The Definitive Car Respray Cost Guide

Why Consider a Car Respray?

There are several reasons why you might want your car resprayed. Perhaps you want a fresh new color that better suits your personality, or your vehicle has sustained damage in an accident and specific areas like the doors or bonnet need repainting. Alternatively, if you've picked up a classic car at a bargain price, you may be looking to restore it to its former glory.

The cost of a respray varies depending on the extent of the work required. Factors such as repairing dents and other damage before painting can affect the final price. This is a highly skilled job that should leave your car looking as good as new when done professionally.

Prices range from £350 to £500 for a single panel respray, while a full-body respray can cost several thousand pounds. If you're considering a DIY approach, read more on the steps involved in respraying a car.

Should You Respray Your Car Yourself?

Despite the abundance of online tutorials and advice, respraying a car is not something to undertake without proper training. It requires skill, precision, and multiple important steps to achieve a professional finish.

If you are thinking of tackling a respray yourself, reconsider. While it may cost more upfront, hiring an experienced professional ensures the best results.

Selecting the right garage is essential. Take the time to research your options and ensure they can deliver quality results at a fair price:

• Check online reviews and the company's website. Avoid businesses with poor reputations.
• Get multiple quotes from different garages before making a decision.
• Visit the garage premises—does it look professional, and is there work actively being done?
• Ask for referrals or testimonials from past customers.
• Seek recommendations from friends or family who have had similar work done.

Additionally, any dents or surface damage must be repaired before painting. Painting over imperfections will only lead to premature deterioration, requiring another respray sooner than expected.

How Much Does a Car Respray Cost?

Respraying even a small section of a car involves multiple stages, from preparation and masking off areas to choosing the right paint, applying primer, sanding, painting, lacquering, and finishing. When done by professionals, the final result should make your car look brand new.

Be wary of extremely low-cost resprays advertised online. Cheap jobs often come with hidden charges or poor-quality results. Conversely, some garages may charge exorbitant prices under the guise of offering a 'premium' service.

Several factors influence the cost of a respray:

• Vehicle type: Respraying a standard model like a Ford Fiesta is typically cheaper than a premium vehicle like a BMW 3 Series or a Jaguar.
• Extent of repairs needed: If rust removal, dent repairs, or panel replacements are required, the overall cost increases.
• Size of the vehicle: Larger vehicles require more materials and labor, raising costs.
• Color change or custom paintwork: More complex jobs, such as switching to a completely new color or adding custom designs, will cost more.

Here’s a rough cost estimate for a full respray at White’s Bodyworks, based on an average car such as a Ford Escort or VW:

• Minor scratches and chips only – £2,000
• Minor welding, small rust patches, or a few dents – £2,800
• Extensive repairs, welding, or panel replacements – £4,000+

For luxury or classic cars requiring specialised work, costs can reach up to £6,000, depending on the level of detail and restoration needed.

For smaller jobs, such as repainting a single panel (e.g., the bonnet or a door), costs typically range between £350 and £500 per panel.

Additional costs may apply for:

• Showroom-quality finishes
• Custom paint jobs
• Transportation of the vehicle (if needed)
• High-end or specialty paint materials

Getting the Best Deal on a Respray

Choosing the right garage for your respray is critical. You want a team that prioritises quality workmanship, ensuring that necessary repairs are completed before painting. Less reputable services may skip this crucial step, leading to subpar results.

To ensure you receive the best service:

• Verify that the garage has proper facilities, including a fully equipped paint booth.
• Ensure the team consists of trained professionals with experience in bodywork and painting.
• Discuss your needs with the garage beforehand to understand the process and any additional costs involved.

At White’s Bodyworks, we specialise in full-body resprays, paint restoration, and custom finishes, ensuring top-quality work at competitive prices. Whether you need a touch-up or a complete vehicle transformation, our team is here to help deliver the best results for your car.