How much does it cost to repaint a car in Australia?

Taking care of your car’s paintwork not only preserves its appearance but also protects your investment. The paint job is one of the first things people notice and can significantly impact its resale value. If you begin to see signs of scratches or fading—whether from everyday use or harsh weather—it might be time to consider a new car paint job.

Car respray costs in Australia fall between $1,500 and $3,500 on average and can go up to $5,000 depending on several factors. This guide breaks down the variables that affect car painting prices along with some tips on how to make the best bang for your buck.

A car technician carefully applies a fresh coat of paint to a vehicle. | Source: iStock

Knowing the difference between a respray and a touch-up will help you choose the best solution for your needs based on the degree of the damage, your desired outcome, and your budget.

A car respray involves painting large sections of your car or even the entire vehicle to restore or change its colour and finish. This is ideal for older cars with fading or damaged paint across multiple areas.

A repainting touch-up focuses on small, specific areas. If your car only has minor chip marks, scratches, and blemishes, a touch-up might be a more cost-effective and quicker choice.

The vast difference in terms of the extent and complexity between a repainting touch-up to a full respray impacts the car painting costs. For example, if you’ve had a minor collision that scratched the paint on a single car door, there’s no need to pay for an entirely new paint job for the whole vehicle. Here’s the average repaint car cost breakdown:

Full car respray 

A full car respray means repainting your vehicle entirely. This is best suited for cars with extensive damage or fading, or if you’re looking for a new colour entirely. The full car respray cost can range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the complexity.

Partial repainting

For cars with damage limited to specific areas, a partial repaint can be the ideal and most affordable option. This can cost between $100 to $1,000 and typically includes areas like the bumper, hood, or doors.

Paint correction and detailing

This service focuses on restoring the paint’s appearance by removing surface imperfections such as swirls, light scratches, and oxidation. The cost for paint correction and car detailing can range from $400 to $1,000 but can vary on the extent of correction your vehicle needs.

Touch-up and scratch repair

Got a small scratch or chip? This can often be addressed with a touch-up job. The cost for scratch repair generally falls between $250 and $500, depending on the size and location of the damage.

Understanding each of the factors that affect the cost of repainting a car can help you budget more accurately. Here are the things you should consider:

Location

How much it would cost to get a car repainted varies significantly based on your location. Urban areas with high demand and few experienced painters may charge more. If you’re in a regional area, you may find more affordable rates but fewer options in terms of customisation and high-end paint jobs.

Labour costs

Labour can make up a significant portion of the total respray car cost. Highly experienced professionals charge more but often deliver higher quality output, while standard painters may offer more affordable rates but might not specialise in custom finishes or intricate jobs. 

Paint type

The type and quality of paint you choose significantly affect the cost of car respray. Standard solid paint is cheaper, while premium options like metallic or pearlescent finishes provide a more striking appearance but are more challenging to apply and may require multiple coats. Custom finishes also need more labour and expertise, leading to higher costs.

Car size and model

The size and model of your vehicle play a big role in determining how much to paint a car. A larger vehicle means more surface area to cover, which increases the amount of paint and labour required. If you have a luxury car, expect to spend more as it may require extra care and detailing, especially if they have premium finishes. 

The list below outlines the average cost to repaint a car depending on its size and type based on minimal bodywork:

Existing paint condition

The condition of your car’s existing paint affects the prep work needed. If your car has severe paint damage, rust, or deep scratches, it may require extra sanding, priming, or rust treatment, which adds to the car repainting cost.

Additional customisations

If you’re adding custom features such as stripes, decals, matte finishes, or window tints, these will greatly increase the overall cost of the car repaint job. Custom work requires more time, expertise, and attention to detail.

A skilled technician showcasing the precision and artistry involved in automotive refinishing. | Source: iStock

While DIY painting can be a cost-effective solution if you’re dealing with minor repairs and don’t mind a temporary fix, it often requires the right equipment and a lot of patience, and the finish might not be as polished.

When considering DIY car painting or respraying, there are both pros and cons to keep in mind. On the positive side, DIY projects typically have a cheaper upfront cost and offer flexibility in schedule, letting you work at your own pace. However, going the DIY route requires a considerable amount of time and skill, and the quality of the finish may not match that of professional work.

Hiring a professional, on the other hand, ensures car owners a higher-quality finish and longer-lasting results. While it’s more expensive upfront, the investment often pays off in the long run, especially if you’re looking to preserve the resale value of your car.

Tips for hiring a car painter

Auto painter meticulously refinishing a car door. | Source: iStock

Before you hire car spray painters, remember to assess their qualifications and experience. Look for professionals with:

• Proper licensing and insurance. Look for vehicle painters or vehicle refinishers with a certificate III in automotive refinishing technology or other related course to ensure they have the right knowledge and experience to do the task.
• Positive reviews and testimonials. You may consider asking for referrals from friends or family members who had their vehicle resprayed or repainted before.
• Detailed quotes that outline the scope of work and costs. Compare different professionals, understand the quality of service being offered, and ensure the work aligns with your budget.
• Portfolio of their projects. Getting before-and-after photos of their previous work will give you a clearer idea of their expertise and quality. 

You can find a professional painter through Oneflare. Check out our list of pre-qualified car detailers to find a reputable automotive paint shop based on honest customer ratings and reviews.

Repainting your car can dramatically enhance its appearance and maintain its value. Whether you need a full respray or just a simple touch-up, understanding the costs and options available can help you make the best decision and save money.

So, before you decide, assess your car’s condition, budget accordingly, and consult a professional for a proper car service and painting job.