Thursday 25 / April / 2024
From small upgrade to a full blown customisation, a paint job can transform a vehicle from ordinary to extraordinary. And although you usually get what you pay for, it’s important to know what you want as there are plenty of colour and quality options available and the key is finding the best price-to-quality combination.
Car painting is a complex process involving multiple phases, and exact colour combinations. Paint jobs range from a single colour to airbrushed effects with different paint finishes. Generally custom car paint packages consist of primer, basecoat of colour, a clearcoat, and sometimes additional effects.
After your car is ripped clean of its previous paint, coats of primer are applied. The primer acts as leveller, rust and moisture protector, and makes it easier to apply the base coat. Applied after the primer coat, the base coat imparts the visual properties of colour and effects. It can be solid, metallic, or candy (brightly coloured, high-gloss paint). In the final step, clear coat is sprayed on top of the basecoat for added gloss and protection. Any graphic designs or decals are added after applying the basecoat and before applying clearcoat.
The cost of a paint job depends on several factors including the type of vehicle (size determines the amount needed); the brand of paint used; and the extent of paint scheme opted for (like interior painting, re-colouring of the engine area). While cost is certainly a factor, it is important to keep in mind that when it comes to paint, the better the paint quality and technology used to apply it, better the results. (Brands like Diamont, DuPont, and PPG are good options.)
For those with no budget who are looking for something really special, the most expensive specialty paint jobs use the best of automotive paints, like House of Kolor and SEM, which can cost OMR100 plus per litre; as well as the latest technology for effects like two-tone metallic or a chameleon paint job, which can cost upwards of OMR500.
You need to be patient if you are going for a custom paint job. You’ll have to part with your ride for anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the amount of work involved and how busy the painter is.
What, Where, And How Much?
Shanfari Automotives
Starting from around OMR200, this paint station offers the best premium painting services in town, with a multitude of options. A high end specialty paint job starts at OMR350, but the wilder the imaginations, more you’ll pay.
Location: Al Khuwair
+968 2460 2676
Economical Options
If all you want is a decent paint job to spruce things up, perhaps with a few creative tweaks here and there, then you can visit any of the paint shops in the Wadi Kabir area. There are shops in every nook and corner, and a good, full-car paint job should only cost you around OMR200, even less depending on your bargaining power.
Paint Job rules and regulations in oman
In Oman, before going for a paint job, you have to inform the ROP in detail about the colour and extent of modification you intend to have on the registered stock car shade. Your request then shall be duly approved and you will need to update your Mulkhiya (registration) after the job is complete.
Matte and semi-gloss finishes are banned for private vehicles in Oman. Paint jobs in matte finishes will invite hefty fines and penalties from the authorities.
