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How much does it cost to spray paint a car?

Professional spray painting a car typically ranges from about $1,500 to $8,000, depending on quality, prep work, and location. DIY projects can cost a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on materials and tools. This article breaks down the main cost factors, typical price ranges, and practical budgeting tips.

What drives the price

Several factors determine the final bill, from the vehicle’s condition to the chosen paint system. Understanding these elements helps explain why quotes vary across shops and projects.

Size and condition of the car: a larger vehicle or one with dents, rust, or prior bodywork requires more prep and materials.

Paint system and finish: single-stage enamel, basecoat with clearcoat (two-stage), or premium finishes like candy, pearl, or metallics affect material costs and labor time.

Prep and masking: thorough sanding, rust repair, dent removal, panel removal, and masking trim and glass increase labor hours.

Labor rates and shop reputation: metropolitan areas and high-end shops charge more per hour and may allocate more time for flawless results.

Regional pricing and market conditions: costs can swing based on local supply, demand, and environmental regulations.

Color complexity and coatings: specialty colors or custom blends (pearls, candies, multi-coat finishes) add layers of cost and application steps.

These factors combine to shape the quote you receive, so two shops can price the same car very differently depending on how they scope the job.

Typical price ranges by quality

Below are broad bands you’ll commonly see in the market. They reflect standard practices in many shops and may vary by region and vehicle type.

Economy/basic professional repaint: $1,500–$3,000 — minimal bodywork, single-stage or basic two-stage finishes, conservative prep.

Standard/mid-range repaint: $3,000–$7,000 — more thorough prep, two-stage basecoat/clearcoat, better finish quality and color matching.

Show-quality/premium repaint: $8,000–$15,000+ — extensive bodywork, complete panel removal if needed, high-end finishes (candy/pearl), meticulous prep and polishing, potential rust repair.

Keep in mind these ranges assume a typical sedan or small SUV and a standard color without major bodywork. Unusual colors, extensive rust repair, or custom graphics can push the price higher.

DIY vs. professional painting: what to expect

Budgeting for a car repaint involves comparing DIY costs against professional pricing. Here is a quick guide to what each path typically entails.

DIY repaint costs: Paint and supplies for a full car can run roughly $200–$1,200 for basic basecoat/clearcoat kits, plus primers, reducer, and masking materials. Tools such as a spray gun and compressor add another $100–$2,000 depending on quality. In total, a DIY project often ranges from about $300 to $2,000, assuming you already have a suitable workspace and safety equipment.

Professional repaint costs: Labor and materials in a shop account for a large portion of the price. Typical ranges are:
- Basic/professional job: $1,500–$3,500
- Standard/mid-range job: $3,000–$7,000
- Premium/show-quality job: $8,000–$15,000+

Professional work covers expert prep, masking, multiple coats, curing time, and a durable finish with warranties in many cases. DIY work offers savings but carries higher risk of uneven color, dust, runs, or poor adhesion if not executed carefully.

What to ask a shop before you commit

Before requesting quotes, prepare questions to understand exactly what you’ll receive and how the project will be executed.

What is included in the price (prep, masking, dent/rust repair, panel removal, and polishing)?

What paint system is used, and is the finish a single-stage or two-stage (basecoat/clearcoat) process?

Will color matching or custom color work be charged separately?

What is the expected turnaround time, and are there contingency plans for delays?

What warranty or guarantee accompanies the paint job, and what does it cover?

Shopping around and reviewing a shop’s portfolio can help you gauge whether the quoted price aligns with the expected quality and durability.

Summary

Car painting costs hinge on size, condition, paint system, and the level of prep and bodywork. For most cars, a mid-range professional paint job offers a balance of quality and value, typically in the $3,000–$7,000 range, while basic jobs can be substantially cheaper and premium/show-quality finishes significantly more expensive. DIY enthusiasts can save money, but success depends on skill, workspace, and proper safety practices. Plan with a clear scope, gather multiple quotes, and factor in potential body repair costs to avoid surprises.

How much does it cost to fully spray paint a car?

It is estimated that the average cost of a full body respray for a car in the UK will run between £2,700 and £5,000. This is broken down into materials and labour, with the latter often accounting for most of the cost. (Resprays can take anywhere from 15 to 30 hours to complete).

What is the cost to spray paint a car?

The cost to spray paint a car can range from $500 to over $20,000, depending on the quality of the paint job, the amount of prep work required, and the vehicle's size. A basic paint job with minimal prep can cost between $500 and $1,000, while a high-end, professional finish with extensive bodywork can cost $5,000 or more.

Type of Paint Job	Cost Range	What's Included
Basic	$500–$1,000	Single-stage paint, minimal prep work, and a basic warranty.
Mid-range	$1,000–$5,000	Thorough preparation, multiple coats of high-quality paint, and a clearcoat for chip resistance.
High-end	$5,000–$20,000+	Extensive preparation, premium paint, multiple clearcoat layers, and optional custom finishes.

Prep work: The more bodywork and rust repair needed, the higher the cost.
Type of paint: Premium paints are more expensive than standard options. Colors like black, white, or silver are often cheaper than more complex or metallic colors.
Size of vehicle: Larger vehicles like SUVs require more paint and labor, which increases the cost.
Number of coats: Higher-quality jobs involve multiple coats of primer, base coat, and clear coat.
Labor costs: Labor is a significant part of the total cost, which can vary depending on your geographic location.

Cheaper alternatives

DIY: Painting the car yourself can save money on labor, but it requires the right equipment and a significant amount of time.
Plasti-dip: A cheaper, temporary option that can be done at home or by a professional. It lasts for a few years and can be removed when desired.
Painting specific panels: If you only have a small area of damage, you can have just that panel repainted instead of the entire car.

Is it worth respraying a car?

From a dollars-and-cents perspective, no, it's totally not worth it. Your car is probably worth not a whole lot more than the price of the paint job, and you wouldn't be able to recover the money you spend painting it when it's time to sell.

How much would it cost to spray paint a car?

The cost to spray paint a car can range from $1,000 to over $10,000, depending on the quality and extent of the job. A basic paint job with minimal prep typically costs $1,000 to $1,500, while a mid-tier option with more preparation and a clearcoat runs $2,000 to $5,000. High-end, show-quality jobs with extensive prep, premium paint, and custom designs can cost $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

Factors that influence the cost

Job quality: Basic jobs use less expensive paint and prep, while premium jobs use high-quality, multi-stage paints and extensive preparation.
Prep work: This is a significant factor. A good paint job requires thorough bodywork, sanding, and cleaning, which adds to the labor cost.
Paint type: Basic enamel is cheaper, while high-quality urethane, metallic, or custom colors cost more.
Scope of work: A full respray of the entire vehicle is more expensive than a partial respray or touch-up job, which can range from $400 to $1,200.
Labor costs: The hourly rate of the shop and the time required for prep, painting, and finishing all impact the final price.
Color change: If you are changing the car's color, the job is more expensive because the door jambs, under the hood, and trunk must also be painted to match.
Customization: Adding custom elements like metal flake, stripes, or a candy coat will increase the price.

Cost breakdown by job type

Job Type	Average Cost
Basic	$1,000 - $1,500
Mid-tier	$2,000 - $5,000
High-end / Custom	$5,000 - $10,000+

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.