How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?

The cost of painting a car varies significantly based on several factors. However, you can expect to pay $3,000 to repaint the entire body of a 10-year-old sedan with no damage except faded paint.

This example assumes minimal preparation work, no repairs, and a midgrade paint that is the vehicle’s original color.

Advertised specials boast paint jobs for $1,000 or less. Some quotes might exceed $5,000 up to five figures. While there are options for every budget, a cheaper one may have a shorter lifespan, with paint chipping or fading sooner than more expensive and better-quality jobs.

On the other hand, high-quality paint jobs offer durability and an aesthetically pleasing finish but at a steeper price.

Two-tone designs, stripes, and other custom options add to the price. Changing the original color costs more, and additional charges apply for painting door jambs or under the hood and trunk.

When you get a quote from a shop, check their references and look at samples of their work. Keep in mind that the most expensive estimate doesn’t always mean the highest-quality work.

Cost Considerations of Painting Your Car

Car-painting costs vary depending on factors such as the vehicle size, the quality of materials, the extent of the paint job, customization options, and more.

Car size: Larger vehicles require more paint and labor, driving up the cost. A compact car might need only a gallon of paint, while an SUV could require 1.5 gallons or more. Top-quality car paint can cost several hundred dollars per gallon.
Paint color: Certain colors and finishes, such as metallic or pearlescent, come at higher prices due to their complex application processes.
Repairs: Prepaint repairs to address peeling, delaminating, rust, dents, cracks, and scratches are essential for a flawless finish and add to the overall expense. For example, advanced rust repair — especially on antique or classic automobiles — can cost thousands of dollars.
Paint finish: The number of paint layers and choice of clearcoat finishes affect both appearance and cost.
Quality: Opting for high-quality paint enhances the car’s look and resale value, albeit at a higher initial investment. However, you should not expect a total return on your investment. A $3,000 paint job does not automatically boost your car’s value by that amount.

Cost of Different Paint Job Levels

When budgeting for the cost of painting a car, consider the level of quality you’re looking for. A basic one-coat paint job at a budget shop will cost the least, while a premium paint job will cost far more.

Basic paint job: Often ranging from $300 to $1,000, the most budget-friendly option includes the fewest bells and whistles typically a single coat of basic paint, with very little prep and no finish. The new paint will usually only cover the exterior of the car. Unseen areas, including under the hood or inside door frames, may retain their original color.
Middle-of-the-road paint job: Standard repaints are most likely to fall into this category, which involves more prep work and several coats of higher-quality paint and may cost between $1,000 and $5,000. There is typically some type of finish, such as a clear coat. It is more attractive and durable than the cheapest option.
Top-tier paint job: If you’re after a showroom-quality paint job or a custom design, you may pay $5,000 to $20,000. High-end auto body shops will do everything from sanding your car down to bare metal to adding multiple coats of paint, high-quality finishes and custom designs and features.

Factors That Impact How Much You’ll Pay to Paint a Car

How much you’ll pay to paint your car depends on several factors.

1. Quality of Body Shop

When painting a car, you get what you pay for, so the quality of the body shop you select greatly impacts the price tag.

While it may cost more, opting for a high-quality shop means the painters are better trained with more experience than those working at a lower-grade shop.

They’ll also better prepare the car for the paint and use better materials, all of which add up to a better-quality paint job.

2. Size of the Paint Job

Another significant factor is the size of the paint job. Repainting an area damaged in an accident will cost significantly less than repainting an entire car. The same is true of the vehicle itself.

If you are getting your two-seater convertible repainted, it’ll cost less than a Suburban simply because there’s less surface area to paint. A small car might cost $2,000 to $3,500, while a larger SUV or truck can cost between $3,500 and $7,000.

3. Type of Paint

The type of paint you select also influences the amount you’ll pay. Synthetic enamels are the cheapest since they only require a single coat of paint. High-quality paints or specialized formulas often require multiple coats, which can add up to several thousand dollars more in cost.

4. Paint Color

Standard colors like white, gray and black are the most budget-friendly paint colors. You’ll pay more for specialized paint colors since they aren’t as readily available.

You’ll also pay extra for so-called “candy colors,” which are translucent and require more coats for better coverage or need to be applied over a white base layer.

Changing the color of your car also costs more than keeping the original color. Because auto paint is thinner than the paint you use on your walls, the original color can bleed through even after multiple coats.

That means your body shop will need to spend more time sanding and adding more coats of paint when you change the color, which will cost you more in the long run.

5. Paint Finishes

You’ll want to add a finish to maintain the paint job you just paid for. Choosing between a matte, glossy or semi-gloss finish will impact the price tag since they require different levels of work.

A matte finish on a car can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 more than a glossy finish. For additional protection, you can add a wax coating for $100-$200 or upgrade to a ceramic coating for $500-$2,000.

6. Necessary Repairs

While you technically can paint over imperfections in the metal of your car’s body, you probably won’t like the results. A new shiny coat of paint may actually call attention to the issue rather than hide it.

If your car’s frame has any dings, deep scratches or rust, you should pay the auto body shop to repair them before they begin painting.

Minor dent repairs typically range from $50-$150 per dent, while rust repair can cost $150-$500 per affected area, depending on severity. Deep scratches that require filling and sanding generally run $150-$300 to fix properly.

7. Add-ons

Add-ons to the paint, like flakes to add sparkle, will increase your bill by $200-$500 for basic metallic effects. Stripes and other custom designs can add $500-$2,000 or more to your paint job, depending on the complexity of the design.

8. Prep Work

Prepping a car for painting includes the following steps:

Sanding the existing paint (as minimal as removing the clear coating or as in-depth as going down to the bare metal)
Taping off areas you don’t want to be painted, like windows
Wiping the body down with turpentine to remove debris
Disassembling parts of the car like the doors, trunk and hood to effectively paint the entire car

The greater level of prep you opt for can increase labor costs. Prep work is often skimped on or skipped altogether on lower-quality paint jobs. If you are looking for a perfect paint job, this isn’t an area to save money.

When to Consider Repainting Your Vehicle

Many people may have concerns about when to get their car painted. In some cases, you will have an obvious sign that you need new paint. For example, if the paint is peeling, damaged, or discolored in various areas, then you need a paint job to refresh the look of your vehicle.

Deciding when to paint your car depends on several factors, including the condition of the existing paint, your budget, and your goals for the vehicle. Here are some common scenarios when a new paint job might be necessary:

Fading or Peeling Paint. Over time, exposure to the sun, weather, and road conditions can cause your car’s paint to fade, peel, or oxidize. If your car’s paint is showing signs of wear, it’s a good time to consider repainting to restore its appearance and protect the metal underneath.
Rust or Corrosion. Rust and corrosion not only look unsightly but can also damage your car’s structural integrity. If you notice rust spots or corrosion, especially in areas like the wheel wells or undercarriage, a fresh coat of paint can help seal and protect the metal.
Accident Damage. After a collision or accident, repainting might be necessary to restore your car’s appearance. Even minor fender benders can result in scratches or dents that require repainting as part of the repair process.
Customizing Your Vehicle. If you’re looking to personalize your car or give it a fresh new look, a custom paint job is an excellent way to achieve that. Whether you want to change the color or add special finishes, painting can give your car a unique, standout appearance.
Increasing Resale Value. A fresh paint job can significantly enhance your car’s resale value, especially if the existing paint is in poor condition. Buyers are often more attracted to vehicles with a clean, well-maintained exterior.
Restoring a Classic Car. For classic car enthusiasts, repainting is often part of the restoration process. Whether you’re bringing an old car back to life or maintaining its historical value, a showroom-quality paint job can make all the difference.

You can also get a paint job on your vehicle if you want a new color, want to maintain your vehicle after several years, or you simply feel that it is time for new paint.

How do additional repairs influence the price?

If your car is pretty banged up from dents and scratches, the price of your paint job will be higher. Heavily oxidized paint or major rust spots could also add to the total bill. To achieve a smooth and durable finish, these issues must be resolved before repainting your car.

Most vehicle manuals don’t provide much maintenance advice regarding your car’s paint finish, beyond regular waxing and washing. If your car spends a lot of time outdoors, the paint can fade faster, especially if you choose a red or black color.