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Summary
  • In general, you can expect to pay between $300 and $20,000 for a full-body car painting service.
  • Some factors that affect automobile painting costs include vehicle size, need for repairs, work quality, and paint.
  • There are different finishes you can choose to protect your car’s new paint job, including wax and sealant, ceramic coating, and paint protection film.
  • When considering what kind of automotive painting service is right for you, understand the process, assess your needs, and stick to your budget.

If your vehicle is looking worse for wear or you simply want a change in car colors, you’ll likely be wondering about the cost. Having your vehicle painted is no small expense, and doing a whole-body automotive paint job in your garage might not get you the results you want. So how much does it really cost to paint a car, and what makes it so expensive?

How Much Does Painting a Car Cost?

The cost of painting a car will depend on a number of factors that we’ll be going over later, but in general, you can expect to pay between $300 and $20,000. Basic paint jobs with minimal prep work, no finish, and basic paint will run between $300 and $1,000. Mid-grade paint jobs with more coats, better paint, and no new paint on non-visible areas can cost around $1,000 to $4,500. Meanwhile, a high-end paint job with all the bells and whistles can cost you $5,000 to $20,000.

What Affects Automobile Painting Costs?

Other than labor costs in your area, there are many factors that contribute to auto paint job prices. Here are some of the things you can look at to help determine your probable final bill:

Size

The larger your vehicle is, the more you’ll need to pay to have it painted. After all, bigger vehicles have more surface area to cover. Conversely, if you have a smaller vehicle or only want some panels on your vehicle painted, it’ll probably save you some money. If your vehicle doesn’t need a full paint job and you only want a section repainted, it’ll likely cost less than a full paint job.

Repairs

If you want a clean, flawless coat of paint on your vehicle, it’ll need proper prep. Deep scratches or even small dents will negatively affect the final paint job, so some shops might charge extra to repair or cover up the imperfections.

Smaller damage to the paint job might only require an electric polisher, a cutting compound, and a buffing pad. These tools will cut into the clear coat, so it’s best to enlist the help of a professional. You can get this type of repair and repaint job done as an add-on paint correction service from a detailer for $300 to $1000.

Quality

You’re going to need to fork over serious cash if you want high-quality work. Automotive painting service prices will go up if you want to hire someone experienced and skilled at the craft. Likewise, premium paints have premium price tags. If you’re looking for multiple layers of vibrant, eye-catching, long-lasting paint, you need to be ready to pay top dollar. This doesn’t even touch on the cost of adding custom designs to your vehicle. Racing stripes alone can add a couple hundred dollars to your bill.

 If you’re on a budget, don’t be surprised if you have to settle for more budget results.

Paint

Speaking of quality paint, paint and paint color contribute a lot to the cost of car painting. Standard colors are more affordable, while specialized colors carry a higher cost. Premium automakers also put a premium on the colors they use, so if you want exact shades, these may be difficult to come by at a reasonable price.

Higher-quality paints tend to last longer but cost more. However, in the end, they might save you some money because you won’t need to return for a repaint as often, if at all.

Finishes

After the shop finishes painting your vehicle, they’ll likely offer some finishes to extend the paint job’s life. Waxes and sealants, ceramic coatings, and paint protection film are some examples.

Wax and Sealant

Regularly waxing your vehicle can preserve the clear coat, which protects the paint from salt, rain, snow, and other harsh elements. Waxing costs around $100 to $200, and waxing intervals are between 8 weeks to twice a year. A lot depends on what type of wax your detailer uses and how you store your vehicle. Synthetic paint sealant is the easier, longer lasting, and less shiny alternative to wax.

Ceramic Coating

There’s also ceramic coating, which is a silica-based liquid polymer coating that lasts for years. It forms a shell over the vehicle and keeps road elements and mineral deposits from damaging the vehicle’s paint. It’s a complex process that can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 if you bring your vehicle to a professional. Ceramic coatings preserve paint but don’t protect against chips from sharp stones and other dents.

Paint Protection Film

Finally, there’s also paint protection film (PPF) to consider, which prevents scratches and chips from sharp stones when mixed with the paint. PPF is made from thermoplastic polyurethane, which gives it many of its unique properties. PPF can last for years and is almost invisible, but it costs between $1,000 to over $8,000. It can be applied along with ceramic coating for added protection.

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DIY vs. Professional Car Painting


Most of the time, it’s best to hire professionals if you want your vehicle’s new paint job to be spotless. For smaller repairs or passion projects, you might want to consider painting your car yourself though. It takes time to learn how and it’ll likely take you a few tries before your car comes out of it looking good, but you can always give it a try if you’re determined to learn.

Automotive Painting Service Considerations

When deciding whether or not you should have your car painted and what finishing or detailing services you should get at the shop, remember these dos and don’ts:

Do:

  • Decide how good a paint job you want or need
  • Think if it’s worth spending to get your old car painted
  • Understand how automotive painting works

Don’t:

  • Paint over structural body damage
  • Go over budget
  • Expect too much from a budget job

In the end, it can cost a pretty penny to paint your vehicle. Still, if you feel it’s worth the cost and well within your budget, then hiring a professional is the best choice you can make.

About The Author
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

File Under : Car Body , DIY , For the Car Owner
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