How Much Does It Cost to Repaint a Car?

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Watching your car’s paint peel and color fade can be truly disheartening. When you need to respray a car, whether it’s because of years of exposure to harsh weather, minor scratches, dings, or simply to give your everyday auto a shiny new look, the question on your mind is likely, How much does it cost to repaint a car?

The average cost to respray a car is $300 to $4500 depending on factors like the size of the vehicle, the quality of paint used, any necessary repairs, and the complexity of the job. 

I’m going to peel back the layers of automotive artistry and reveal factors that influence the respray cost so you can make your four-wheeled masterpiece shine like new. 

Let’s explore car respraying costs, uncovering the process and guiding you through the colorful spectrum of options.

How Much Does It Cost to Respray a Car?

The cost of repainting your car depends on the type of service you take:

Basic paint job for a car cost

A basic respray cost that ranges from $300 to $900 is ideal for those who want a quick refresh at a reasonable price. One well-known option in the basic respray category is the Maaco $300 paint job. 

It’s often advertised as a budget-friendly choice for those looking to refresh their car’s appearance at an inexpensive cost. However, it’s good to understand what you’re getting with this low-cost option. The cost of a basic paint job ranges between $300 and $900.

The cheapest car paint job typically includes little surface preparation, but it might not address deep scratches, rust, or extensive bodywork. 

The paint used in this service is generally of average quality but may not have the durability or longevity of more expensive options. Additionally, color choices might be limited, and customization options may be limited. Learn more about the cost of paint correction process.

Standard Car paint job cost

The standard respray is a balanced choice for most car owners. It involves thorough surface preparation, sanding, removal of rust, primer application, multiple coats of high-quality paint, and a clear coat for added protection and shine, costing you from $2500 to $4000. 

Premium car paint cost

If you’re seeking perfection and a showroom-quality finish, the premium respray is the way to go starting from $5000 to $20,000 or above. 

This full body car paint cost includes extensive surface preparation, professional-grade paint, around 24 paint coats, meticulous attention to detail such as metal flakes, and often add-on services including color customization or special finishes. 

Premium resprays deliver exceptional results, making your car look like it just rolled off the assembly line. This premium level of costly car spray paint job lasts for up to many years without fading, depending on the protection and care.

Factors Affecting cost to paint a car

There are certain factors that can affect the automobile paint cost. Let’s discuss them in detail!

Paint Type And Quality

The type and quality of paint you choose when repainting your car are fundamental aspects in determining its cost. There’s a choice of paint options, ranging from more budget-friendly standard acrylic or enamel paints around $300 to $1000 to higher-end choices like urethane or custom paint jobs. It could cost around $3,500 to $8000.

The color you choose also plays a role in cost variation. Basic car paint colors such as white, black, and silver are typically more economical due to their simplicity in achieving an accurate match and widespread availability. 

Conversely, going for matte, gloss, metallic, pearl, candy coat or specialty colors can increase costs because they require quality mixing and a larger quantity of paint.

Paint Type	Features	Price
Solid Paint	-Uniform color finish-Cost-effective-Durable	$179/5L
Metallic Finish	-Shimmering and eye-catching-Adds depth and dimension-Luxurious and sophisticated look	$120/L
Pearlescent	-Unique and captivating appearance-Price varies, high-end custom finish-Shimmering, color-changing effect	$200 – $2,000 per car
Matte	-Non-reflective, flat finish-Modern and understated elegance-Requires extra maintenance	$100/L

Vehicle Size

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, or sports car like Bugatti naturally require more paint and labor, which can drive up the cost compared with smaller cars. The surface area to be covered is significantly larger on these vehicles, meaning more paint material and time are needed to achieve a complete and even coat. 

Furthermore, the size of the vehicle can affect paint booth availability. Larger vehicles may require larger paint booths with adequate ventilation and climate control, which add to the overall cost. 

Local Paint Shop

The cost of a car respray can vary by location due to differences in labor rates and skilled professionals. Urban areas tend to have higher prices than rural regions due to the generally higher cost of living and increased demand for automotive services. 

Car Paint Condition

The condition of your vehicle’s existing paint and any needed repairs affect the cost. If your car has dings, scratches, dents, or rust issues that need to be repaired before the respray, this will add to the overall cost. 

Helpful Guide: Explore the pricing factors for painting a car hood in our comprehensive guide. Get insights into the costs involved

How much does it cost to paint a fender?

To paint a fender, the cost can vary based on various factors, such as the fender’s size, the paint type, and the service provider. On average, you can anticipate spending anywhere from $200 to $1000 for fender painting. It’s important to note that custom colors or additional repairs may result in additional charges.

How much to paint a fender at maaco?

Maaco, a well-known auto body shop chain, typically offers competitive pricing for fender painting services. Their prices can range from $300 to $1500 or more, depending on the extent of necessary prep work and the quality of paint selected.

How many cans of paint do I need to paint a fender?

The quantity of paint cans needed to paint a fender depends on the fender’s size and the paint type you choose. Generally, a single can of automotive spray paint can cover approximately 25 square feet. For a standard-sized fender, one can should be adequate, but it’s advisable to purchase an extra can to ensure full coverage and have some for touch-ups.

DIY Vs Professional Cost to Repaint a Car

If you decide to do it yourself (DIY), it can range from $100 to $1,500, depending on what materials you need. On the other hand, getting a professional to do the job can start at $300 and go up to $20,000.

Now, here’s the catch with the DIY option: it can be a hassle. Professionals usually put on several layers of primer, the paint color you want, and a protective topcoat to ensure it looks really good. The question is, do you have the time and energy to do all that?

If you go the DIY route, you’ll need a place to work that’s well-ventilated, so dust and dirt don’t ruin your fresh paint while it’s drying. You’ll also need some sandpaper to clean up any dirt or rust, masking tape to keep the paint only where you want it, and a spray gun, primer, and shiny car paint.

But here’s the thing: getting a professional-looking result requires special tools and patience and time. Unless you’re just fixing a small scratch or you already know what you’re doing, it might be better to let the experts handle it.

Final Thoughts

Repainting your vehicle can not only improve its appearance but also increase its value and durability. It’s a decision to be made carefully, according to your particular preferences. By gaining insight into the factors that influence respray costs, you can make a good decision to ensure your four-wheeled masterpiece shines anew on the road.

FAQS On How Much Does It Cost to Repaint a Car

Q. How much does it cost to paint a car a different color?

Getting a new color for your car costs up to $4,500. The process is time-consuming and requires a lot of paint. It requires a dedicated facility equipped with various protective measures, including dust covers, air filtration systems, and personal safety gear.

Q. What is the cheapest color to paint a car?

Selecting a popular color like black, white, or gray is the most cost-effective option for car painting due to their widespread availability and lower price compared to more specialized or unique colors.

Q. Is it cheaper to paint or wrap a car?

Paint jobs are often the budget-friendly option to change your car’s appearance. You can expect to pay around $500 for a basic, low-quality paint job or anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for a high-quality finish. On the other hand, professional car wraps typically start at $2,500 and go up to $5,000.

Q. How often should you re spray your car?

In general, you should repaint your car every five to ten years. However, the specific timeframe can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the original paint job. This includes your car’s exposure to environmental elements, and your personal preferences for maintaining its appearance. 

Q. Is it possible to paint my car at home?

Repainting your car can be a manageable project at home if you follow a few key principles. By investing in quality products, utilizing the right tools, and maintaining a clean, dust-free workspace, you can complete a professional-level car paint job right in your own garage.