Porsche 997: Paint Modifications
Custom paint work will help your 997 stand out from the crowd. You have a lot of options as to which method to use pursuing this new look.
This article applies to the Porsche 991 (997) (2005-2012).
When it comes to your Porsche 997's paint finish, you are actually spoiled for choice. Whether you're building a show car and want a wild color, a race car with your favorite sponsor's colorway applied, or just want to spice things up, custom paintwork will do just that. There are a few factors to consider when looking for a new paint job, and this article will provide a primer on what to expect.
Paint Modifications
Vinyl Wrap
DIY Cost – $200-$500, depending on color, product, and amount needed
Professional Cost – $2,000-$3,000
Skill Level – Moderate; wrapping a vehicle requires a lot of patience
While you could pay a professional vinyl wrap installer thousands of dollars to wrap your 997, why not save your hard-earned money and do the job yourself? The highest quality vinyl wraps typically last up to eight years and can protect your vehicle against scratches. This is very useful for us track rats who do not want to damage our vehicle's original finish. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.
Vinyl is very easy to work with, but you'll need to take your time when applying. Before getting started, remove the bumper, door handles, rocker panels, shark fin, and mirrors on your vehicle. Next, wash the exterior and apply several coats of high quality paint sealer. Finish with a coat (or two) of wax to ensure the exterior is fully prepped – sans dirt and debris. Vinyl does stretch to cover edges; however, don't be hesitant to create a seam if you are experiencing trouble wrapping an especially rounded panel.
Matte Paint
DIY Cost – $500-$1,000
Professional Cost – $3,000-$5,000
Skill Level – Difficult; refinishing a vehicle is not for the faint-hearted
This is the cheapest way to modify the exterior of your vehicle without breaking the bank. Although affordable, the use of flat paint on a 997 is not without drawbacks, which is why this method does not rank as our first choice. For best results, as well as to extend the lifespan of flat paint, reduce your vehicle's exposure to direct sunlight and harsh elements after applying. Keep in mind that flat paint will eventually begin to dull no matter what actions you take. Do not wax or polish flat paint to increase shine, as doing so will stain and ruin the finish. Your best bet is to keep the exterior of your vehicle clean using warm, soapy water. Use a car tarp when your vehicle is parked outdoors for an extended period of time to reduce UV damage.
Metallic/Three-Stage Paint
DIY Cost – $750-$1,250
Professional Cost – $4,000-$5,000
Skill Level – Difficult; leave this job to the professionals
A metallic, or three-stage paint finish, is the most difficult type of finish to achieve, and is best left to professional repair facilities to attempt. It gets the name "three-stage" from the fact that there is a base coat, a metallic flake, and then a clear coat applied over top. This finish has a higher cost than the others due the need to meter and mix the correct metallic flake into the finish.
Pro Tip
If you need help selecting a paint shop, call Porsche North America for a list of Porsche-approved repair shops in your area.
Related Discussions
- Vinyl Car Wraps - Rennlist.com
- Matte Paint Jobs - Rennlist.com
- How to Find a Good Paint Shop - Rennlist.com
