How Much To Paint A Motorcycle?

High-end motorcycle painting procedure.

If you just bought a second-hand motorcycle or have a motorcycle that has been neglected for years and requires a paint treatment, you may be concerned about where and how to begin and how much it will charge. However, second-hand motorcycle prices may maintain their worth quite well. Prices of motorcycles can occasionally be cheap if somebody is trying to sell their vehicle rapidly. Yet, sometimes, repairing a motorcycle and bringing it back to vitality may be costly. The cost ranges based on the level of the work’s intricacy, the kind and shade of paint used, the quantity of preparation needed, and the number of components to be coated.  

You may be wondering how much this paint job will cost. If you are searching to have your motorcycle painted, you have come to the perfect place. Therefore, if you are interested in learning how much you should budget to get your motorcycle to look fantastic with the new paint, I am asking you to continue reading for all our hints and perspectives below!

Cost Estimates for Various Paint Jobs on A Motorcycle

1) Regular Painting 

Regular motorcycle paint jobs vary in price and quality depending on your region, the workshop where you have the work completed, and the motorcycle itself. Average motorcycle painting costs mainly ranging from 300 to 1,600 bucks.

A large portion of this cost determines the amount of labor required to prepare your motorcycle for paintwork. If you need a single layer of paint and your motorcycle is in fine shape, the cost will be significantly cheaper. On the other hand, if you are not sure about your Homemade abilities to paint a motorcycle, paying anyone to do it for about $300 may be worthwhile.

2) Prep Work for Repairs and Painting

Thus, the least expensive painting is a repair job. It is because it requires the minimum quantity of paint. For instance, if you want a fender painting to fix minor dents, this will be less expensive than having the entire motorcycle coated. It is repairing touch-up paints, on the other hand, maybe very expensive. It is due you are investing for someone’s time, and the procedure may still be lengthy.

In most cases, relying on the level of the paintwork, restoration work will charge between $300 to $500. However, you may minimize money by bringing the components in separately from the motorcycle. The service will reduce time by not having to disassemble the motorcycle, and whatever time they spare will spare you bucks. Additionally, restoration work is less expensive if the whole surface is one single color. If the component paint in various shades, the cost would rapidly increase due to the additional labor required to prepare the part and ensure the paintwork gets finished correctly.

3) DIY Painting 

Self-painting a motorcycle would likely cost about $100, if not lower Nevertheless, this implies that you will be responsible for all of the labor. Notably, the filthy job is known as sanding. Understanding how to sand and condition your motorcycle is critical if you want to avoid hiring an expert. Although you generally do not require as much training, it is prudent to get some. If you’re inexperienced, you will almost certainly be capable of performing a good job.

All you want are the proper equipment and a basic understanding of painting and motorcycle components. Since this is a do-it-yourself job, you require solid paints and a few equipments to assist you during the procedure. The most significant thing is that you may do this task at your leisure and at a time suitable for you. Additionally, after a few instances, you may be able to provide part-time labor.

As one of the most important considerations is the structure and color scheme you intend to employ. For instance, decals may be more expensive than standard do-it-yourself work. The kind of motorcycle you ride, and the items you use, are the two primary variables determining the total expenditure throughout this circumstance.

4) Custom Painting

Suppose you would like more than an essential coat of paint and want to have a bespoke job with elaborate painting such as flaming stripes or other complicated patterns. In that case, the charge will inevitably be significantly higher. Costs differ according to geography, painter, and kind of store visited, and the motorcycle.

Custom paint finishes on motorcycles often cost between $800 and $2,500, depending on the quality of complexity. Thus, the value of elevated motorcycles and outstanding custom paintwork may range from around $15,000 to $30,000, relying on the complexity of the work.

5) Bodywork Painting

Several auto-paint businesses provide bodywork painting services. Unfortunately, this coating treatment often suggests damaged motorcycles and scooters. These are motorcycles that have involves in mishaps, wrecks, or have sustained scratches.

It is more than a paint job; it is a transformational experience. Typically, this involves repairing compromised motorcycle components. It entails panel pounding, welding, and similar tasks. Such painting operation often requires a great deal of effort, hence charging over $1000.

6) Service of Basic Painting

It is often the least expensive painting service provided by car body shops. The motorcycle will be washed, sanded, and primed as part of this service. Following that, the motorcycle coat with one or two coats of standard paint. Typically, this paint job does not contain any layout or artwork. You recently had your motorcycle repainted. This treatment ranges in price from $300 to $1500. It is an option if you need a fast repair for your motorcycle or wishes to improve its marketability and plan to sell it.


Estimated Rate of Painting a Motorcycle When Hiring a Professional Services

Getting a professional paint facility for the task can range from a few hundred to well over a thousand bucks, depending on whomever you choose.

For instance, if you want the motorcycle pared down to the chassis and painted in a stunningly beautiful, powdered coating, it will cost a considerable period of hours for the painter or motorcycle operator to disassemble it completely.

1) Body Shop

Whether you take your motorcycle to a body shop, the charge of a singular shade factory paint scheme should be no higher than a handful of hundred bucks.

2) Artistic Touch Painting

When something pertains to motorcycle painting, artistic paint jobs are a phenomenon. As a result, some painters will demand upwards of $2,000 for an outstanding work of artistry on the gasoline tank or even the entire motorcycle.


Estimated Cost of DIY Paint Job/ Self-Painting a Motorcycle

Self-painting a motorcycle runs approximately $100 and $300. Self-painting a motorcycle is usually less expensive than paying an auto-painting business. So it is that you would not compensate for anyone’s work. The sole expenses will be for the equipment and supplies necessary to paint the motorcycle. Also, with the proper equipment and some expertise, you can finish the motorcycle personally and save money. Consider the expense of trying to paint a motorcycle on your own. The first step is to clean the motorcycle. All you will need is cleaner and water, and then you almost certainly have on hand.

1) Determine the Cost of Cleaning and Sanding the Motorcycle

You will require sandpaper for sanding metal for this. You will use sandpaper with grit ranging from around 80 to 120. A package of sandpaper is not prohibitively costly. The total price of the sandpaper will be lower than $10. The next step is to wrap off any areas of the motorcycle that you do not want to be painted. You will use painter’s tape or paper tape for this. Finally, you will examine places such as the meter gauge as well as the oil tank.

Additionally, it would help if you primed the motorbike beforehand to painting. The essential primer and painter’s tape will total approximately $25, resulting in an overall value of $35.

2) Evaluate The Price of Paint 

You may now paint the motorcycle once it has prep. You will need a spray gun paint thinner and the appropriate color for this. On motorcycles, the majority of painters choose to use aerosol or epoxy pigment. A container of paint is typically plenty for your motorcycle.

Additionally, you may buy paint in spray cans. Spray cans of paint can apply straight from the containers. If the paint color you are using isn’t available in the spraying can, you’ll have to hire a painting sprayer or spray gun.

Presume you opt to paint your motorcycle using aerosol paint. The color is available in spray cans, and each can sell for approximately $15. You may need two cans, which will price around $30. The paint thinner is roughly $15. The tally now stands at $80.

3) Determine the Rental Costs of a Paint Sprayer

The only residual expense is the rental of a paint sprayer or spray gun. Typically, this is around $15 for a spray gun. The final tally now stands at $90. Although this is merely an example, it demonstrates how inexpensive it is to paint a motorcycle personally. At most, self-painting the motorcycle might set you around $150.

The disadvantage of painting a motorcycle personally is that you will be responsible for all of the labor. In addition, painting a motorcycle is often a lengthy job due to the amount of bodywork required. On the plus side, painting the motorcycle yourself will save you a couple of hundred bucks. Therefore, if you got the time and ability, you could paint independently.


How To Calculate the Cost of Motorcycle Painting?

Choosing Which Areas to Paint

The quantity of paint you buy will vary according to the kind of motorcycle you own. Certain motorcycles have a more significant number of paintable components than others. Calculating the square footage of your particular work can assist you in much more precisely estimating the quantity of paint required.

Paint Efficiency vs. Cost-effectiveness

You may use many paints on your motorcycle, ranging from automotive enamel to airbrush formulations, or you can even use a tiny brush to add creative paintings.

Calculated Paint Expense Per Square Foot

Calculating the cost per square foot should never be difficult. Assume that a gas tank paint job will need at least 5 square feet of painting space and a maximum of an entire motorcycle. Assume we are painting up motorcycle as a whole that measures 30 sq. ft. You will need to take precise measurements for your particular job since the specific area you’re painting may be considerably smaller.


How to Lessen the Overall Costs of Motorcycle Painting?

Consider Simple Painting Jobs

A further option is to consider simple paintwork. Custom paint works and creative decorations on the motorcycle will almost definitely charge you at least $2000. However, if you choose simple paint finishes, you will not have to spend nearly as much money.

Carry It Out Yourself

If you prefer to save money on the overall cost of painting your motorcycle, the best course of action is to paint it yourself. By painting your vehicle, you will save a significant amount of money compared to what an auto-painting company would offer.

According to my observation, approximately sixty to seventy percent of the fee paid by an auto-painting business is for labor exclusively, not even with the supplies required. Therefore, if you paint personally, you may save more than half on the overall costs.

Purchase More Affordable Tools

If you are painting the motorcycle yourself, you will want to use less expensive tools and equipment. The primary element affecting the value of self-painting your motorcycle is the price of the equipment and supplies required. By using less costly materials, you may reduce the overall cost.

Inexpensive equipment and resources do not always imply lower-quality tools. There are less expensive materials available that will nonetheless perform well on the motorbike. Additionally, you may purchase or used second-hand equipment to decrease the cost.


Frequently Asked Question

What is the Cost of Painting a Motorcycle Tank?

The rate of a motorbike tank respray begins at about $140 for a complete one-color spray. It increases with the addition of specialty paint, writing, or graphics—many motorcycle enthusiasts like customizing their vehicle by painting or putting personalized artwork to their motorcycle tank. Motorcycle tank painting is trendy, and there are painters and customization businesses that specialize in creating creative and creative airbrushed designs.

What is the Cost of Powder Coating a Motorcycle Frame?

Powder coating a motorbike frame costs between USD200 and USD420, based on the motorcycle’s size and the firm doing the job. Powder coating is a standard method for giving motorbikes a beautiful finish. It provides a more lasting surface than painting and is more resistant to peeling or scratches. As a result, it frequently uses on motorcycles.

Bottom Line

Painting a motorcycle has typically been considered an expensive endeavor, much more so when a unique design or shade desires. Nevertheless, these costs will always vary based on the motorcycle, the amount of prep required, the materials used, and even the individual who is doing the work. Certain professions charge more than others for several reasons, sometimes no reason at all. As a result, you could contemplate turning this into a do-it-yourself job. Consider your knowledge and the possibility of not doing as well as you might. Whatever you choose, take the time to consider your options carefully before deciding on the best choice for your motorcycle and your finances.