How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?

Quick Tips on Car-Painting Cost

Car painting costs vary widely: Expect to budget anywhere from $500 for a basic job to $10,000+ for high-quality or custom work, with an average around $3,000 for a standard sedan repaint.
Many factors influence the price, including vehicle size, paint color and quality, the extent of prepaint repairs (like rust or dents), and the type of paint finish desired.
Consider pros, cons, and alternatives: While a new paint job can refresh appearance and potentially boost resale value, weigh the expense and time when deciding if a repaint is truly necessary.

A new paint job refreshes the vehicle’s appearance when selling or trading a car, puts the final touches on repairs, or gives your ride an entirely new look. Painting your car is an exciting transformation, but at what cost?

Read on to learn how much you should budget for the job, the variables that affect the cost of painting a car, the pros and cons to evaluate, alternatives to consider, and more.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Car Painted?
Cost Considerations Before Painting Your Car
Types of Car Paint Jobs
When to Paint Your Car: Pros and Cons
Professional vs. DIY Car Painting
Alternatives to Painting Your Car
Bottom Line on Car Painting

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Car Painted?

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 decade-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.

Paint condition affects a vehicle’s value in a private sale and when trading at a dealership. A good paint job can improve a car’s curb appeal. However, a low-quality job or paint that is a non-original color can reduce its resale value.

MORE: Will Rubbing Alcohol Damage Car Paint?

Types of Car Paint Jobs

The differences in quality and longevity become apparent when comparing cheaper and more expensive paint jobs.

Basic paint job: Typically costs between $500 and $1,000. This includes a single-stage synthetic enamel paint and minimal prep work. It offers a budget-friendly option but may have a shorter lifespan with a limited warranty and lower durability.
Midtier paint job: Ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. A middle-of-the-road option may include thorough preparation, multiple coats of high-quality paint, and a clearcoat finish to resist chipping. It provides a better appearance and longer-lasting results compared to a basic paint job.
High-quality paint job: Costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. This includes extensive preparation, premium paint, multiple clearcoat layers, and possibly custom designs. It offers the best durability, finish, and aesthetic appeal.

Time to Paint a Car

Money isn’t the only cost to consider when deciding to paint your car. Your vehicle will likely be in the shop for several days. Here’s how long it typically takes to have your car painted.

Basic paint job: One to two days.
Midtier paint job: Three to five days.
Premium/custom paint job: One to two weeks.

MORE: What Does It Mean to Have a Vehicle Detailed?

When to Paint Your Car

Repainting your car may be a personal choice or come from necessity. People in the car-painting business might suggest you repaint your vehicle every five years.
We believe paint lasts much longer than that with proper care, which includes regular washing and waxing. However, every situation is unique. For example, not everyone has covered parking available, and exposure to weather takes a toll on your car’s paint.

Here are common reasons for repainting cars.

Aging paint: Over time, paint can fade, crack, or peel.
Damage: Accidents, scratches, or rust can necessitate a new paint job.
Custom look: Changing the color or design to personalize your vehicle.

MORE: DIY Car-Cleaning Hacks With 20 Household Items

Pros of Painting Your Car	Cons of Painting Your Car
Better appearance: Painting your vehicle won’t make it look like a new car, but new paint will make your old car look better.	Price: Quality paint jobs can be expensive.
Increased value: A fresh paint job can enhance the car’s resale value.	Time: The process can be time-consuming, leaving you without your vehicle for days or weeks.
Restoration: Helps restore older cars to their original condition.	Maintenance: New paint requires additional care to preserve its appearance.
Customization: Allows you to personalize your car and make it unique.	Durability: Even high-quality paint is subject to chipping and fading over time.

Professional vs. DIY Car Painting

You can have your car painted professionally or take on a do-it-yourself project. However, the lowest-cost paint job from a body shop is likely much better than what most car owners without painting experience can accomplish alone.

Professional painting offers high-quality results, expert application for longevity, and often a warranty. However, a good paint job can cost several thousand dollars.
DIY painting can be more economical, with supplies costing only a few hundred dollars. However, the results can be less than appealing without the proper equipment and skills.

Shopping for a Paint Shop

Anyone can say they can paint your car. Before dropping off your car for refinishing, be sure the shop is capable of handling the job and meeting your expectations. Check with neighbors and friends for recommendations. Use a checklist when you visit shops for quotes to help you feel confident making a choice.

Is the shop insured and licensed?
Do technicians have manufacturer or industry trade group certification?
Can they show you current jobs or photos of previous work?
Does the shop use a downdraft paint booth to control airflow and minimize overspray for showroom-quality finishes?
Do they use recognizable paint brands?

Paint Warranties

Many professional shops provide multi-year warranties for the paint, their work, or both. Warranty coverage can vary, so ask questions in advance.

Is chipping and fading covered?
What situations void warranty coverage?
Will the warranty transfer to the next owner if the car is traded or sold?

MORE: Matte Car Paint: Is the Look Worth the Hassle?

Alternatives to Painting Your Car

You can wrap a car with vinyl film, which is less permanent and often a more affordable alternative to painting. A car wrap comes in various colors and designs, protects the original paint, and can be removed or replaced as desired.

Bottom Line on Car Painting

Painting your car can dramatically improve its appearance, boost resale value, and allow for personal customization. Costs vary widely depending on factors including vehicle size, paint quality, and how much preparation is required. Whether you opt for a basic, midlevel, or high-quality paint job — or consider alternatives like vinyl wraps — it’s important to weigh the pros and cons against the investment involved. Understanding these variables will help you budget appropriately and make an informed decision that meets your needs and expectations.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.