1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Panel beating and spray painting: your step-by-step start

Fix dents, scratches and small accident damage, and respray panels for private owners and taxis.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 1 hour
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Trained or experienced panel beaters and sprayers with access to a safe, ventilated workspace.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 30 days.
  • You cannot put about R5 000 into getting started.
  • You cannot free up about 15 hours a week.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 30 days.
  • Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.
  • The main risk to plan for: paint fumes are dangerous: use a proper respirator and ventilation.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How panel beating and spray painting worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Price your materials per typical job3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Write a quote template with a deposit3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Get referrals from mechanics3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Photograph every job before and after3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Add a second bay or helper3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Agree a rate with a car dealer3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R5 000 to R40 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Compressor and spray gun
  • Respirator and gloves
  • Sanders and filler
  • Quote template

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.