How much does it cost to have the car painted?

Repainting all or part of your car can cost anywhere from a fraction to four times the price, depending on the part in question, the type of paint, and whether you have the work done by a professional or do it yourself. This guide details the 2026 price ranges for each part, the cost of a full paint job, the impact of the finish (metallic, pearlescent, matt) and the actual cost of doing it yourself with professional-grade products.

Average price of a bodywork paint job in 2026 (ranges)

In 2026, having a single part repainted at a body shop usually costs between €150 and €600, whilst a full paint job starts at around €1,500 and can exceed €4,000 for a large vehicle or a high-end finish. The difference is mainly due to labour costs: the hourly rate for an independent body shop ranges from €50 to €80, compared to €80 to €120 at a dealership.

Conversely, a touch up carried out yourself using a suitable spray paint and Clearcoat can cost as little as €50 to €100 for materials alone. The choice between a professional and a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach therefore depends as much on your budget as on the level of finish required and the surface area to be treated.

Cost by component: wing, bumper, bonnet, door

When only a single panel is damaged, there is no need to repaint the whole car. Here are the price ranges observed among professionals in 2026 for painting a single part (Preparation, application and Clearcoat included):

These costs increase if the colour is metallic or pearlescent (more delicate blending), if the area has dents that need to be repaired before painting, or if several adjacent panels need to be ‘blended’ for a seamless finish.

Full car paint job: what to expect

Repainting a vehicle from top to bottom is a lengthy process (several days of dismantling, Masking, Sanding, application and drying). The price depends primarily on the size of the bodywork:

On top of this basic price, you may need to factor in the cost of completely stripping the old paint (€300 to €600) and the extra cost of a special finish. To keep costs down, many motorists leave the preparation to a professional and buy the bodywork paint and Clearcoat themselves at a reasonable price.

Factors affecting the price: type of paint, colour, condition of the surface

The type and colour of paint

A solid (“opaque”) colour is the simplest and cheapest to apply. A metallic or pearlescent paint requires a Basecoat followed by a Clearcoat, with a more technical finish: expect a significant additional cost compared to a standard colour. A matt finish requires a specific Clearcoat and special maintenance. To find the exact colour of your vehicle, use our Colour Code tool, which identifies the manufacturer’s reference from the number plate or Paint code.

The condition of the bodywork

A sound bodywork surface is quick to prepare. If there is rust, putty that needs touching up or dents, the preparation time — and therefore the bill — goes up. Proper preparation involves careful sanding and the application of a suitable primer, a step that determines how well the paint adheres and how long it lasts.

Labour and the region

Labour accounts for the largest share of the cost. Hourly rates vary from €50 to €120 depending on the type of workshop and the region, which explains the significant differences in price for the same service.

Do-it-yourself: cost of materials (Paint, Primer, Clearcoat, consumables)

For a touch up or a small part, doing it yourself can halve the bill. Here is an indicative budget for supplies, excluding tools you already own:

In total, a cost-effective repair using spray paint costs between €50 and €100 in materials. For a larger surface, it’s better to switch to a spray gun and paint in a tin: find the full range of Spray products, paints, primers and Clearcoats from professional brands (Cromax, Sikkens, Standox, PPG) in our catalogue.

To get it right, follow this essential sequence: Cleaning and degreasing, Sanding, Primer, applying thin layers of paint in a cross-coating pattern, then Clearcoat. And always identify the correct colour first using the Colour Code tool.

FAQ: how much does a car body paint job cost?

How much does a full car paint job cost in 2026?

Between €1,300 and €2,200 for a city car, €1,800 to €2,600 for a compact saloon and €2,200 to €4,000 for an SUV. Complete stripping and special finishes can add €300 to €600.

How much does it cost to repaint a single part (wing, bumper)?

Expect to pay €150 to €400 for a bumper, €240 to €530 for a wing, €200 to €600 for a door and up to €800 for a roof, including Clearcoat and Preparation.

How much does it cost to paint a car if I do it myself?

A touch up using spray paint costs €50 to €100 for supplies (paint, Primer, Clearcoat, consumables). This is the most economical solution for a small part, provided you take care with the Preparation.

Why does a metallic or pearlescent paint cost more?

These finishes require a Basecoat followed by a Clearcoat, with a more technical blending process to avoid differences in reflection. The labour time and cost of the products are therefore higher than for a solid colour.

How do I find out the exact colour of my car?

The reference is shown on a manufacturer’s label (often under the bonnet or in the door). Our Colour Code tool allows you to find the original colour and order the corresponding Paint.

Last updated: June 2026. Indicative prices observed on the French market, excluding promotions and depending on the region.