Small car paint and refinishing shop

Car owners, body shops that outsource painting, used car dealers, and fleet operators.

Quoted price per job or per panel. Subcontract painting for other body shops and dealers gives steadier volume than private customers alone.

• Professional spray painting and colour matching
• Quoting and managing jobs
• Running a workshop safely

• Zoning, fire code and building permits for spraying, check with your municipality before signing a lease
• Provincial environmental rules on VOC emissions, paint waste and air quality
• Autobody certification requirements in your province, and insurer approval if you want insurance work
• Commercial general liability and garage keepers coverage, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire
• High startup costs and rent to cover while the work builds up

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on the unit you rent, your spray booth and equipment, and fit-out. Rent also needs covering while the work builds up, so budget for that.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $7,000 to $35,000, depending on the volume and type of jobs, such as panels, bumpers or full repaints. This is revenue before costs. Expect to work at least about 35 hours a week.

Check zoning, fire code and building permits for spraying with your municipality before signing a lease. Also check provincial environmental rules on VOCs and paint waste, autobody certification, insurer approval, insurance and WCB/WSIB.