What Is Premium Paint?

Jason Fogelson 07/24/2023 1:52pm

Premium paint is an available upgrade on almost every new car. Each manufacturer defines “premium paint” in its own way. Typically, premium paint is a signature color other than black, white, grey, or silver or paint with metal flakes or sparkles. The significant common feature of premium paints is an upcharge from standard paints, ranging from $150 to several thousand dollars, depending on the manufacturer.

Premium paint can add to the value of a used car, especially if it has been maintained in good condition.

Jason Fogelson

Jason Fogelson is the Managing Editor of Publication Operations for Cox Automotive Inc. He works with the editorial team to ensure everything you read on Kelley Blue Book is factual, grammatically correct, well-written, and relevant. Jason contributed to KBB for years before joining the staff in 2022 as part of a long career as a freelance automotive journalist and editor for magazines and websites. His first book, “100 Things for Every Gearhead to Do Before They Die,” was published by Reedy Press in 2016. Jason was President of the Motor Press Guild (MPG) for two terms and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA), the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), and the International Motor Press Association (IMPA). He lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his wife, dog, two cats, motorcycle, and van. He’s always on the hunt for an inexpensive roadster to fill an empty slot in his garage.
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