How Much to Repaint a Car: Is a Color Change Worth the Extra Cost?

Ever looked at your car and wished it had a completely different color? Or maybe those years of sun exposure and scratches are making it look older than it is?

Whether it’s for a sleek style update or to restore that fresh factory finish, many car owners eventually ask: how much to repaint a car, and is it really worth paying more for a full color change?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what goes into car repainting costs in Dubai, why a color change costs more, and whether that extra spend makes sense for you.

Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your car, and your wallet.

Why Do People Repaint Their Cars?

Car repainting isn’t just about covering scratches. Some people repaint to restore a faded or damaged surface. Others want a completely new color to personalize their car or increase resale value. And sometimes, you just want your car to match your personality better.

In all cases, the goal is the same: a cleaner, newer, and more impressive appearance. But like any automotive upgrade, cost plays a big role.

How Much to Repaint a Car in Dubai?

Here’s the truth: car repaint cost in Dubai can vary widely depending on a few key factors.

For a standard same-color repaint, you might expect to pay anywhere from AED 1,800 to AED 3,500. This includes prepping the surface, sanding, priming, and applying a fresh coat of paint.

If you’re going for a premium or showroom-level finish, costs can go up to AED 6,000 or more. That typically includes advanced surface correction, more layers of paint, and a clear protective finish.

But if you’re changing the color entirely? That’s a different story.

Why Is a Full Color Change More Expensive?

Changing the color of your car might sound simple, but in reality, it’s a detailed process that significantly increases the repaint car cost, especially in a place like Dubai where quality matters and regulations are strict. Here’s why switching colors adds to the bill:

Extra Labor Involved

When you go for a color change, it’s not just the exterior panels that need attention. Every visible area,  door jambs, trunk interiors, under the hood, and sometimes even inside panel edges,  must be repainted to match. This adds hours of extra labor, often requiring complete disassembly and reassembly of doors, bumpers, and trims. It’s this added manual work that pushes the car repaint cost higher than a standard job.

More Paint and Materials Needed

A full color change means covering every trace of the original color, which takes more primer, paint, and clear coat. In many cases, additional base coats are needed to mask the old color before the new one goes on. That increases not only the material usage but also the complexity of the application, which is reflected in the repaint car cost.

Longer Prep and Application Time

Before applying new paint, the old surface often needs extra preparation. If the existing paint is dark or has imperfections, it must be sanded thoroughly or stripped to avoid color bleeding and uneven texture. This prep stage is critical for a professional finish and can take significantly more time than a same-color respray. That added time contributes to the overall car repaint cost Dubai drivers can expect for full transformations.

Government Registration and Paperwork

One aspect many people overlook is the legal side of things. In Dubai, if you change your vehicle’s color, you must notify the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) and update your car’s official registration details. This process involves paperwork, approval, and sometimes inspections,  all of which take time and effort, adding another layer to the cost when you repaint a car with a different color.

Is a Color Change Really Worth the Extra Cost?

It depends on your goals.

If you’re repainting before selling, sticking with the original color is more cost-effective and doesn’t require registration changes. But if you plan to keep your car and want to completely revamp its look, a color change can make your vehicle feel brand new.

People who opt for a full color change often want a dramatic transformation, matte black, pearl white, deep red. These bold choices can increase the car’s perceived value and reflect your personality.

Still, if you’re after a temporary makeover or want flexibility, a high-quality car wrap may be a better choice. It can cost less than a full repaint and is completely reversible.

Conclusion

Before making the decision, ask yourself what you really want from your repaint. A fresh coat in the same color? A bold new identity? The cost matters, but so does the outcome. If you’re ready to give your vehicle a fresh look, the team at Clayton Care is here to help. We offer professional-grade paint restoration and full-color change services with top-tier precision and durability. Whether you’re looking to match your car’s original paint or completely transform it, we’ve got the expertise. You can reach out directly via 050 803 8308 or DM us on Instagram, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.