How much does it cost to get a full car paint job?
A full car paint job typically ranges from about a few thousand dollars on the low end to well into the tens of thousands for premium finishes. Most everyday projects fall somewhere in the mid-range, depending on prep work, paint system, color, and labor in your area.
Price is driven by several variables: the type of paint and finish, the amount of bodywork required, whether you’re changing colors, how many coats are applied, whether trim and interior components are removed, and regional labor rates. The following sections break down typical price bands, cost drivers, and practical tips for budgeting a full repaint.
What counts as a full paint job?
In practice, a full repaint generally includes removing trim and components as needed, sanding and priming the body, applying the color coats, and finishing with a clear coat. Some quotes may exclude rust repair, dent removal, under-hood painting, or interior masking, so it’s essential to confirm scope with the shop.
Prices below reflect common ranges seen in U.S. body shops for a standard four-door passenger car in 2024–2025, assuming normal prep and no major bodywork. If rust repair or panel replacement is required, costs can rise significantly.
- Budget/basic repaint: roughly $3,000–$5,000 — typically a simple color, limited prep, and a basic or single-stage paint system.
- Mid-range repaint: about $5,000–$8,000 — basecoat/clearcoat with more thorough prep and a broader color palette, including potential color changes.
- Premium repaint: about $8,000–$15,000 — higher-quality basecoat/clearcoat, meticulous prep, and better materials; often includes metallics or pearl finishes.
- Showroom/concours-grade repaint: $15,000–$25,000+ — flawless prep, multiple coats, complex finishes, and sometimes extensive bodywork or color-change work.
Conclusion: While many cars can be refreshed within the mid-range, the final price hinges on the car’s condition, chosen materials, and the shop’s labor rates.
What affects the cost
Several factors drive the price of a full repaint. The more prep and repair required, the higher the cost, and location can influence labor rates. Key cost drivers include:
- Prep and bodywork: dent repairs, rust treatment, panel filling, sanding, and priming.
- Paint system: single-stage enamel vs basecoat/clearcoat; metallic, pearl, or specialty finishes.
- Coats and finishing: number of color coats, number of clear coats, and level of gloss protection.
- Color change vs same color: changing from dark to light or vice versa may require additional coats and masking.
- Disassembly and masking: removing trim, badges, moldings, wheels, and interior components adds labor.
- Labor rates and region: urban or high-cost areas generally command higher prices.
- Additional services: rust repair, dent removal, under-hood painting, door jambs, and weatherstrips.
Tip: Ask for a detailed, itemized quote that clearly separates materials, labor, bodywork, and any hidden costs to avoid surprises after the work begins.
Tips to get the best value
Being prepared and informed helps you balance cost and outcome. Use this practical checklist when shopping for a full repaint:
- Get multiple written quotes from reputable shops and compare scope as well as price.
- Review portfolios and customer feedback to gauge prep quality and finish integrity.
- Ask for paint-spec details (brand, type, coats) and primer/sealer used.
- Ensure the quote specifies inclusions and exclusions (trim removal, hood/under-hood painting, masking, test panels).
- Discuss color options and color-change implications, including additional coats and long-term maintenance.
- Plan for downtime and curing time; some finishes require days before assembly and drive-ready conditions.
- If budget is tight, consider alternatives like partial repaint or high-quality wrap for color changes, understanding the trade-offs.
Conclusion: A careful, side-by-side comparison of scope, materials, and labor helps you avoid overpaying and ensures you get a durable, aesthetically pleasing finish.
Summary
Pricing for a full car paint job varies widely based on prep work, paint system, color complexity, and regional labor rates. Budget options exist, but the most durable and visually striking results typically require thorough preparation and a basecoat/clearcoat system with multiple coats. Always request an itemized quote, verify the scope of work, and compare several shops to find the best value for your car and goals.
