How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?
A basic full-body respray starts around $1,500 for a standard-quality job and can exceed $10,000 for show-quality finishes. The biggest factors affecting price are paint quality (single stage vs. base/clear coat), amount of prep work (rust, dent repair, sanding), and the size of your vehicle.
Average Auto Paint Costs by Shop Type
| Shop Type | Full Repaint Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| National chain (Maaco, etc.) | $500 - $2,500 | Basic prep, single-stage paint |
| Independent body shop | $2,000 - $5,000 | Better prep, base/clear coat |
| Premium collision center | $5,000 - $10,000 | Full prep, premium paint, color match |
| Restoration / custom shop | $10,000 - $25,000+ | Show quality, custom colors, multi-stage |
What Affects Auto Paint Cost
| Factor | Impact on Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle size | +15% to +35% for large | More surface area = more paint and labor |
| Color change | +15% to +50% | Doorjambs, engine bay, trunk need painting |
| Rust repair | +$200 - $2,000 | Cutting, welding, and filling rust spots |
| Dent repair | +$100 - $500 per dent | PDR or filler before painting |
| Paint type | 2x - 4x difference | Metallic and pearl cost more than solid |
FAQ
Is it worth repainting a car?
Repainting is worth it if the car has good mechanicals but poor cosmetics. As a rule of thumb, do not spend more than 10-15% of the car's value on paint. For a $20,000 car, a $2,000-$3,000 respray makes sense if the current paint is failing.
How long does a car paint job take?
A basic respray takes 3-5 days. A premium job with significant body work can take 2-4 weeks. Show-quality restorations may take months. Most of the time is spent on prep work, not actual painting.
Does repainting a car affect its value?
It depends. A factory-matching, high-quality repaint on a car with failing paint can increase value. A cheap respray or a color change typically decreases value on used car lots because buyers assume the car was in an accident.
Prices shown are approximate 2026 U.S. averages and may vary significantly by region, retailer, and market conditions. Always get local quotes for accurate pricing.