Small car paint and panel repaint shop

Private car owners, used car dealers, body shops that outsource paint work, fleet operators and sometimes insurance-referred customers.

Quoted price per job, from single panels to full repaints. Subcontract paint work for other shops can fill quiet periods.

• Professional spray painting and color matching
• Surface prep and masking
• Estimating jobs and materials
• Managing a workshop and customer expectations

• Check EPA rules for auto refinishing (such as the paint stripping and coating rule) and your state air quality requirements
• Spray booths usually need permits and fire department approval, so check with your city or county before buying equipment
• Hazardous waste disposal for solvents and paint waste
• Garage liability, general liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Some states require auto body or repair shop registration, so check your state's licensing board
• High fixed costs from rent and equipment, so build a steady stream of jobs first

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your rented unit, spray booth and other equipment. These are estimates, so get quotes for rent and equipment before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how steady your flow of repaint jobs is. The estimate assumes full-time work of at least about 40 hours a week, and fixed costs like rent are high.

Check EPA rules for auto refinishing and your state air quality requirements. Also check permits and fire department approval for spray booths, hazardous waste disposal, insurance, and whether your state requires auto body or repair shop registration.