The cost to paint a whole car typically ranges from $1,000 to over $10,000+, with the national average for a professional, quality job on a standard sedan falling between $3,000 and $7,000. The final price is highly variable and depends primarily on your vehicle's size, the paint quality, and the extent of necessary preparatory work.
The single biggest cost driver is the quality of the materials and the labor intensity of the job. Here’s a breakdown of common service tiers:
| Service Tier | Typical Price Range (Sedan) | Key Characteristics & Considerations |
|---|
| Economy/MAACO-level | $1,000 - $3,000 | Single-stage paint (color and gloss combined), minimal bodywork. Often involves taping over trim instead of removing parts. Shorter lifespan (3-5 years), less color match precision. |
| Standard Shop Job | $3,000 - $7,000 | Basecoat/clear coat system (color layer + protective glossy layer). Proper removal of handles, trim. Significant surface prep. Good durability (5-10 years). |
| Showroom Quality | $7,000 - $15,000+ | Multi-stage sanding/prep, custom color mixing, extensive clear coat layers. Full disassembly of doors, panels. Results in a deep, flawless finish for concours-level restoration. |
| SUV/Truck Premium | +20% to +50% above sedan quote | Larger surface area requires more paint and significantly more labor hours, directly increasing the cost. |
Beyond the tier, several other factors critically impact your quote. Vehicle size is a major one; painting a full-size SUV or truck will always cost significantly more than a compact car. The paint color itself matters; metallic, pearl, and tri-coat finishes are more complex and expensive than standard solid colors. Any required bodywork—like fixing dents, rust, or deep scratches—adds hours of labor for metal shaping, filling, and sanding before a drop of paint is sprayed. Finally, your location plays a role; labor rates are higher in major metropolitan areas compared to rural towns.
Always get at least three detailed written estimates from reputable body shops. A thorough quote should itemize costs for parts removal, bodywork, materials (paint, clear coat), and labor. This allows you to understand exactly what you're paying for and avoid surprise charges.
