learn how local road conditions affect your car and when to seek professional repairs.
How Do Technicians Access Hard-To-Reach Car Dents?
By River North Collision Repair February 18, 2026
Learn how technicians access hard-to-reach car dents using precision tools and proven repair methods to restore your vehicle safely and accurately.