How much does a car respray cost in the US?

Car respray costs can vary wildly. On average, a car respray in the US costs between $1,000 and $5,000. The price depends on factors like your car's size, the type of paint you choose, and the amount of bodywork needed. 

A well-executed car respray can transform your vehicle. But before you commit, it's essential to understand car respray prices. Let's explore the factors that influence the price and help you find a quality service.

What are the average costs of car respray in the US?

First things first—car respraying is the act of applying a new coat of paint to your car. While it seems simple enough, it's nothing like just slapping a spray paint on a car and calling it a day.

How much does a car respray cost? It often ranges from $500 to $5,000, but luxury car jobs can cost more due to the higher level of care they entail. If you’re planning to paint your car a different color or you need more extensive work, expect to pay around $5,000, up to $20,000.

Here's a table with information on how much to respray a car across different places in the US:

What factors affect the costs of car respray?

Several factors affect the costs of car respray, such as:

Peeling paint reveals the car's true colors. (Source: iStock)

Extent of damage

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

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 labor cost involved in the respray process.

Labor costs

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

Types of paint job

The difference between minor paint chipping, deep scratches, and rusting will affect your total car respray cost. This is because chipping can easily be painted over, while rusting is a more complex task and may require a panel beater fixing the car’s metal before any repainting can occur. Understanding your specific needs will help you get a more accurate estimate from your chosen service provider.

Paint brand and finish

The simpler the paint job, the less expensive it is. For example, a pearlescent finish is typically more expensive than just a solid shade of paint. Pearlescent finishes and similar special finishes have a special chemistry that gives cars a more distinctive, ‘new car’ look. Here’s a table of paint types and their estimated costs to help you understand how these can affect your overall car respraying budget.

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 specialized 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 strategies 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 shops, 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 $2,000, depending on the vehicle’s make and model.

• Extras: Clear coat, detailing, rust treatment—these are all “nice-to-haves” that can add up. Think about what you really need versus what you can live without.

• 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 you should find a professional who knows what they’re doing as opposed to DIY-ing 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. You’re not getting that same level of quality with a rattle can and a YouTube tutorial.

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

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on how much to spray paint a car, it might be time to give your car some needed TLC. Say goodbye to chipped, flaking paint and hello to feeling good as your car turns heads as it cruises down the street.

Ready to get your car resprayed by an expert? Join our platform and receive competitive offers from local pros. Tell them what you’re after, set your budget, and watch the offers roll in. Let’s get started and make your ride shine like never before!