Porsche 993: How to Find a Good Paint Shop

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

The exterior paint on your Porsche 993 requires regular maintenance. As your vehicle weathers high temperatures, storms, and humidity, the top coat can begin to peel and crack, causing your car appear lifeless and dull. So if you notice the exterior paint on your car wearing thin and fading, it might be time to find a good paint shop. Unless you are an experienced auto paint specialist, we don't recommend painting a Porsche 993 on your own; and with the helpful tips we have provided below, you won't have to. Find the right professional and pay the ideal price for a great paint job.

Step 1 - Know your numbers

Whether your Porsche needs a touch-up or a complete paint job, you should always know your budget when searching through the options. Here are the number to consider, which are based on competitive pricing from low-end to high-end body paint services nationwide:

• For a low-end paint job, expect to pay between $250 and $2,500. We recommend limiting this option to those vehicles with high mileage or for those in which a panel-by-panel inspection has revealed spots of missing or fading paint.
• If you are looking for a higher quality paint job with Porsche 993 factory paint, consider setting your budget somewhere within $2,500 to $7,000. In most cases, you can achieve a noticeable upgrade with your vehicle's factory paint, without reaching the cost of a high-end paint job.
• High-end paint jobs are popular with Porsche owners who have already invested a hefty sum of money into modifying or restoring their vehicles. If you're planning to sell your Porsche in the future or turn it into a show car, expect to pay from $7,000 to $20,000 or more for a high-end paint job.

Step 2 - Do your research

With the power of Internet, doing your research for the highest quality paint jobs in your area is extremely easy and time-saving. Simply get on your computer and try out these search options:

• If you're a member of the Porsche Club of America (PCA), start there. When contacting PCA references, remember to state your budget up front and ask for reliable shops.
• Find Porsche-certified automotive paint specialists online by using terms such as, "Porsche-certified paint shops," "Porsche-certified auto body shops," or "Porsche-approved collision centers."
• For non-Porsche-certified shops, the search is much easier. Simply look for paint shops in your area that specialize or don't specialize in Porsche vehicles, but still have a reputation for high-quality paint jobs.

Step 3 - Schedule appointment for a visit

When making an expensive investment for your Porsche, be it a low-end or high-end paint job, you always want to visit the shop in person. Here's what you'll need to look for during your visit:

• Ask about the type of paint system the shop employs. Standox, Spies-Hecker, and Glasruit are popular among the professional auto body shops nationwide.
• Ask if the shop is equipped with a paint room and/or a clean room (both would be ideal). The clean room should have its own heat source to help the paint cure.
• Ask the shop owner if the paint is polished once it is dried.
• In addition to requesting a tour of the shop, ask if you could observe a vehicle (preferably a Porsche 993) being painted.