How much does it cost to repair your car's laquer?

Car lacquer repair costs can sit anywhere from £50 to well over £500, depending on the services your vehicle needs.

Lacquer is essential as it shields your paint from sun damage and everyday wear, keeping your car looking polished and protecting its value. So, if you’ve noticed chips or dullness, now is the time to act.

Read on to find out the latest car lacquer repair costs, and what to do if you need a lacquer repair.

How much does a car lacquer repair cost?

Car lacquer repair costs in the UK vary, with minor scratches or clear coat damage starting from around £50 to £150. In contrast, extensive lacquer or paintwork repairs can exceed £500, particularly on premium or metallic finishes.

Labour, material quality, and the need for resprays all influence the final price.

Clear coat polishing and full resprays are all considered part of lacquer repairs, as they restore the protective and glossy finish of the vehicle.

Here are average price estimates for 2026.

You can use car repair finance to split the cost into interest-free repayments, whether your car just has a small scratch or requires full-panel work.

Car lacquer repair cost by car type or finish

Premium cars and metallic finishes tend to be more expensive to repair, as matching paint and lacquer requires specialist materials and labour.

Here are a few average lacquer repair costs for specific cars and finishes.

What is car lacquer?

Car lacquer is the clear protective coating applied over your vehicle’s paint.

It gives your car its shine, protects the colour beneath, and prevents minor scratches, UV damage, and corrosion.

Over time, lacquer can dull and chip, especially if the car is exposed to harsh weather or poor maintenance. Minor accidents can also affect the lacquer quality.

Why is car lacquer repair expensive?

For lacquer repair costs, labour is the main driver of cost, as careful sanding, polishing, and respraying take time. Material costs, particularly for metallic or premium finishes, can also add to the price.

Full-panel or full-car lacquer repairs are most expensive as they often require several coats and drying time. Precise colour matching also boosts the price, especially if your car has a unique shade.

How long does a car lacquer repair take?

Minor scratches or touch-ups usually take 1 to 2 hours.

Smaller panel resprays can take half a day, while full-car resprays may require 2 to 3 days to ensure proper curing and finish.

Signs your car lacquer needs repair

If you notice your car looks duller or has visible scratches, it might be time to top up the lacquer.

Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Visible scratches or chips

• Fading or dull shine on panels

• Peeling or flaking clear coat

• Water or dirt not beading on the surface

Can you repair car lacquer?

Yes, absolutely! Minor scratches and dull areas can often be repaired using polishing and buffing or with touch-up kits. However, it’s always best to leave the work to a professional if you’re unsure where to start.

More severe damage definitely requires a professional respray to restore the original look and protection.

Can clear coat damage be repaired?

Yes. Small areas of peeling or flaking can sometimes be smoothed and recoated.

The clear coat is the transparent protective layer on top of your car’s paint that gives it gloss and shields it from UV rays, moisture, and minor scratches.

Large sections or full-panel damage generally require sanding and professional respraying to fully restore this protective layer.

Will insurance cover lacquer repair?

Insurance may cover lacquer repairs if the damage was caused by an accident or vandalism.

Comprehensive policies typically cover these repairs, but you may need to pay the excess. Always check your insurance contract before you go ahead with a claim.

Minor cosmetic issues may not be worth claiming. Always weigh them up against your excess payment cost.

How to prevent future lacquer damage

Once you’ve refreshed your car’s lacquer, it’s important to take good care of it to prevent any future damage.

Of course, staying protected 100% of the time is impossible! However, you can prevent future scrapes by following these tips:

• Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the clear coat

• Avoid abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals

• Park under cover when possible to reduce UV exposure

• Repair small scratches promptly before they worsen

• Use protective films on vulnerable areas like doors and bumpers

Last thoughts

Car lacquer repair ranges from affordable polishing to more costly full-panel or full-car resprays.

No matter your needs, acting early can prevent minor scratches from becoming costly repairs, and regular maintenance keeps your car looking shiny and protected. Give your vehicle a buff today!

Split the cost with Bumper

Does your car need some TLC? You can use a car repair loan to split the cost into interest-free repayments.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers