Car painter

Car painter jobs and repaint costs in Canada

Updated 4 November 2026

A basic respray in Canada costs about CA$400 to CA$1,200, a mid-quality repaint about CA$1,400 to CA$4,800, and a complete repaint CA$8,000 to CA$20,000, depending on vehicle size and paint. If you are hiring a painter instead, pay depends on the workplace and experience. Describe the car, the damage and the finish you want in a request on BlaBlaPrice to get current offers.

Certification and training

Certification is compulsory for automotive painters in Alberta and British Columbia. In Ontario, the automotive painter apprenticeship is 4,800 hours, about two and a half years, of which 4,560 hours are on the job. Manitoba job listings ask for a two- to three-year apprenticeship or a combination of one year of work experience. A 16-week applied certificate in automotive painting is offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Rust, season and workshop time

Rust is the main cost driver. A rusted panel needs sanding or sandblasting, then epoxy primer and paint, and one owner's estimate for a car with rust repair came to CA$12,000 to CA$15,000 for the whole vehicle. Cold winters, from December to February, make rust more likely, so have the car inspected before you agree a price. Exterior paint work is best scheduled in warm weather, June to August.

What to write in the request

If you need a repaint, say whether it is a full paint job or a few panels, the colour you want, and the car's size and condition. If you are hiring a painter, state the duties, the pay you offer, the workplace city, the schedule and the work experience you need. Mention the spray booth and equipment you can provide, and any branding such as a company livery.

On BlaBlaPrice you describe your car or job in your own words. Our AI asks what is missing, looks through body shops' websites and price lists in Canada, and shows the prices it finds. Registered businesses answer in the chat with their own price, terms and warranty, and your contacts stay hidden until you decide who to contact. Start with create a request, read how BlaBlaPrice works, or compare a Panel beater.