How much does it cost to properly paint a car?
A professional full repaint typically costs between $3,000 and $12,000 in the United States, depending on the car’s size, the paint type (solid color versus metallic or pearl), and the extent of preparation required. In practice, most sedan-sized cars land in the mid-range, while high-end finishes or extensive bodywork can push prices higher.
The following report explains what drives those costs, what you should expect as part of a proper paint job, and how to plan your budget accordingly.
What it costs by quality level
Prices vary by region and shop, but these bands reflect common offerings from professional shops in the United States. Each level includes different levels of prep, materials, and finishing work.
Economy/basic repaint
- Typical price range: about $2,500–$4,500. Some shops may charge more for larger vehicles or if extensive bodywork is needed.
- What’s usually included: basic masking, light surface prep, priming, a solid color basecoat, and a clear coat. Minimal body repair and little to no jamb or engine-bay painting.
- What’s often excluded: major dent repair, rust remediation, color changes, metallic or pearl effects, or extensive buffing and polishing.
When budgeting at this level, expect limitations in durability and color depth, and be aware that future repairs or color matching may be more challenging if the base prep was light.
Standard/basecoat–clearcoat repaint
- Typical price range: about $3,500–$7,500. This is the most common mid-range option for a full car repaint.
- What’s usually included: thorough surface preparation, masking, minor dent or rust repair, color matching, basecoat color (solid, metallic, or some specialty finishes), and a clear coat with buffing for a smoother finish.
- What’s often included: better durability and color richness, longer-lasting gloss, and a more repeatable repair process if you need later touch-ups.
Choose this option for a balanced blend of quality, durability, and price, with better long-term color stability and resale value than an economy job.
Premium showroom–quality repaint
- Typical price range: about $8,000–$15,000+ (and sometimes more for luxury brands or exotic finishes). Some shops quote higher for complex color systems or extensive refinishing.
- What’s usually included: meticulous bodywork (dent and rust repair as needed), complete masking, jambs and engine bay painting if requested, color-matched metallic/pearl/chromatic finishes, multiple clear coats, and extensive wet-sanding and buffing for a showroom-grade finish.
- What’s often included: attention to detail on trim removal/reassembly, weatherstrips, and a full warranty on the workmanship and finish.
Premium finishes are designed for maximum depth, even color across panels, and long-lasting gloss, especially on newer or high-value vehicles. They also carry the best chance of resale appeal and durability.
What factors influence the final price
Several variables determine the ultimate cost, beyond the basic quality tier. Here are the major drivers you’ll encounter when requesting quotes.
Car size and complexity
- More surface area (larger vehicles and SUVs) increases material use and labor time.
- Complex shapes, hard-to-reach panels, or unusual finishes require more masking and careful application, driving up cost.
Size and complexity are typically the biggest single factors in overall pricing.
Paint type and finish
- Solid colors are generally cheaper than metallic, pearlescent, or multi-layer finishes.
- Color changes (e.g., dark to light, or a custom hue) add time for color matching and additional coats.
The more complex the finish, the more materials and time are required, which raises the price.
Bodywork and prep needs
- Existing dents, rust, badly prepped panels, or damage to jambs and the engine bay require additional labor and materials.
- Shallow prep is cheaper than extensive filler work and rust remediation, which can dramatically increase cost.
Extensive repairs prior to painting can materially affect the total estimate, sometimes even doubling the prep portion of the job.
Color changes and specialty finishes
- Changing a color or applying specialty finishes (pearl, candy, chameleon, or dual-tone) adds steps and special materials.
- Color matching for older or damaged panels may require more time and testing.
Special effects or precise color matching require additional time, skilled labor, and sometimes extra materials, all of which raise the price.
Region, shop, and warranty
- Labor rates vary by city and state; metropolitan areas tend to be higher.
- Reputable shops with modern booths and strict prep protocols usually quote higher but offer longer warranties and better results.
Always compare quotes from multiple shops, and ask about warranties on paint and workmanship to gauge value beyond upfront price.
What happens during a proper automotive paint job
Understanding the typical process helps explain why costs vary and what you should expect from a professional shop.
Process overview
- Initial assessment and planning: the shop evaluates the vehicle’s condition, confirms color choices, and outlines the scope of work.
- Bodywork and repair: dents, rust, and imperfections are repaired or replaced as needed.
- Surface preparation: panels are sanded, cleaned, and primed; any bare metal is primed to prevent corrosion.
- Paint application: basecoat color is applied with multiple coats, followed by a clear coat for protection and depth.
- Drying and curing: the paint is allowed to cure, sometimes in a controlled booth with heat or airflow optimization.
- Finishing: panels are wet-sanded and buffed to remove anomalies and achieve a smooth finish; reassembly and detailing are completed.
- Quality check and warranty: final inspection ensures color match, gloss, and durability; the shop provides documentation and any applicable warranties.
The exact steps and the time required depend on the chosen quality level, vehicle condition, and whether additional work (like a full jamb paint or engine bay repaint) is requested.
Choosing the right path and getting a solid quote
To maximize value, shop around and request written, itemized bids that include prep work, materials, labor hours, and warranty terms. Look for shops with a proven track record, visible photos of completed projects, and clear policies on color matching and touch-ups.
Summary
Bottom line: a proper car repaint ranges widely—from roughly $2,500–$4,500 for a basic job to $8,000–$15,000+ for luxury-quality work—depending on car size, finish complexity, and bodywork needs. The biggest price drivers are the size of the car, the sophistication of the paint (solid vs metallic/pearl), and how much preparation and repair the body requires. Always obtain multiple, itemized quotes, verify the shop’s credentials and warranty, and consider the long-term value of a high-quality finish when budgeting for a repaint.
How much does it cost to get a car completely painted?
Nearest Approved Auto Repair Facilities
| Paint Job Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Paint Job | $300 to $1,000 |
| Mid-Grade Paint Job | $1,000 to $4,500 |
| High-End Paint Jobs | $5,000 and $20,000 |
Is it cheaper to paint a car or wrap it?
It is generally cheaper to wrap a car than to paint it, especially for a full color change. However, paint can be cheaper for a basic, low-quality job and is a more permanent solution, while a wrap is less expensive upfront and offers the versatility to change colors or designs later but has a more limited lifespan and may need to be reapplied.
Wrapping
- Lower upfront cost: A vinyl wrap is typically less expensive than a professional paint job.
- More versatile: Wraps offer a huge range of colors, finishes, and graphics that can be temporary or changed later without a major commitment.
- Protects paint: The wrap provides a protective layer for the original paint underneath.
- Limited lifespan: Wraps usually last for a few years (4-6, depending on conditions) before needing removal or replacement.
- Can be complex: The cost and complexity increase with materials like chrome or intricate designs, but it's often easier to repair a damaged panel by replacing the vinyl than trying to match a specific paint color.
Painting
- Higher upfront cost: Professional paint jobs, especially for custom colors or high-quality finishes, are generally more expensive.
- More permanent: A paint job is a permanent change to the vehicle's appearance.
- Potentially higher long-term value: A high-quality paint job can last the life of the vehicle, and a good finish is often seen as more valuable and classic.
- Difficult to reverse: If you want to go back to a previous color or have a unique factory paint that you no longer like, painting is a permanent solution.
- Labor-intensive: Painting often requires extensive prep work, is a longer process, and can be very difficult to match if a single panel is damaged later.
Is it worth getting a paint job on a car?
Repainting a car can be worth it if it has significant damage or fading that lowers its appearance and resale value, or if you plan to keep the car long-term and want to protect it from further environmental damage. However, it may not be worth the high cost if the car's value is low, as the expense could exceed 30% of the vehicle's worth. In cases where the paint is only slightly damaged, repairing individual panels or getting a professional detail might be a more cost-effective solution.
Reasons to consider repainting
- Improved appearance: A fresh coat of paint can make an older or damaged car look like new, enhancing its overall appeal.
- Increased resale value: A well-done paint job can significantly increase the car's resale value, as buyers are more likely to purchase a car that looks well-maintained.
- Protection: New paint protects the car's body from environmental damage like UV rays, scratches, and corrosion, which can extend the life of the vehicle.
- Restoration: Repainting can be a key part of restoring a classic or vintage car to its original condition.
- Customization: It provides an opportunity to change the color or add a custom finish to personalize the vehicle.
When to reconsider repainting
- High cost: The cost of a quality paint job can be very high. If the price of repainting is more than 30% of the car's value, it may not make financial sense.
- Minor damage: If your car only has minor scratches or fading, a professional detail or spot repair on the affected panels may be a much cheaper alternative to a full repaint.
- Low car value: If the car has a low overall value, the cost of a new paint job may be more than the car is worth, making it more practical to sell and buy a different vehicle.
- Risk of poor quality: A low-quality paint job can cause more problems than it solves, including ill-fitting parts, paint errors, and future corrosion issues.
Alternatives to full repainting
- Panel-by-panel repair: Get specific panels with damage repaired and repainted instead of the entire car.
- Professional detailing: A thorough detailing, including polishing and waxing, can improve the look of the existing paint.
- Paint protection film or wraps: These can protect the existing paint and offer a new look, although they may not last as long as a full repaint.
How much does it cost to paint your full car?
The average cost of a car respray in the UK is around £2,400, though this can vary depending on the extent of damage and required repairs. Full repairs before painting can push costs up to £3,000 or even £5,000, while respraying a single panel or bumper may cost just £250–£400.
