One of the best ways to keep your motorcycle looking its best is to give it a fresh coat of paint. If your motorcycle’s paint is starting to look faded or chipped, it might be time to consider repainting it. But how much does it cost to paint a motorcycle?
In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $2,000 to have your motorcycle painted depending upon the type of paint, size of the motorcycle, and other factors.
Painting a motorcycle will cost you differently depending on its size and what type of paint you choose. We will look at 3 paint jobs i.e. regular, customized, and DIY paint jobs.
Regular Paint Job
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1500 for a regular paint job. Of course, the final price will depend on several factors.
The biggest factor that will affect the cost of the job is the amount of prep work that needs to be done. This includes sanding down the old paintwork, as well as any other parts that need to be prepared before painting. The more time and effort that goes into the prep work, the higher the overall cost will be.
In addition, the cost will also be affected by the type of paint that you choose. If you want a high-quality finish, then you can expect to pay more for the best products. However, if you are happy with a more basic finish, then you can find cheaper options that will still get the job done.
By doing some of the sanding work and removing old paint by yourself you can significantly reduce the cost of the job.
Custom Paint Job
Custom means that you are painting your motorcycle to look unique. This could be anything from adding flames to your gas tank to painting your rims differently. The sky’s the limit with custom paint, and the price will reflect that.
You should consider the size of your motorcycle, the complexity of your design, and the shop that you use when figuring out the cost of a custom paint job. For a custom paint job, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $3000. It is the most expensive option, but it will also be the most impressive.
For custom paint, you can hire a proper designer for good custom designs from any of the freelancing websites like Upwork or Fiverr.
Burt Munro states “A motorcycle isn’t just a machine, it’s a work of art.”
Especially for Harley Davidson bikes, you can check the following Youtube videos for a better understanding of the customized painting of your bike.
If you want to hire a proper company for customized paints on your Harley bike, you can see this link.
Why are custom paint jobs so much more expensive than normal paint jobs? There are a few reasons to consider:
- Usually, more work needs to be done in preparation.
- There may be a need for custom mixed paints.
- An artist may need to be hired from time to time.
- The amount of paint needed usually increases.
You can increase the value of your motorcycle by having it painted custom.
Do It Yourself (DIY) Paint Job
If you are doing it on your own, you might be able to get away with spending less than $100. The amount you spend will be determined by the quality and type of paint you use as well as whether you need to purchase any equipment.
Although it will be a fair amount of work to get a good finish, part of the fun is in doing the dirty work yourself. If you are careful and take your time, painting a motorcycle is something that most people can do, even if they have never done it before.
To do it by yourself, you need the following tools and equipment:
- A can of motorcycle paint
- A paintbrush
- A paint roller
- Masking tape
- Sandpaper
The key is to have the right supplies and to take your time. With a little practice, you can paint a motorcycle that will look great and save yourself a lot of money in the process.
Comparison Table Of 3 Types Of Paint Job
| Feature | Regular Paint Job | Customs Paint Job | DIY Paint Job |
| Cost | Around $300-$1500 | Around $600-$3000 | Around $100-$300 |
| Paint Quality | Average paint quality | Good Paint Quality | Quality depends on the equipment and paints chosen |
| Professional required | Experienced Professional | Professional + Design Artist | A layman can do this work with a little bit of practice |
| Quality with Price | Wide range of prices and qualities | Usually good quality and may be a much higher price | Quality might be lower than from a paint shop |
| Added Advantage | Better outlook | Customization and better resale value | Saves money |
What Is The Cost Of A Painting Motorcycle Yourself?
You can save quite a bit of money by painting your motorcycle yourself.
It depends on the type of paint you use and the size of the motorcycle and how much it will cost to paint a motorcycle yourself. Generally, you can expect to spend $100 to $300 on materials.
So, if you’re looking to save money on your motorcycle painting project, painting it yourself is the way to go. Just be sure to do your research and take your time to ensure a professional-looking finish.
What is the cost of a professional company painting your motorcycle?
Depending on the motorcycle’s size and the complexity of its design, the cost of a professional paint job can vary. In general, a regular paint job will cost between $200 and $2000, and a high-end custom paint job will cost above $2000.
A professional paint job can give your motorcycle a new look. If you’re thinking about having your motorcycle painted, get quotes from several companies to compare prices.
How To Estimate The Cost Of Paint Per Square Foot?
When it comes to painting, one of the first things you need to do is estimate the cost per square foot. This will help you determine how much paint you’ll need to buy, and how much the overall project will cost.
To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of your project, you’ll need to measure the surface you’ll be painting. Once you have that number, multiply it by the cost per square foot.
In general, gas tank paint jobs usually only cover 5 square feet, while a full bike respray can cover 30 square feet at maximum. To calculate the cost per square foot, simply take the total cost of the project and divide it by the number of square feet being covered.
For example, if a tank job costs $100 and covers 5 square feet, the cost per square foot would be $20. The cost of a full bike respray of 30 square feet costs $1,000, or $33.33 per square foot.
Per square foot cost = (Total cost of the project)/(No. of square feet covered)
What Is The Estimated Cost Of Labor While Painting A Motorcycle?
When it comes to painting a motorcycle, the costs can add up. If you’re looking to get the job done professionally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour in labor costs, So the total cost of the project will depend on how many hours of work are required.
Tips to Save Money While Painting a Motorcycle
Motorcycle painting can be expensive, but there are ways to save money while still getting a great paint job. Here are a few tips:
1. Shop around for quotes, don’t just go with the first painter you find. Get a few different quotes to compare prices.
2. If you’re handy with a paintbrush, you can save money by doing the job yourself. Just be sure to use quality paint and take your time to get a professional-looking finish.
3. Do some of the preparation work yourself, including sanding down the motorcycle’s surface, priming it, and even applying the base coat of paint. Doing some of this work yourself can save you a lot of money.
4. Many paint stores offer coupons and discounts, so take advantage of them. This can help you save significant money on your paint job.
Related: How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Motorcycle
FAQs
Conclusion
Painting a motorcycle can be a great way to give it a new look. However, it’s important to be aware of the costs involved before you begin the project.
The cost of painting a motorcycle depends on the type of paint used. Most motorcycles can be painted for a reasonable price depending on the type of paint used.
