Key takeaways
- Automotive paint job costs can range from about $300 to over $20,000, but the average paint job is likely to be around $3,000.
- The total cost depends on factors including vehicle size, condition, paint quality, prep work and the color you choose.
- Painting your car yourself may be cheaper if you have painting skills, experience and an enclosed space.
The cost of painting a car may be several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on a variety of factors. Fixing a few grocery cart dents or adding a new rustproof coat of paint before the rainy season probably won’t break the bank.
However, a high-quality paint job on a large vehicle at a top body shop could cost you over $20,000. The extra money may be worth it to increase the car’s resale or trade-in value.
If you have some car painting experience, you may also want to consider a DIY paint job. Knowing the ins and outs of car painting options can help you determine how much it will cost to paint your car.
How much is a paint job on a car?
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.
What factors affect the cost of painting a car?
The price of a basic, mid-priced or high-end paint job depends on several factors.
- Size of your car: Larger cars, such as SUVs, require more paint and will be more expensive than smaller sedans or coupes.
- Prep work and repairs: Even a basic paint job will require repairing scratches or small dings. If you live somewhere prone to rust, the spots may require extra attention. Prep work usually includes sanding the current surface before the new coat of paint is applied.
- Paint color: Standard colors like white, gray and black are the least costly, while custom or specialized hues will increase your costs.
- Paint type: According to J.D. Power, synthetic enamel is the cheapest auto paint, costing between $300 and $700 for an average-sized sedan. However, you may spend several thousand dollars for premium paint.
- Paint finish: In addition to impacting the shine and overall look of a paint job, high-quality finishes can also provide additional protection. A simple wax coating may cost $100 to $200, while a ceramic coating or protective film can add thousands of dollars to the final cost. Prices vary for matte, gloss, or semi-gloss finishes. For example, a high-end matte finish may cost $2,000 to $6,000 more than a glossy finish.
- Caliber of body shop: You’ll spend much less at a budget paint shop, but the quality of work may be subpar. Price and quality of work often go hand-in-hand. Unlike the cheapest car loans, the cheapest paint job might not be your best option.
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.
Bankrate tip
With the Fed dropping rates three times last year, consider checking out current auto refinance rates. If you qualify for a lower rate on your auto loan, you could decrease your monthly payment and use the savings to help cover the costs of painting your vehicle. Use an auto refinance calculator to determine your potential savings.
DIY vs. professional paint jobs
In addition to your budget, making the choice between a professional or DIY paint job may come down to how you use the vehicle. If it’s a personal car you use for day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping and commuting to school or work, a DIY paint job may be enough to fix minor scratches and dings.
But if you use the vehicle for business, intend to restore a classic car to its original condition or want to maximize its resale value, a professional auto body shop will typically provide the best value compared to the time and money it would take to paint it yourself.
Bankrate tip
If you manage to get top dollar when selling your newly-painted vehicle, consider using the extra cash toward a down payment on your next vehicle. You could end up with a much lower auto loan rate and payment.
Professional vs DIY auto painting costs
Most DIY enthusiasts don’t have the equipment or facilities to complete a showroom-quality paint job. Top auto body shops have commercial buildings with specialized ventilation systems and high-quality paint sprayers, compressors and paints.
You might be able to pull off a middle-of-the-road job that involves sanding the car and painting it with a good-quality spray gun and compressor. However, you’ll need to learn proper spray technique for an even finish, which takes practice, even for professionals.
Finally, you should consider how much time you have. Paint shops have the staff and equipment to paint cars because that’s all they do. If you work full-time, your project may take several weekends to complete.
| Standard professional paint job | DIY paint job |
| $500 to $5,000 | $500 to $2,000 |
Includes:
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Materials:
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| Average time to complete: 40 to 80 hours | Average time to complete: Depends on your skill level and the scope of the project |
What to consider before you DIY
One major challenge of a DIY paint job is having a place to paint the vehicle. Professional paint and body shops have climate-controlled booths where the cars remain while they dry.
You’ll need to find a way to limit the dust and dirt in your painting location so it doesn’t ruin the paint and finish before it fully dries. You’ll also need proper ventilation and should check with your HOA to determine whether there are any restrictions on painting a vehicle in your garage.
Bottom line
A paint job can give an older car a new-car look and may even net you some extra money if you sell it. The cost to paint a car varies widely, depending on the size of your vehicle, its condition and the level of quality you expect.
Auto body shops are your best bet if you don’t have the time, equipment or experience to tackle the job yourself. Although it’s possible to paint a car yourself, you’re unlikely to achieve professional results.
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