How Much Does a Car Paint Job Cost?

If you're considering restoring your vehicle’s exterior, one of the first questions on your mind is probably how much it will cost. The answer isn’t simple—paintwork repair prices vary depending on the car’s size, condition, finish quality, and labour costs in your region. In this article, we break down the average cost of a car respray, the difference between panel respray and full-body jobs, and the hidden factors you should consider like paint type, rust and dent repair, or even a luxury car respray. We’ll also weigh the pros and cons of respraying vs wrapping and when touch-up paint or smart repairs are smarter alternatives. Whether you're planning a showroom-level finish or just want to fix some car paint damage, this guide will prepare you with everything you need—complete with insights from the specialists at Sprayshack Ltd.

Why the Cost of Car Resprays Can’t Be Generalised

You may have seen prices online ranging from £800 to well over £5,000 for what seems like the same service. That's because car bodywork and painting involve a vast range of variables. It’s not just about slapping on a new colour; it's a detailed process involving:

• Prep work (including sanding, cleaning, and masking)

• Paint removal or blending

• Repair of dents or rust

• Application of primer, colour coat, and clear coat

• Finishing, polishing, and inspection

Each stage takes time, expertise, and specialised equipment. At Sprayshack Ltd, we see countless examples where a minor scratch turns into a deeper job due to hidden rust or incorrect previous repairs.

Full Respray vs Panel Respray: What’s the Difference?

Not all paint jobs are created equal. Here’s how to distinguish what kind of service your car may need:

Full Respray

A full respray covers the entire vehicle and is ideal for:

• Older vehicles needing car restoration

• Colour changes

• Heavily faded or damaged original paint

• Luxury car respray requests for showroom-ready results

Costs typically range between £2,000 and £5,000, depending on the vehicle size and type and the paint finish chosen.

Panel Respray

A panel respray targets specific areas like doors, bumpers, or bonnets, and can cost between £250 and £600 per panel.

“A single panel respray can seem minor but if there’s paint chip repair, faded paint, or poor matching—it may cost more in the long run.”— Technician insight, Sprayshack Our Work

Common Areas Requiring Respray

Certain parts of a car are more exposed to damage, and these frequently need individual attention:

• Bumper respray – takes the brunt of daily driving and parking damage.

• Bonnet respray – prone to peeling paint and stone chips.

• Door panel painting – often suffers from scratches, dings, or minor collisions.

• Roof and boot lid – susceptible to sun damage and paint fade over time.

If you're unsure how extensive the work needs to be, our team offers comprehensive car repaint quotes, tailored to your situation.

Factors That Influence Car Respray Cost

Here's what most influences the spray painting cost of your vehicle:

1. Extent of Damage

More than just cosmetic? Deep scratches, exposed metal, or rust will require additional repair time and possibly body panel painting.

2. Paint Type & Finish

Choosing between solid, metallic, pearlescent, or matte finishes significantly impacts the final bill. Pearlescent and matte finishes need extra care and layers for consistent colour depth.

3. Labour Cost & Location

Expect a regional price variation—London or Manchester may charge more than rural workshops. Choosing a local bodyshop like ours can often give you a better deal with personal service.

4. Prep Work Requirements

Improper prep can ruin the entire job. We often correct failed DIY respray attempts where sanding or masking was skipped.

5. Paint Matching

Matching the original tone, especially for older vehicles, requires digital tools and manual blending—a skill unique to professional respraying shops like ours.

Alternatives: Respray vs Wrap

Before you commit to respraying, it’s smart to ask: Is a vinyl wrap a better option for my goals and budget?

When to Wrap Instead

• You want a temporary colour change

• Your current paint is in great condition

• You need branding or graphics

• Budget is under £1,500

When Respraying is Better

• Paint is damaged or rusted

• You're restoring a classic

• You plan to keep the car long-term

• You want better resale value

At Sprayshack, we help clients understand the real-world difference. A wrap may last 3–5 years, while a high-quality full respray can maintain its finish for over a decade with proper care.

DIY Respray: The Real Cost of Doing It Yourself

At first glance, DIY respraying might look like a budget-friendly solution. Sandpaper, masking tape, primer, base coat, and clear coat can be picked up for under £150. But what’s the hidden price?

“The biggest issue we see with DIY attempts is poor paint matching and uneven paint finish. Most come to us to fix what started as a quick fix.”— Lead technician, Sprayshack Ltd

Risks of DIY Paint Jobs:

• Inconsistent colour tones due to lack of factory-grade matching systems

• Poor adhesion if prep work isn't done thoroughly

• Spray gun overspray and drips leading to texture problems

• Missed rust or corrosion hiding under peeling paint

• No dust-free workspace resulting in imperfections under the clear coat

Unless you’ve got access to a ventilated spray booth, pro-grade paint mixers, and several weekends to spare, a professional respraying service remains the smarter investment in most cases.

What You Get With a Professional Respray

When you hire a specialist bodyshop like Sprayshack Ltd, you’re not just paying for labour—you’re paying for:

• A controlled environment (temperature and dust control)

• UV-resistant automotive paint types

• OEM-grade paint matching

• Expertise in car bodywork correction (dents, rust, filler)

• A finish that enhances resale value

Even a partial respray on one or two panels is handled with the same attention to detail as a full-body project.

Bonus: We’ll even work directly with your insurer on covered repairs via our insurance-approved repair service.

How Long Does a Car Respray Take?

If you're booking a car respray, expect a timeframe of:

• 2–3 days for a single bumper respray or panel respray

• 1 week for a full respray without structural issues

• 2+ weeks for custom jobs, car restoration, or high-end finishes

The respray process involves multiple stages, including:

1. Preparation: Masking, cleaning, sanding

2. Primer application

3. Base coat layering

4. Paint application with drying time

5. Clear coat sealing

6. Polishing and detailing

Every vehicle is different, and unexpected delays like hidden corrosion or warped bodywork can add time. We walk all customers through a respray time estimate as part of our quoting process.

Smart Repairs, Spot Fixes & Alternatives to Full Resprays

Not every paint problem needs a full treatment. Some common alternatives include:

Smart Repair

Ideal for small scratches and localised damage. It’s quick, affordable, and doesn’t require a respray booth.

Car Polishing Alternatives

When your vehicle just looks dull rather than damaged, a deep polish or ceramic coating can restore lustre without paint.

Touch-Up Paint

Useful for paint chip repair and minor nicks, especially if you have the factory colour code.

Vinyl Wrapping

As covered earlier, wrapping is a flexible, cost-effective solution if your car paint damage is minor and you’re open to design variety. Learn more about the vinyl wrapping cost differences before you decide.

“If your goal is colour transformation without repainting—wrapping works. But if the original surface is flawed, no wrap will fix that underneath.”— Consultation tip from Sprayshack

Hidden Costs You Might Not Expect

When budgeting for a car paint repair, don’t forget these often overlooked cost factors:

• Paint type: Solid colours are cheaper than metallic or pearlescent finishes

• Clear coat application: Needed for protection, but adds to labour

• Body filler work: If your panels have deep dents or prior repairs

• Prep time: More corrosion or old paint = more labour

• Regional price variation: London tends to be more expensive than smaller cities

Whether you're going for a complete car colour change or just sorting out your bonnet respray, always ask for a detailed car repaint quote upfront to avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Respray Partner

Choosing a reputable local bodyshop makes all the difference in your respray results. At Sprayshack Ltd, we focus on transparency, quality materials, and finish precision. We invite all potential customers to view our gallery of completed work and read through our customer testimonials before making a decision.

Here’s a simple checklist to guide your next steps:

• Get multiple quotes with breakdowns

• Ask about paint finish, materials, and warranty

• Check the shop’s portfolio and reviews

• Avoid rock-bottom prices that skip vital prep stages

• Clarify expectations if you're going for a car colour change

Need advice on your specific vehicle or unsure if you need a respray vs wrap? We’re here to help. Reach out via our contact page and get the answers directly from the experts.

Average Car Respray Costs by Vehicle Type

Below is a helpful guide based on recent UK estimates and in-house pricing averages at Sprayshack. Note that prices can vary depending on paint finish, damage level, and regional price variation:

Vehicle Type	Panel Respray (per panel)	Full Respray (solid paint)	Full Respray (metallic/pearlescent)
Small Hatchback	£250–£350	£1,500–£2,200	£2,000–£3,000
Mid-size Saloon	£300–£400	£2,200–£3,000	£2,800–£4,200
SUV or 4x4	£350–£500	£3,000–£4,500	£4,500–£5,500+
Luxury/Classic Car	£400–£600+	£4,000–£7,000+	£5,500–£10,000+

💡 Remember, these are starting points. Vehicles with car paint damage, dented panels, or prior respray attempts may need added labour for surface restoration.

Quick Reference: Cost Factors Checklist

Before you book your respray, make sure you’ve considered:

•  Paint type (Solid vs. Metallic vs. Pearlescent)

•  Extent of body damage

•  Need for rust and dent repair

•  Desired paint finish and level of gloss

•  Age and previous paint history

•  Whether a respray or wrap is more suitable

•  Inclusion of interior areas in colour changes

•  Respray warranty and aftercare advice

•  Availability of local bodyshop with verifiable experience

If you're not sure how to evaluate all of this, our expert team is just a message away via our contact page.

How to Avoid Common Respray Pitfalls

1. Don’t choose solely based on price. A cheap quote might mean poor prep, low-quality materials, or shortcuts.

2. View the shop’s past work. Explore our gallery of transformations to see the difference expert craftsmanship makes.

3. Ask about warranties. Reputable shops like ours back work with a workmanship guarantee.

4. Communicate your goals clearly. If you're expecting show-car results, we’ll guide you on how to achieve that—and what it realistically costs.

5. Confirm timeframe expectations. A proper respray process takes time. Rushed jobs often require redoing.

Final Words: Should You Go Ahead With a Car Respray?

If your vehicle’s paint is faded, chipped, or just tired-looking, investing in a car respray can completely transform it—both visually and in terms of value. But it pays to plan smartly. Ask questions. Compare finishes. And most importantly, choose a shop that cares about the final result as much as you do.

Whether you’re prepping your car for sale or treating your pride and joy to a cosmetic upgrade, we’re here to guide you. At Sprayshack Ltd, it’s not just about spraying cars—it’s about restoring pride in your vehicle.

FAQs: Car Respray Costs Explained

1. Can I respray just one side of my car?

Yes, it's possible to respray one side (driver or passenger side) of your vehicle. This is common after side-impact accidents or weather-related damage. Costs typically range from £800 to £1,500, depending on how many panels need respraying and the level of paint matching required.

2. Does a car respray include rust removal?

Only if specified. A basic respray will not automatically include rust and dent repair—those are add-ons that require grinding, filler, and priming. If rust is present, it must be addressed before painting, or the new coat will fail quickly.

3. What’s the difference between a respray and a touch-up?

A respray involves sanding, priming, and repainting one or more panels, while a touch-up addresses very minor scratches or chips using a small applicator and colour-matched paint. Touch-ups are cheaper but not suitable for large or deep damage.

4. Is respraying a leased car allowed?

Not usually. Most lease agreements prohibit colour changes or unauthorised bodywork. If your lease vehicle needs paint repairs, always contact the lease company first to see if they have approved partners.

5. Will my respray match the factory finish?

With modern tools and trained professionals, yes. We use digital spectrophotometers and factory codes to recreate the original finish with incredible accuracy. However, cars with aged or sun-faded paint may still require blending across panels for a seamless result.

6. Can I get a matte or satin finish on any vehicle?

Yes—but with caveats. Matte and satin paint types require different prep, application, and care methods. They’re more sensitive to scratches and harder to clean. Ensure your detailer has experience with these specialised finishes.

7. How do I maintain my paintwork after a respray?

Avoid car washes for at least two weeks after respraying. After that, wash with pH-neutral shampoo, use microfiber towels, and consider waxing or ceramic coating to protect the finish. Avoid abrasive polishes for at least 6 weeks.

8. Does repainting reduce my vehicle’s value?

Not necessarily. A high-quality, factory-matched car paint job can increase resale value, especially if the original paint was scratched or faded. Poorly done resprays, on the other hand, can signal accident history or cheap repairs—so quality matters.

9. Is it worth repainting an older car?

If your car is mechanically sound and has sentimental or collector value, absolutely. A good car respray can breathe new life into an old vehicle, making it look and feel nearly new again—especially when part of a broader car restoration.

10. What happens if I don’t repaint peeling or damaged paint?

Neglecting peeling paint or chips exposes the metal underneath to moisture, leading to corrosion and long-term car bodywork damage. What starts as cosmetic quickly becomes structural. Early intervention is always more affordable.