School me on paint jobs

I'm looking to do an all over paint job on my camaro in the next couple years or so. Basically, ride out the stock paint for as long as I can take it...

But after door scratches in parking lots, rock chips on the hood, and minor clear coat peeling on the hatch, I've figured it is probably better to start over than try to "patchwork" everything back together. Overall, the paint is in very good shape but almost every panel does have something wrong with it.

I'm just looking for an OEM quality repaint. Medium patriot red metallic with black roof, mirrors, and front bumper inserts. I don't want anything flashy or custom, but I'm not willing to go to Maaco either.

Please tell me some OEM and better quality paints and about what they would run in materials for the whole car.

I know a lot of labor is involved. How much can I cut down by removing and masking trim myself?

Overall, about what could I be looking at in terms of material cost and labor cost (and hours) for what the body shop needs to do, assuming I do as much labor myself as I can (definitely don't think I can paint, and I don't know about sanding it down myself). I don't need anything extra done like painting door jams or underneath the hood or hatch.

Best bet is to ask your local club for good shops in your area, then stop and talk with them about what you are looking for.

Basically I've seen what your asking go for anywhere between $1500 - $7000..... Depends on the shop, their reputation, and how detailed you ask them to get. They can also share what paint will fit the bill, and they all usually have a standard brand they prefer. Trust me when you talk with them, they will be able to help you see where the details really come into play.

Also helps if you can find a shop that will work on your car a filler job, so you may have to leave it for say the winter months, and they'll work on it when they can rather than just straight up. Many shops like that work as it ensures they stay busy, but they charge you less as the car is 'Out of Service' for a longer period of time.

assuming I do as much labor myself as I can (definitely don't think I can paint, and I don't know about sanding it down myself).

Spraying the paint is the easy part. You could train a monkey to do that... A quality paint job is 99% in the prep work.