Some car issues, like bad batteries or alternators, worn-out brake pads or flat tires, need immediate attention to keep yourself , and other drivers , safe. Cosmetic issues, like paint nicks or scratches, are often delayed since they don't affect drivability. However, paint damage can lead to costly problems like rust if ignored.
Whether your car's paint job was dinged up in an accident or faded over time, you may be wondering how much it costs to paint a car. Read on to find out how much you can expect to pay and how to save money doing it.
Average Cost to Paint a Car
The average cost to paint a car ranges from $300 to more than $20,000. What you pay depends on various factors, primarily the level of quality you're looking for.
- Basic paint jobs: These jobs cost $300 to $1,000 and include a single coat of basic paint with minimal preparation and no finish. Non-visible areas, such as the underside of the hood or inside door frames, are usually left untouched, keeping their original color.
- Mid-grade paint jobs: Averaging $1,000 to $4,500, this option offers better prep work, higher-quality paint, and multiple coats. The finish depends on the quality of the paint used. Mid-grade paint jobs are ideal for family cars or standard repaints.
- High-end paint jobs: Ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, these premium paint jobs include:
- Sanding the car down to bare metal
- Applying multiple coats of premium paint
- Adding a flawless, high-quality finish
- Creating custom designs
- Incorporating additional paint features or effects
Understanding the type of car paint job you'll need ensures you can choose the option that offers the best value and results for your vehicle.
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 Should You Paint Your Car?
The paint on your car is more than just for looks; it protects the body of your vehicle from damage, such as car door dings, scratches from rocks and weather damage.
Most car owners don't paint their car that often and opt to paint only when:
- The car is in an accident that damages the paint job
- The vehicle is older, and the paint is faded or peeling
- Restoring a classic car (in which case it's important to opt for an era-appropriate color to avoid damaging the car's value)
Professional vs. DIY Paint Jobs
If you're looking to save money on a paint job, you may be wondering if it's worth it to DIY. It will save you money , the average DIY paint job costs anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on what supplies you already have on hand.
Painting a car is an art where experience and quality materials are crucial to the final result. Body shops use environmentally controlled spaces to prevent dust and dirt from contaminating the paint as it dries, something you may lack. Without this, your paint job could be compromised by debris, affecting the final finish.
Ultimately, if you're OK with the job not being perfect, painting your car yourself is a viable option. But if you want a professional-looking job, you'll need to pay a professional.
How to Save Money Painting Your Car Without Sacrificing Quality
While finding the right balance between quality and cost can be hard, there are a few ways you can save money on a paint job that won't result in a subpar finished product.
1. Shop Around and Compare Quotes
Just like when getting your car repaired, getting quotes from multiple auto body shops is worth it. However, consider the quality of the shop and the supplies they use when comparing prices. The cheapest quote may not include the same level of prep work as a higher quote. Aim for at least three different quotes before you make your decision.
2. Choose a Well-Respected Shop
Choose a shop that's been around for at least five years and read online reviews from past customers. You can also ask your mechanic for their recommendations or ask friends and family if they've had their cars painted recently. Ask any potential body shop for their certifications and licensing, and ask if they are insured.
3. Ask about Discounts
It never hurts to ask if the body shop offers any discounts or special packages or runs any seasonal sales. The worst they can say is no, and in the best-case scenario, you save some cash.
If you have a AAA membership, you can save 10 percent on labor at a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility.
4. Only Ask for What You Need
As long as your paint isn't overly faded, you can get away with just repainting damaged areas. Or, if you're just looking for a refresh and not a whole new look, save money by sticking to the car's original color.
If you want to resell your car, opt for a basic paint color and finish to protect the resale value. You may find your custom trim and flames cool, but other buyers may not appreciate them. So avoid custom paint jobs, flakes and other paint features unless you plan on keeping the car long term.
5. Check for Warranties
Before you take your car to an auto shop to get it painted, check your records to see if the paint job is still under warranty. Most manufacturer warranties cover paint for three years or 36,000 miles as long as the damage is the result of defective paint, they don't usually cover chips or scratches from wear and tear. If you've had the car painted previously, check with the original shop to see if it's still under warranty. Either way, you wouldn't be on the hook to pay for a new paint job.
6. Choose a Basic Paint Color and Finish
Since paint color and finish affect the cost of a paint job, opt for more basic ones and skip the custom job. When applied correctly, basic colors and finishes look professional and can do wonders to spruce up an older vehicle without the cost of extras.
Cost to Paint a Car FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about painting a car.
Is Getting a Car Repainted Worth It?
Having your car repainted can be worth it if it has significant fading or cosmetic damage that impacts its resale value and appearance. Buyers are more likely to buy your car if it looks well-maintained. While professional repairs can be costly, they can improve the car's resale value and extend its lifespan if done well.
However, minor scratches may only require a DIY touch-up, which can be an affordable alternative. Ultimately, whether it's worth repainting your car depends on its condition and your budget.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a Car?
The time it takes to paint a vehicle can vary depending on several factors. These include:
- The extent of cosmetic damage
- Size of the vehicle
- Amount of prep work required
- Additional bodywork needed
- Workload of the body shop
Overall, depending on these variables, the process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Is It Cheaper to Wrap or Paint a Car?
It's typically cheaper to wrap your car than to paint it. A basic vinyl wrap usually costs between $500 and $5,000, while a professional paint job can range from $3,000 to $20,000 or more. Wrapping is often more affordable, especially for those seeking a temporary or unique look.
However, while wrapping is cheaper, it may not last as long as a full repaint and could require maintenance to prevent peeling. Paint is more durable in the long run but comes at a higher price.
Can You Paint a Financed Car?
Yes, you can paint a financed car, but you should check your loan agreement beforehand to see if there are any restrictions. Some agreements may allow modifications as long as they don't negatively impact the car's value.
If you plan to make a significant change, it's a good idea to contact the lender beforehand. Additionally, if you plan to trade in or sell the vehicle later, remember that cosmetic modifications, such as painting, could affect its resale value.
Why Is Car Paint So Expensive?
Car paint tends to be more expensive due to the cost of the materials used to create the paint formula and labor, which includes both vehicle preparation and the painting process.
The cost can also be impacted by the type of paint, the size of the vehicle and where the work is done. For example, a custom paint color with a high-end finish will be much more costly than a basic paint job using a commonly used color.
Use a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility When Repainting Your Car
Don't leave your paint job to chance, use a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility with body shop painting services to ensure the best quality at the best price.
Technicians at more than 7,000 AAR facilities are factory-trained or Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified, so you know you're getting the best service available. Our shops guarantee all their work and you'll save 10 percent on labor costs with your AAA membership.