Spray painting your golf cart can make it look newer and it can protect the cart. You may even find that painting your golf cart might increase its value of the cart so if you plan to sell or trade-in your cart then consider giving it a fresh coat of paint before you do.
The cost of doing this is not really very expensive. You can do the work yourself and spend between $50 and $150 dollars depending on the type of paint you choose and how detailed you get with the design.
You can hire a pro to do the work for somewhere around $400 to $700 dollars. Professional costs are usually more labor than material costs.
Estimation of Golf Cart Paint Cost
One of the expenses related to painting a golf cart is the cost of the primer, paint, and clear coat. Whether you buy substances in a spray can containers, or you buy substances that need to be applied using an external application method these are the priority costs that apply to DIY painting and to professional jobs.
What Kind of Paint Do You Need to Paint a Golf Cart?
Acrylic spray paint is the most highly recommended paint variety for this procedure. The body components of the majority of golf carts are plastic and you have to have paint that will adhere properly to plastic surfaces.
Enamel paints, lacquers, and many other specialty formulas do not adhere well to plastics and smooth surfaces. Acrylic makes a tight bond and will last much longer.
Types of Paint for Golf Cart
| Product | Pint Estimate | Quart Estimate | Gallon Estimate |
| Primer | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Base Color Paint | $7 | $15 | $35 |
| Clear Coat | $8 | $16 | $27 |
If you want to buy paint that is in a spray can then look for one that is labeled as a plastic fusion spray paint. These paints will adhere properly and you can expect a fabulous finish that is durable for many years.
| Product | Low Estimate | Average Estimate | High Estimate |
| Primer | $5.25 | $8 | $15 |
| Base Color Paint | $7 | $10 | $35 |
| Clear Coat | $6 | $9 | $22 |
How Much Paint do You Need to Paint a Golf Cart?
The amount of paint it will take to paint your golf cart will be based on the quality of the paint you buy, the application method you choose, and the size of the cart.
For a standard golf cart if you are using spray paint equipment you will use 2+ quarts of primer, 1 quart of paint, and 2+ quarts of a clear coat or sealer.
If you choose to use aerosol style cans then you will use 3+ cans of primer, 2 – 3 cans of color, and 3+ cans of clear coat. When you buy spray paint in a can it is always the best idea to buy one extra can of each substance. If you think you need 2 cans go ahead and buy 3. You will have to repair the paint later if you get a scratch on the paint, and you will know that you have ample paint even if one of the cans does not function properly.
Golf Cart Paint Estimate
| Product | Low Estimate | Average Estimate | High Estimate |
| Spray Primer | 1 can | 1 – 2 cans | 2 cans |
| Spray Color | 1 can | 2 cans | 4 cans |
| Spray Clear Coat | 1 can | 2 cans | 6 cans |
| Regular Primer | 1 quart | 3 quarts | 1 gallon |
| Regular Color | 1 quart | 2 quarts | 1 gallon |
| Regular Clear Coat | 1 quart | 3 quarts | 1 gallon + |
Application Methods for Painting Golf Cart
There are different methods of applying the paint to the body of the cart.
Brush and Roller
You can use the brush and roller method. The finish of the brush and roller method is not likely to be as smooth and flawless as a sprayed-on paint will be. Some people spray the main portion of the paint and then use fine detail brushes to create unique and artistic designs on the carts.
Can Spray Paint
You can buy paint in spray cans to use for this project. Many people do this and have great success at creating good-looking and durable paint jobs.
Spray Paint with Paint Gun
The method most preferred by the pros is the application using a spray gun, usually, one that is powered by an air compressor. With this equipment, you get to choose the spray pattern, the spray thickness, and more so you get a high-quality finish that cannot be replicated with a spray can or a paintbrush.
This is the most expensive method of painting your golf cart unless you already own the equipment. If you do not own the equipment and do not think you would use the equipment often enough to justify you purchasing it, consider renting the equipment. Many of the large building supply centers, and there are special tool rental centers, will rent you the air compressor, and the spray gun on an hourly or daily basis. This is a way to get the tools you need at a price you can afford.
Read our Latest article on Average Cost to Paint a Deck
Tools and Accessories Cost Estimates for Painting a Golf Cart
| Product | Low Price | Average Price | High Price | Rental Cost |
| Paint Brush | $1 | $8 | $25 | N/A |
| Roller | $8 | $11 | $20 | N/A |
| Roller Covers | $1 | $4 | $12 | N/A |
| Sander | $13.88 | $20 | $45 | N/A |
| Sand Paper | $1 per sheet | $2 per sheet | $5 per sheet | N/A |
| Drop Cloths | free | $1 | $5 | N/A |
| Spray Paint Gun | $30 | $75 | $250 | $45 |
| Air Compressor | $50 | $75 | $300 | $45 |
| Clean Rags | Free | $2 | $5 | N/A |
| Face mask | Free | $2 | $8 | N/A |
| Eye protection | $3 | $5 | $12 | N/A |
Pro Painter Cost Estimates for Golf Cart Painting
If you choose to hire a professional to paint your cart you are going to pay around $550. The lowest estimates we came across were $400 and the highest estimates we were quoted was $1100. The cost of painting a golf cart by a professional is divided by the paint and the number of hours they will have to spend doing the painting.
To save a little money, if you want a pro to do the work, you can:
- Remove any accessories and trim for the pro so they do not spend as much time
- Repair any cracks, dents, or breaks in the surface before taking it to the pro
- Sand down the machine to help smooth out the surface, and to help make the surface ready to accept the application of the paint
Final Thoughts
If you are having your golf cart painted, or doing the work yourself, choose a paint that does not fade and can be exposed to all weather conditions. This will give you a more durable finish and a smoother finish on the plastic surfaces.
