How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car in 2025?

Car repainting costs typically range between $2,000 and $5,000, but they can exceed these figures depending on several factors, including the size of your vehicle and the extent of existing damage to the car’s paint job.  To gain a deeper understanding of these costs, it's essential to grasp the factors that can significantly impact these expenses.

Factors Influencing Car Paint Costs

Let's explore the key factors that influence the total cost of repainting your car:

1. Size and Type of Vehicle

The size and type of your vehicle play a significant role in determining repainting costs. Larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs generally require more paint and labor, leading to higher expenses compared to smaller cars. Here are some estimated costs for popular car models in Australia:

1. Small Cars (e.g., Toyota Corolla): $1000 - $2,500+

2. Mid-size Cars (e.g., Honda Accord): $1,800 - $3,200+

3. Large Cars (e.g., Ford Falcon): $2,500 - $4,500+

4. Luxury Cars (e.g., BMW 5 Series): $3,500 - $5,000+

2. Condition of the Existing Paint

The condition of your car's current paint job affects the Cost to paint a Car as well. Extensive damage, such as deep scratches, dents, or rust, may require additional preparation work, increasing the overall expenses.

3. Quality and Type of Paint

The choice of paint quality and type directly impacts costs. Opting for premium paints with special finishes like metallic or pearl effects can increase the price tag but also offers enhanced durability and aesthetics. Here is cost comparison and specs for different types of paints:

Paint Type	Cost	Durability	Suitable for
Acrylic Paint	Most affordable	Moderate	Budget-conscious consumers looking for a basic refresh.
Enamel Paint	Moderate	Good	Those seeking a balance between affordability and durability.
Urethane Paint	Most expensive due to durability	Excellent	Enthusiasts or those wanting a long-lasting, high-quality finish.

4. DIY vs. Professional

While some car owners may consider DIY painting to save money, it often lacks the expertise and equipment necessary for a professional finish. Professional painters ensure quality results but come at a higher cost. In Australia, automotive spray painters typically charge around $48-55 per hour on average but this figure can vary depending on experience. A complete repaint job may take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours or more, depending on the complexity and size of the vehicle.

Cost Breakdown & Risks

In 2025, the gap between DIY and professional car painting costs is wider than most people realise. A realistic DIY setup isn’t just a tin of paint and a weekend in the driveway, it involves a decent HVLP spray gun ($400–$800), a quality air compressor ($800–$1,200), sanding and prep tools ($300–$500), automotive paint and clear coat ($500–$1,000), plus a basic spray booth or dust-free enclosure ($500–$1,000). By the time you add safety gear like a respirator, gloves, and goggles, you’re looking at $2,500–$4,000.

The bigger cost comes if things go wrong. Uneven paint, runs, overspray, or poor colour matching can mean paying a professional another $1,500–$3,000 to fix it, sometimes more than the cost of having them do it from the start.

From my workshop experience, DIY can be satisfying for hobby restorations or learning the ropes, but if you want a showroom finish and long-lasting protection, professionals have the equipment, controlled environments, and years of practice that make the difference.

5. Additional Services and Customisations

Optional services such as custom designs, graphics, or specialty finishes will incur extra charges, usually ranging from $500 to $2,000 or more.

Partial vs Full Car Painting Costs

Partial resprays typically range from $400 to $1,200 and are ideal for addressing specific areas with damage or imperfections, such as panels or bumpers. On the other hand, full resprays range from $2,000 to $5,000+ or more and are suitable for a complete refresh, covering the entire exterior of the vehicle.

Pricing for Different Car Panels

Panel	Average Cost
Roof	$350-$500
Front Bumper	$250-$400
Rear Bumper	$250-$400
Hood/Bonnet	$350-$500
Doors	$250-$400 per panel
Fenders	$250-$400 per panel
Trunk/Boot	$250-$400

*This is a rough estimate and it can vary depending on vehicle type and size.

State-by-State Price Variations

In Australia, location plays a big role in what you’ll pay for a professional respray in 2025. Sydney and Melbourne lead the pack, with full resprays averaging $5,500–$8,000 due to higher labour costs and demand. Brisbane comes in slightly cheaper at $4,500–$7,500, while Perth sits mid-range but often faces higher material costs thanks to freight charges.

In regional areas, you can sometimes save 15–25% on labour, but you may not have access to advanced colour-matching technology or climate-controlled booths. This can be a trade-off, especially for high-end or custom finishes.

If you’re chasing the perfect blend of quality and price, get quotes from at least three shops in different areas. In some cases, it’s worth travelling interstate if the cost savings outweigh the transport and downtime.

Find Out How Much Your Car Paint Job Will Cost in Australia

How to Choose the Right Paint Shop

A good paint job starts with choosing the right shop, and not all are created equal. Be wary of red flags like vague pricing, unwillingness to provide a written quote, a messy or poorly ventilated workspace, and timelines that seem too short for proper prep work.

Look for certifications like I-CAR, PPG Envirobase, Axalta, or BASF Glasurit, as these indicate the technicians are trained in the latest methods and materials. Visit the shop in person if you can, ideally without an appointment. How they handle their day-to-day workflow says a lot.

Ask to see before-and-after photos of recent projects, and focus on customer reviews from the last six months for a realistic sense of quality and reliability. Finally, a great shop won’t pressure you; they’ll explain your options, help with colour matching, and be upfront about both cost and timelines.

Tips for Cost Optimisation

Here are some actionable tips to optimise your car repainting investment:

Research and Compare: Obtain quotes from multiple auto body shops to compare prices and services.

Consider Quality: Opt for high-quality paints and materials to ensure long-lasting results.

Maintain Regularly: Follow a proper maintenance routine to preserve the paint finish and minimise future repairs.

Ask About Warranties: Inquire about warranties on paint and labour to safeguard your investment.

Paint Longevity & Maintenance Guide

A fresh paint job should last at least 8–10 years if cared for properly, and most of that longevity comes down to maintenance. Wash your car regularly with pH-neutral shampoos, harsh detergents strip protective layers and shorten paint life.

Avoid automatic car washes with stiff brushes; instead, use a soft microfiber mitt and dry with a clean towel to prevent swirl marks. Apply wax or a ceramic coating once or twice a year for extra UV and chemical resistance, and repair small chips quickly to stop rust from creeping under the surface.

Parking plays a huge role too. Garage storage shields the paint from sun, acid rain, and bird droppings, while outdoor parking accelerates fading and oxidation. A high-quality car cover is a good compromise if indoor storage isn’t an option.

From my years in the booth, I can tell you that the best-looking cars are the ones whose owners treat washing and waxing as routine, not an afterthought.

Environmental Impact & Eco-Friendly Paint Options

Car painting has come a long way in reducing its environmental footprint. The biggest choice today is between waterborne paints and solvent-based paints.

Waterborne paints use water as the primary solvent, significantly lowering VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. They also offer excellent colour matching and faster drying times in the booth. Most modern Australian paint shops now use waterborne systems to comply with EPA 2025 regulations.

Solvent-based paints, while offering superior durability in extreme climates, release more VOCs and require stricter handling. They’re still used in certain applications, like heavy-duty or marine environments, but are being phased out for general automotive use.

Some shops now offer hybrid systems, combining waterborne base coats with durable, low-VOC clear coats, giving you the best of both worlds. If you care about both your car’s finish and the planet, ask your paint shop about their eco-friendly options and how they manage waste disposal.

FAQs

Is it worth painting an old car?

Yes, painting an old car can enhance its appearance and protect it from rust and damage, increasing its resale value.

Can I choose custom colours for my car paint?

Yes, many professional painters offer custom colour options to suit your preferences.

How long does a car paint job usually last?

A quality paint job can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance.

Are there any environmental considerations when painting a car?

Yes, eco-friendly paint options are available, reducing environmental impact during the painting process.

Can I repaint just a portion of my car, or does it need a full repaint?

Depending on the damage or desired change, partial repaints are possible, but they may not match perfectly with the existing paint.