How to Repaint a Car in 5 Steps
Mar 28, 2025
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Car owners shell out 3% more each year to keep their vehicles in top shape and boost their value. Doing it yourself will cost between $100 and $1,000, on average, based on the total price of materials such as quality paint, primer, brushes, dropcloths and PPE. In contrast, hiring an expert can add up to thousands of dollars.
1. Essential Prep
After washing your car to remove dirt and debris, start by using 220-grit sandpaper to create a feathered edge, then apply 320 to 400 grit on adjacent areas. Then, sand the surface to remove old paint and smooth the base. After filling in dents, mask off areas you don’t want to paint with tape and paper.
2. Priming — Setting the Stage
Primer is the intermediary between the bare metal and the paint, promoting better adhesion and durability. Choose a high-quality automotive primer and apply it evenly using a spry gun. After the primer dries, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to erase any imperfections, ensuring a smooth surface for a base coat.
3. Painting — Bringing Color to Life
The next step in repainting a car is selecting the color. Almost 24% of car buyers drive white cars, while 23.3% choose black. Gray and silver are also popular colors when repainting a car. Apply your chosen color with a spray gun, applying two to three coats for full coverage.
Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Rushing can lead to drips and uneven coverage. For best results, keep the spray gun 5 to 6 inches away from the panel. Going farther away may cause dry spray, among other issues.
4. Clear Coating — The Protective Shine
Once the base coat has dried, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. The clear coat shields against environmental elements while maintaining transparency and scratch resistance. Apply multiple layers, allowing adequate drying time between each. These steps improve your paint job’s visual appeal and extend its longevity.
5. Buffing and Polishing — The Final Touch
After the clear coat has fully cured, it’s time to buff and polish the surface to achieve that showroom shine. Using a buffer and high-quality polishing compound, work in circular motions to bring out the luster. Smooth minor imperfections to give your car a professional finish.
It’s Time to Repaint Your Car
You’ve got the tools and knowledge about how to repaint a car — all that’s left is to get started. With the appropriate equipment, dedication and commitment to excellence, you can elevate your car’s appearance with a high-quality paint job.
