PAINT & BODY

Full repaints, panel work, and color-matched refinishing

Whether you need a single panel refinished or a full show-quality repaint, find shops that specialize in paint quality — not just body work.

Get Free Quotes →

Paint work is a different specialty than collision

Most body shops do both collision repair AND paint work, but the best paint shops are specialists. If your job is primarily aesthetic — a full color change, show restoration, or matching a rare pearl finish — look for shops that market themselves as “paint & body” or “custom paint” rather than “collision repair.”

✓ What separates a good paint shop

Downdraft paint booth — filtered airflow, minimum 60°F, humidity-controlled
Spectrophotometer color matching — not just OEM code, actual optical measurement of your existing paint (fades over time)
PPG, Sherwin-Williams, or Axalta paint lines (professional grade, not automotive-supply-store brands)
Base-coat / clear-coat with proper flash and bake times
Multiple wet-sand and polish steps on visible panels
Warranty on paint work (minimum 3 years for full repaint; some shops offer lifetime)

Full repaint cost by quality tier

Quality tier	Full car cost	Panel repaint	Longevity
Economy (Maaco-style)	$650 – $1,400	$275 – $500	3–5 years
Mid-grade shop	$2,500 – $5,000	$525 – $1,100	7–10 years
High-end refinishing	$5,500 – $12,000	$900 – $1,800	10–15 years
Show/concours quality	$14,000 – $30,000+	$1,500 – $3,500	15+ years