Repairs and trades

Panel beating and spray painting

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

Thin evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

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

In South Africa: Strong in townships and towns.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 15 hours a week · age 18+
  • Practical/hands-on work (proven or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

We found no published South African price list we trust for this, so we do not quote a rand figure. Ask three sellers near you what they charge before you set yours.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R5 000 to R40 000
Every month
Filler, paint, sandpaper, masks, compressor upkeep.
Payment fees
Deposit and balance on collection.
Margin
Good on labour; paint is costly.

How it is paid: Quote per job; deposit for paint and materials. Our viability score for it: 50 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Photograph five jobs you have done
    • Ask three mechanics if they would refer bodywork to you
    • Success signal: four paid jobs a month by referral

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Check your workspace against zoning and ventilation needs
    • Price your materials per typical job
    • Write a quote template with a deposit

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Get referrals from mechanics
    • Photograph every job before and after

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Add a second bay or helper
    • Agree a rate with a car dealer

Experienced people get work quickly by referral. First income usually takes 7 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

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

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Car owners after small accidents, taxi owners, second-hand car sellers.

Repairs at a fair price without a long insurance process.

Is there demand?

Panel beating is a recognised trade, but small-job prices vary so much that we found no published SA price list we trust. Quote per job.

Small home workshopWork for car dealersTaxi owners

Getting customers

Before-and-after photos and referrals from mechanics.

Word of mouth and referralsPartnerships with other businessesResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Paint fumes are dangerous: use a proper respirator and ventilation
  • Neighbour complaints and zoning in residential areas
  • Holding a customer's car: agree dates and storage in writing

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with a workshop and apprentices.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Spray painting at home may break zoning and air-quality by-laws; check with your municipality.
  • Repairs carry a three-month warranty (Consumer Protection Act).
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start panel beating and spray painting in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R5 000 to R40 000. Recurring costs: Filler, paint, sandpaper, masks, compressor upkeep.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. Experienced people get work quickly by referral.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Spray painting at home may break zoning and air-quality by-laws; check with your municipality. Repairs carry a three-month warranty (Consumer Protection Act). Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Free tools for this

Test panel beating and spray painting with your own numbersWork out the rate you need to chargeEstimate the tax on this side income

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy