How much would it cost to repaint my whole car?
Generally, a full-car repaint at a reputable shop runs about $3,000 to $7,000 for a standard base-coat/clear-coat finish. Higher-end work or a color change can push the bill beyond $10,000, while doing some of the work yourself can reduce material costs but requires time, skill, and proper equipment.
What affects the price
The price of repainting a whole car depends on several factors, from the paint system used to the amount of prep work required. Here are the main elements that typically drive cost.
- Paint system and finish: Basic base-coat/clear-coat finishes cost less than premium or multi-layer paints such as metallic, pearl, or custom effect paints.
- Color change vs. same color: Switching to a dramatically different color (especially from light to dark or high-contrast colors) often requires more coats and more careful color matching, raising the price.
- Prep work and body repair: Dents, rust, corrosion, bondo, or old paint failure can require extensive sanding, filling, and priming, which adds time and materials.
- Masking and surface preparation: Complex masking around trim, emblems, glass, and interior components increases labor costs.
- Number of panels painted: A full car repaint costs more than painting a single panel or a few sections, due to more material and labor involved.
- Labor rates and location: Prices vary by region, shop reputation, and turnaround time; urban areas and luxury markets tend to be higher.
- Finish quality and refinement: Wet sanding, buffing, and final polishing to achieve a showroom-like finish add to the cost.
- Additional services: Window masking, trim removal, chrome detailing, or reassembly can add to the bill.
In summary, the total cost reflects not just the paint itself but the level of prep, the type of finish, and the complexity of the job. Regional price differences and shop policies can also tilt the final number.
Typical price ranges by quality
Prices below reflect common market segments for a full exterior repaint, including paint, clear coat, prep, and labor, but excluding major mechanical repairs or extensive rust remediation. Actual quotes will vary by region and shop.
- Budget/entry-level repaint: about $2,000–$4,500.
- Standard professional repaint (base coat + clear coat, factory color): about $3,000–$7,000.
- Premium or color-change finishes (metallics, pearls, specialty paints): about $7,000–$12,000.
- Show-quality or luxury finishes (extensive prep, flawless finish, exotic paints): about $10,000–$20,000+.
These bands provide a rough guide to what you might expect depending on the level of finish you want and the condition of your car. It’s common for color-change or specialty work to sit at the higher end or beyond these ranges, especially for limited-edition or high-value vehicles.
What would affect your cost specifically
Several car- and project-specific factors can push the price up or down. Here are the most common considerations.
- Car condition: Extensive rust, major dents, or damaged panels require more prep time and parts, increasing cost.
- Color choice and complexity: Simple colors with straightforward color matching are cheaper than metallic, pearlescent, or custom-effect paints that require additional coats and more precise application.
- Full car vs. partial repaint: Repainting the entire car is more expensive than doing a hood, roof, or door panels only.
- Bodywork needs: Replacing panels, pulling dents, or addressing corrosion raises labor and material costs.
- Paint system quality: Higher-quality paints and finishes cost more but may offer better longevity and appearance.
- Masking and disassembly: More complex masking (e.g., removing trim, lights, badges) adds hours of labor.
- Warranty and shop longevity: Shops offering longer warranties or employing highly trained technicians may charge more.
Understanding these factors helps you set expectations and compare quotes more effectively.
Alternatives and money-saving tips
If you’re trying to balance cost with quality, consider these practical options before committing to a full repaint.
- Shop around and get multiple, itemized quotes to compare paint systems, prep, and labor. Don’t skip the warranty discussion.
- Ask for an itemized estimate that separates bodywork, masking, paint, and finishing; this helps identify where you can trim costs.
- Consider partial repainting (e.g., hood, roof, trunk) if a full repaint isn’t necessary for your goals.
- Evaluate vinyl wraps as an alternative for color changes; wraps can be cheaper upfront and are reversible, though durability and appearance differ.
- Choose a factory-color match or a widely available shade to minimize color-matching challenges and labor.
- Timing and promotions: some shops offer discounts during off-peak seasons or in bundled service packages.
Making informed choices can help you achieve the look you want while keeping costs predictable and manageable.
What to expect during the repaint process
Once you commit, you’ll typically see a staged workflow, starting with a full disassembly or masking, followed by extensive prep work (sanding, body repairs, priming), multiple coats of paint, and a curing period, then finishing with clear coats, wet sanding, and polishing. The exact timeline varies by shop and the car’s condition, but most full-repaint jobs take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on parts availability and the complexity of the finish.
Summary
Repainting a whole car is a substantial investment that hinges on paint type, color choice, prep work, and the level of finish you want. For a standard professional job, budget around $3,000 to $7,000, with show-quality or color-change finishes often exceeding $10,000. If you’re mindful of preparation needs and shop selection, you can tailor the project to fit your budget while still achieving a durable, attractive result. Always obtain multiple, detailed quotes and weigh the long-term value of the finish you choose.
Is it worth getting a car repainted?
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 get the whole car repainted?
Nearest Approved Auto Repair Facilities
| Paint Job Type | Average Cost | Can Include |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Grade Paint Job | $1,000 to $4,500 | Better prep work, higher-quality paint, and multiple coats. |
| High-End Paint Jobs | $5,000 and $20,000 | Sanding to bare metal, applying premium paint, custom designs, and effects. |
What is the 30 60 90 rule for car maintenance?
The 30-60-90 maintenance schedule refers to key services most vehicles need as they hit those mileage milestones. At 30k miles, you're usually handling light wear; by 60k, deeper parts need attention; at 90k, it's time to refresh major systems before serious wear sets in.
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.
