Whether you need one panel repainted after a scrape or a full colour change, quality paintwork depends on preparation. Here is what to expect.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
What is auto painting?
Auto painting ranges from touching up chips to refinishing a single panel or repainting the whole vehicle. Most jobs use a base coat for colour and a clear coat for gloss and protection. Shops match the colour using your paint code and blend into adjacent panels so the repair is invisible in daylight.
Preparation, including sanding, rust repair, priming and masking, takes most of the time and largely determines how long the paint will last.
Signs you need it
- Rock chips and scratches down to the metal.
- Clear coat peeling, fading or chalky paint.
- Surface rust bubbling under the paint.
- A panel replaced after a collision.
- You want to restore or change the colour of an older vehicle.
How much does it cost in Canada?
| Service | Typical cost range (CAD, estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chip and scratch touch-up | $100 to $300 | Small areas. |
| Single panel refinish | $300 to $800 | Including blending. |
| Bumper repaint | $300 to $700 | Plastic prep needed. |
| Full repaint, same colour | $3,000 to $8,000+ | Quality varies widely. |
| Full colour change | $5,000 to $12,000+ | Door jambs and interior edges add cost. |
Ranges are estimates from typical Canadian body and paint shop pricing. Prices are estimates and vary by vehicle, city, shop and parts quality; always get a written quote.
How to choose a shop
Ask to see completed work in daylight, check for dust, runs and orange peel, and confirm the warranty against peeling and fading. Shops with a proper spray booth and modern colour-matching tools produce more consistent results.
Questions to ask before you book
- What paint system and clear coat do you use?
- Will you blend into the neighbouring panels?
- How is rust treated before painting?
- What warranty covers the paint?
- How long should I wait before washing or waxing?
Fresh paint needs time to cure. Avoid automatic car washes and waxing for the period the shop recommends, often several weeks.
Paint protection after the job
Once the paint has cured, protect it like factory paint: wash regularly in winter to remove salt and grime, dry with a soft microfibre towel and apply a wax or sealant a few times a year. Many owners add a ceramic coating or paint protection film on the hood and front bumper, where stone chips concentrate. Touch up new chips quickly with factory touch-up paint to stop rust before it spreads under the surrounding paint.
Paint codes
Your paint code is usually on a label in the driver’s door jamb. Giving it to the shop speeds up colour matching, though most shops still adjust the mix to account for fading.
Insurance and paint work
Paint damage from a collision, vandalism or falling objects may be covered by your insurance, subject to your deductible. Normal wear such as fading, chips and peeling clear coat is not covered. Get a written estimate before deciding whether to claim.
Frequently asked questions
Can road salt damage new paint?
Salt does not usually harm cured paint, but it attacks bare metal at chips. Washing regularly in winter and touching up chips quickly helps prevent rust.
Is a cheap full repaint worth it?
Very low-cost repaints often skip preparation and fade or peel within a few years. For a car you plan to keep, quality preparation is worth paying for.
Will a repaint lower my car’s value?
A quality repair with proper documentation has little effect. A poor colour match or visible overspray can reduce value.
Need a quote or run an auto business? Describe your job and we will help you reach local professionals, or apply to list your shop in our upcoming directory.