How much does car respray cost in Australia?

Admit it—driving a car with faded, scratched, or damaged paint can make some people feel conscious about it. You told yourself you’d look for car respray costs, but the information on the internet is a little spotty (and sometimes inaccurate) at best.

In any case, car respray prices can be enough to make any driver’s wallet wince. This is why this guide can help you calculate your budget for the service and labour so you can make the most cost-effective car respraying decision.

What are the average costs of car respray in Australia?

Car respraying is more complicated than spraying paint on a car and calling it a day, and costs can vary significantly.

Considering giving your car a fresh coat or paint and wondering how much does a car respray cost? For your average small to mid-size car with minor repairs and a solid or metallic paint job, you’re likely looking at a range of $1,800 to $8,000. If you’re driving a larger vehicle, require significant bodywork, or desire a specialised finish, costs can climb above $12,000. Colour changes and extensive repairs also push prices higher, often starting around $5,000.

The table below breaks down how much to respray a car across different places in Australia.

More metropolitan areas often carry higher price tags, as you can see above with the car respray costs in Melbourne and car respray in Sydney. 

Service/labour cost estimates are for small to mid-size cars. Real-world prices can vary depending on many factors. Contact your local car body shop and get personalised quotes. 

What factors affect the costs of car respray?

Extent of damage

The level of existing damage significantly impacts costs. Vehicles with extensive scratches, dents, or rust require more preparation and labour.

Cars with minor surface scratches may only need a quick touch-up, while deeper dents or substantial rust damage require more extensive restoration, potentially involving panel beating and metalwork. This additional work increases both the time and labour cost involved in the respray process.

Labour costs

Speaking of labour, rates vary by region and expertise. Shops in metropolitan areas may charge more due to higher operational costs, including the shop’s rent, training, equipment, insurance, and more. Additionally, highly skilled technicians with specialised training typically charge more.

Paint brand and finish

Choosing the right paint finish is crucial for any car respray. Solid colours are the most affordable and common choice, while metallic finishes offer a brighter, shinier look. Pearlescent paints, infused with ceramic crystals, provide a unique, eye-catching effect but come at a higher price. Specialty finishes like matte and satin also add a touch of distinction, each with its own cost considerations.

The table below outlines estimated price ranges for various paint types in Australia. Keep in mind these are estimates for the paint itself, and labour costs for application are additional. It’s always best to consult with a professional for a tailored quote.

Car size and model

Generally, larger vehicles require more paint, which naturally increases the overall expense. Luxury cars may also be a challenge to repaint since some may require a unique or patented shade of paint that the shop must closely match, especially if the original manufacturer’s paint isn’t available. Any specialised techniques needed to achieve the desired finish can further elevate the cost of the respray.

Additional services

Optional services like clear coat application, rust treatment, or car detailing can incur additional costs. A clear coat is often applied after painting to boost its durability and provide a glossy finish; however, this service comes at an extra cost. Meanwhile, rust treatment is essential for maintaining the vehicle’s integrity and may involve additional labour if extensive repairs are necessary before painting.

What are some ways to save on car respray?

Sanding a car for a fresh coat. (Source: iStock)

To save on car repaint costs, consider these tips on how to set a proper budget:

• Partial vs full: Focus on the areas that need a respray, like the bumper or a door, and you can save some money compared to a full-body job. Note that partial jobs have variable costs depending on the car part; a car roof respray, for example, may cost more than respraying a single door.

• Shop around: Get quotes from at least three different detailing and bodywork service providers, as some might be more expensive but offer better quality or terms.

• Paint type: Solid paint is the cheapest option. Metallic or pearlescent finishes are flashy, but they’ll cost you more. Note that ‘shinier’ finishes usually have special maintenance requirements. For example, metallic paint finishes are susceptible to dust and dirt, so you may have to clean them more often.

• Discounts: Ask about any discounts or promotions they might have going on. Sometimes they’ll have deals for certain days of the week or for certain types of work.

• Consider alternatives. Some alternatives to car respraying include car wrapping, which also allows you to change your car’s design. Car wrapping costs at least $3,000, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.

• DIY prep: If you’re capable and know how to do masking and sanding, you can do some of the prep work yourself. The big caveat is that if you’re unfamiliar with any of these, you better leave it to car spray paint professionals.

Reasons to choose professional car respraying

Spraying yellow paint onto a car bumper. (Source: iStock)

While we’re on the subject of professional car spraying, there are five good reasons to find a professional who knows what they’re doing rather than DIY the project.

Quality results

First, obviously, is the difference in results. You get what you pay for, and paying for car repainting professionals means you’re getting the best quality possible. One reason is that they use the right tools, techniques, and materials, and they know how to use them. 

Cost-effective

It’s not an easy job to do a car repaint job unless you are an experienced car detailer. More often than not, you might make mistakes and have to do it again (or even end up hiring a car respray professional, which you could have done in the first place). You save money by hiring them from the outset instead of charging your errors to experience.

Saved time and effort

Respraying a car isn’t a one-hour job; sometimes, it’s not even a one-day job! It takes time, skill, and a ton of patience. You’ll be spending your weekends sanding, masking, and painting, and you still might not get the results you want. Rush through it, and you’ll end up spending more than just letting your car stay at the shop for a week or two.

Personal safety

Respraying involves using hazardous materials. You’ll be working with paint, solvents, and other chemicals that can be dangerous if not handled properly. The pros know how to work safely and responsibly, so you don’t have to worry about inhaling toxic fumes or causing an accident.

Post a task for car respraying

You’ve done your research on how much to spray paint a car. Now, let a car respray expert handle the rest. Now, connect with skilled and experienced auto body shops who prioritise quality and customer satisfaction through our platform. 

You can provide as many details as you want to get an offer that meets your budget and goals. Once your task is up, you’ll be connected to a selection of car resprayers near you. Your dream respray is just a click away.