For some people, a van is a way to advertise a business, for others, it is a family or recreational vehicle. Either way, you want your van to be an accurate reflection of you! Help your van make a good impression with a fresh, new paint job!
Just how much does it cost to paint a van? What is the difference between hiring a professional and doing it yourself? What is the cost breakdown? Keep reading to find out everything you ever wondered about the cost of painting a van!
Table of Contents
What’s Involved in Painting a Van?
No two vans are alike! Because there are a lot of different vans with a lot of different variables, no two paint quotes will be alike. I will give you a range of prices, so you can know what to expect when you paint your van.
Whether you paint your van yourself or hire someone to do the job, it is important to plan ahead! Here are some of the variables that may affect the final cost of your van paint job.
Condition
A rusty, dented van will require extensive repair and prep work before it can be painted. On the other hand, if your van is in a relatively good condition, it will require less time, money, and elbow grease.
Color Change
A complete color change often involves removing the previous paint or many layers of primer. This will cost more time and money. Repainting a van the same color is a simpler process.
Paint Quality
There are several varieties of vehicle paints available! The type of paint you choose will affect your final price. Also, if you choose to use multiple layers of paint, the paint job will be more durable, but would also probably cost more.
Custom Details
Custom details, like airbrush painting, two-tone paint, or a metallic finish will cost more. Often, vans are decorated with decals or company logos. Make sure you hire a technician who is capable of adding custom details that match your specifications.
How Much Does a Professional Paint Job Cost for a Van?
Low-End Paint Job
A chain, like Maaco will offer a budget paint job. If you are looking to give your van a quick, economical facelift, this may be the paint job for you! Maaco’s lowest tier of paint will cover your van with single-stage enamel paint. This is a paint and clear coat combination.
Enamel paint is inexpensive, but also less durable than urethane paint. It will usually be covered by a limited warranty. Expect to pay $500-$1,000 for this type of paint job.
According to a study by Cost Helper Cars, people who got a low-end paint job for their vehicles paid an average of $566. This average is for a variety of vehicles, not just vans. About a third of those people reported that they were unhappy with the low-end paint job.
Mid-Range Paint Job
A mid-range paint job may be offered at a chain or an auto body shop. The shop will prep your van. This type of paint job usually involves multiple coats of urethane paint, including primer, and 3-5 coats of vehicle paint and clear coat. This paint job will usually be covered by a warranty.
Expect to pay $1,000-$1,800 for a mid-range paint job for a van. CostHelper Cars reports an average cost of $1,316 for a mid-range vehicle paint job. Most of their readers were happy with the results.
High-End Paint Job
If you want a custom paint job with all the bells and whistles and are willing to pay top dollar, look into a high-end, custom paint job for your van. A showroom quality paint job can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $20,000 or more!
The technician will strip all previous paint, sand the vehicle, and repair damage. They will use 20 layers or more of the highest quality paint and clear coat, for a beautiful and durable finish. You may also choose custom details, like an airbrush artist, two-tone paint, decals, or a metallic finish.
Cost Helper Cars reports an average cost of $4,975 for a high-end vehicle paint job. All of their readers were satisfied with their showroom quality paint!
Cost Per Square Foot for a Professional Paint Job
Most vans have about 100 square feet of paintable space. Depending on which level of paint you choose for your van project, you will pay $5-$100 or more per square foot for your professional paint job.
How Much Does a DIY Paint Job Cost for a Van?
Can you paint your van yourself? Absolutely! Painting a van is a big job, but with a little patience, the right equipment, and a lot of time, you can save a lot of money by painting your van yourself!
Paint Requirements
A van requires a lot of paint! Plan to use at least three gallons of paint including primer, paint, and clear coat. Duplicolor, Speed-O-Kote, and Restoration Shop all make high-quality, urethane paint. A clear coat will protect your paint and give your van a beautiful, shiny finish!
Some paint is sold by the quart, and some is sold by the gallon. Expect to pay around $70-100 per gallon of paint. So, for three gallons of paint, your cost will be around $210-300.
Prep Work Supplies
Proper prep work can make the difference between a great paint job and a poor paint job! Make sure you spend the time and money to properly prepare your van for the new coat of paint. You will need:
- Sandpaper for wet-sanding the van.
- Protective equipment like a mask, gloves, and eye protection.
- Drop cloths to protect your floor from paint.
- A paint sprayer to apply the paint.
- Masking sheets and tape to protect the windows and trim from paint.
These supplies will cost $100-$150.
Optional Equipment
Some of these materials may be required if your van needs extensive repair work. Other items may make your job easier.
- A rust stripper brush is helpful to remove paint and rust if needed.
- A paint sprayer that attaches to an air compressor.
- Sandable body filler for large dents.
- Portable work lights to light up your work area.
- A power sander to speed up the sanding process.
Time
Budget your time for this project! Expect to spend at least 10-40 hours of your time painting a van.
Total Cost for a DIY Paint Job for a Van
The total cost for the basic supplies for a standard DIY paint job will be $310-$450. If you add any of the optional materials, expect that cost to go up.
Cost Per Square Foot for a DIY Paint Job for a Van
For 100 square feet of paintable space, your cost per square foot to paint your van yourself will be $3.10-$4.50.
Final Thoughts
Make sure your van stands out for the right reasons with a fresh coat of paint! It is important to evaluate your goals for your van, your time, and your budget. These factors can help you decide if you should hire a professional to paint your van or try and tackle it yourself.
