Thinking about giving your car a fresh coat of paint?
Maybe the sun’s faded the color, the scratches are piling up, or you just want a whole new look. Whatever the reason, repainting your car can make it feel brand new again.
But before you head over to the garage, you might be wondering how much it’s going to cost.
Car paint jobs can get expensive depending on what you’re going for.
In this post, we’ll break down how much it costs to repaint a car in Virginia, and the factors that affect your final price. Plus, we’ll also give you a quick rundown of our car repainting prices.
Our Car Repainting Prices
Check Out Our: Auto Painting Services in Manassas
How Much Does It Cost To Repaint A Car?
It can cost anywhere from $300 to $10,000 to repaint a car in Virginia.
Yeah, that’s a big range. But that’s because so many different things can change the price. A basic paint job might only set you back a few hundred bucks. A high-end, showroom-quality job can climb into the thousands.
On average, though, most people in Virginia spend between $1,000 and $3,500 for a solid, long-lasting paint job that looks good and holds up well.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Basic paint job – $500 to $1,500
- Mid-range paint job – $1,500 to $5,000
- High-end or custom paint job – $5,000 to $10,000 or more
And if your car’s got rust or body damage, that’ll add more to the bill too.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Car Repainting
There are a handful of things that make a big difference in price. Let’s go over each of these:
#1 Vehicle Size And Type
This one’s pretty straightforward. Bigger car, more paint. More paint, more money.
So if you drive a compact car like a Honda Civic, your costs will be on the lower end. But if you’ve got an SUV, a truck, or something with extra curves and edges (like a van or a luxury ride), expect to pay more.
Those larger surfaces and tricky shapes take more time and materials.
Also, if you’re repainting something classic or vintage? That can bump the cost too.
These cars sometimes need special handling, or they might have parts that are tough to reach or prep.
#2 Paint Quality
The type of paint you use also affects car repainting costs.
You’ve got budget paint, standard paint, and premium paint. And trust us – there’s a difference.
Cheap paint jobs often use a single-stage enamel. It’s quick, it’s cheap, and it’ll get the job done. But don’t expect it to last forever. The color can fade faster and it won’t hold up as well under the sun or rain.
Also Read: How Much Does Paintless Dent Removal Cost?
Then there’s mid-range paint. This usually includes a base coat and a clear coat. It looks better and lasts longer. This is what most people go for.
And finally, there’s high-end, custom, or specialty paint, like metallic finishes, pearlescent coats, or matte finishes. These look awesome – but they come with a steeper price tag.
#3 Paint Color
Believe it or not, color can actually make a difference in cost.
Some colors are just easier (and cheaper) to apply. Standard colors like white, black, or silver? No problem. But if you want a custom shade, a rare hue, or something like candy apple red or deep pearl blue? That’ll cost more.
Some paints need extra coats to pop too. Others require special mixes that aren’t always in stock.
Also, if you’re changing the color of your car completely, that’ll add even more to the price.
The shop has to paint the door jambs, engine bay, and inside the trunk too so everything matches. That takes time and money.
#4 Surface Preparation And Repairs
If your car has scratches, dings, rust, or old peeling paint, those have to be fixed before the new paint goes on. Otherwise, the new coat won’t look smooth or worse, it won’t last.
Sometimes this means sanding, patching, or even replacing panels. And that costs money.
Shops might also need to remove trim or parts like mirrors and handles so the paint job looks clean and professional.
So the more work your car needs before painting starts, the more it’s going to cost.
Also Read: How Much Does Car Frame Damage Repair Cost
#5 Labor Costs
Like anything else, labor prices vary by location. In Virginia, they’re generally pretty fair but they still make up a big chunk of the total cost.
A basic paint job with minimal prep and lower-quality paint might be done fast and cheap. But a high-quality job, with attention to detail, will take more time. And that means more labor hours.
Plus, some shops charge by the hour, while others offer flat-rate packages.
#6 Caliber Of Body Shop
Where you go affects the cost of repainting a car too.
You’ve probably heard of national chains that offer budget paint jobs. These places can be a good fit for older cars or quick fixes.
But if you want a long-lasting, flawless finish, you might want to check out a more reputable local shop. They might charge more, but the quality is often worth it.
#7 Number Of Coats
More coats = more materials and more labor. Simple as that.
A basic job might just be one coat of color and one clear coat.
But a premium job could have multiple layers of base color, a special finish, and two or three clear coats on top. That’s a lot of paint.
If you want depth, shine, and durability, more coats are usually the way to go.
But again – it’ll cost you.
Bottom Line
Repainting your car can cost anywhere from $300 to $10,000 in Virginia depending on what you want and need.
Your car’s paint isn’t just about looks. It also helps protect the metal underneath. So investing in a good-quality paint job can actually help your car last longer and hold its value better.
If you’re on the fence, talk to a couple of local shops. Get quotes. Ask what’s included. See samples of their work.
Then decide what fits your budget and your goals.
