how much does it cost to repaint your car

[MacIvan]

A full car repaint typically costs between $1,000 and $10,000+ in the US. The wide range is due to several key factors: the quality of paint, the extent of bodywork needed, your car's size, and the shop's labor rates. For a standard sedan with a basic single-stage paint job (paint and clear coat combined) and minimal prep, you might pay $1,000-$3,000. A high-quality basecoat/clearcoat job from a reputable shop on the same car, involving proper surface prep like sanding and priming, often runs $3,000-$6,000. For luxury cars, trucks, or custom finishes like metallic or pearl tri-coats, expect to pay $5,000 to well over $10,000.

The single biggest cost driver is labor. A proper repaint requires dozens of hours for disassembly, surface preparation, masking, painting, and reassembly. Any necessary bodywork to fix dents or rust will add significantly to the bill. The shop's location and reputation also play a major role; dealerships and high-end custom shops charge more than independent body shops.

Factor	Low-End Cost Impact	High-End Cost Impact	Notes
Paint Quality	Basic Acrylic Urethane	Ceramic Coated / Premium Clearcoat	High-end paints offer better UV protection and longevity.
Car Size	Compact Sedan (e.g., Honda Civic)	Large SUV/Truck (e.g., Ford F-150)	Larger surface area requires more materials and time.
Bodywork Needed	Minor Scratch Sanding	Major Dent Repair, Rust Removal	Bodywork is labor-intensive and can exceed the paint cost itself.
Shop Type	Independent Shop	Dealership / Custom Specialist	Dealerships often charge premium rates for OEM-matched colors.
Job Complexity	Exterior Only	Full Jambs & Engine Bay	Painting door jambs and underhood doubles the labor.
Location	Rural/Midwest Shop	Urban Coastal Shop (e.g., NYC, SF)	Labor rates and overhead vary dramatically by region.

Before committing, always get at least three detailed written estimates. Ask what the price includes—specifically the type of paint, warranty details, and the number of coats. A cheap paint job might look good for a year but can fade or peel quickly. Investing in a quality job from a reputable shop ensures a durable finish that protects your car's value.

[DiValeria]

Honestly, if you're just trying to freshen up a ten-year-old daily driver, a Maaco single-stage paint job can be under $1,000. It won't win any car shows, and they might not even tape off the trim perfectly, but it'll look a lot better from ten feet away. It's a solid budget option if your goal is to prevent rust and make the car presentable for a few more years before you sell it. Don't expect a mirror-like finish or long-term durability, but for the price, it gets the job done.

[DeJordan]

The biggest surprise for me was the prep work. The actual paint is a fraction of the cost. A quality shop will spend most of their time on surface preparation: fixing tiny dings, sanding everything down, and applying primer. If you skip this, even the most expensive paint will look terrible over imperfections. My advice is to ask any shop you get a quote from to break down the cost of labor for prep versus the painting itself. That tells you everything about the quality you're paying for.