The labor rate of shops vary, depends on location, etc.
Get three estimates.
All replacements hoods are done with a black e-coat out of the box, this must not be sanded to bare metal, if so, then an acid etch primer must be applied. (see series of photos, fender having the various stages of paint film applied on the site,
www.autoint.com)
The match is done by a couple of ways, one by weight of solids or computer. The computer is at the PBE store, the shop takes your fuel door in and the computer matches it, the computer mixes a pint or whatever of the base coat to match.
The match may be off if the painter uses incorrect air pressure or application techniques,(pattern of spray).
To clear this up, A, the paint does not come from the vehicle manufacturer, B, replacement panels do not come color matched painted. Would be impossible, as at the assembly plants paint area they may have up to 4 color varations of a particular color during a production run.
Ketch
