When people think about repainting a car, it’s easy to imagine it as a simple “spray it blue and it’s done” type of job. The truth is, a quality respray is a major project that can take days or even weeks, depending on the finish you want. At our workshop, we believe in being transparent about what’s involved, so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
1. Preparation is Everything
Before a single drop of colour goes on, the car has to be carefully prepared:
- Removing trim, badges, and sometimes glass.
- Sanding the existing paint to create a smooth, even surface.
- Repairing dents, scratches, and any signs of rust.
- Masking off areas that won’t be painted.
This stage can take dozens of hours by itself. If it’s rushed, the final paint job won’t last.
2. The Painting Process
A professional respray is a precise, multi-stage process—not a quick job with a spray gun. Each layer plays a critical role in achieving a durable, high-quality finish:
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Primer application to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint
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Multiple colour coats for even coverage and depth
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Several clear coats for gloss, UV protection, and longevity
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Controlled drying and curing between each stage
Every layer must be applied in a dust-free spray booth by skilled technicians. This careful approach is essential to achieving a long-lasting, factory-quality result.
3. The Finishing Touches
Once the paint has fully cured, the vehicle moves into the finishing stage, which includes:
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Wet sanding to remove minor imperfections
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Buffing and polishing to create a deep, even shine
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Careful reassembly of trims, badges, and fittings
This stage ensures your car doesn’t just look freshly painted—it looks factory new.
4. Why Does a Full Respray Cost What It Does?
A full vehicle respray typically requires 50 to 100+ hours of skilled labour, along with high-quality automotive paints, clear coats, and consumables. When you factor in overheads such as spray booth usage, specialised equipment, and experienced technicians, the cost of a professional respray generally ranges from $6,000 to $15,000 AUD.
The final price depends on the condition of the vehicle when it arrives at our workshop, including:
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Existing damage (minor or major)
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Rust found beneath the paint
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Whether panels require repair or replacement
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The time needed for body repairs before moving to the next stage
Below is an overview of the full respray process.
The Full Car Respray Process
1. Removal & Disassembly
All necessary components are removed, including:
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Doors and door handles
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Trims and mouldings
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Glass, guards, bonnet, and rear panels
This allows access to all surfaces and ensures a clean, professional finish.
2. Repair Stage
Each body panel is thoroughly inspected for hidden damage or rust beneath the existing paint. Old paint may be stripped where required. Any damage or corrosion is properly repaired and treated.
This stage often takes the longest, as bodywork must meet a high standard before moving forward. Achieving straight, smooth panels is essential for an excellent final result.
3. Masking & Priming
The vehicle is carefully masked and coated with epoxy or primer to create a strong foundation. Panels are block-sanded to ensure flat, straight surfaces. Any imperfections discovered at this stage are corrected.
Wet sanding alone can take 10 hours or more for a full vehicle.
4. Paint Preparation & Spray Painting
This is one of the most critical stages. It includes:
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Colour mixing (which can take several hours)
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Preparing equipment and maintaining a clean spray booth environment
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Multiple rounds of masking and unmasking throughout the process
Typically, a full respray involves:
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Around 5 base colour coats
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Around 5 clear coats for maximum protection and UV resistance
While actual spraying may take around 10 hours, additional time is required between coats for drying, curing, and chemical reactions.
5. Reassembly
Once painting is complete, all panels, trims, and components are carefully refitted to ensure correct alignment and finish.
6. Polishing (Optional)
For customers seeking a high-gloss, premium finish, polishing is performed to enhance depth and clarity.
Timeframe
A full professional respray typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the condition of the vehicle and the level of repair required
Cheaper jobs usually cut corners — less prep, fewer coats, or lower-grade materials. That’s why they don’t last as long or look as good. we don’t really recommend for anyone who go for a cheap respray because it will cost more in the future cause it hasn’t done properly & skip some damages that needs to be repaired. it eventually wont last long & need to paint the whole car again from the bare panels to fix the problems.
5. What You Get for Your Investment
When you choose a professional respray, you’re not just paying for paint — you’re investing in:
- Longevity (a finish that can last years, not months).
- Value (a well-painted car maintains its resale price).
- Pride (a car that looks stunning on the road).
Final Word
A proper respray is a craft & takes a lot of patience and determination. It’s not something that can be done in a weekend or do it yourself with a spraycan if you want a good quality. By understanding the work, skill, and time involved, you’ll see why a professional quote reflects the true value of the service.
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for — and your car deserves the best.
