I have been painting cars since the early 90s. I know what I'm talking about.

Have I done a 20k paint job? hell yeah! Is that what it costs to do a normal high-quality paint job? Hell no!

I can prep, mask, and spray a car (without body work), in two days. I can rent a booth in most metro areas for ~200/day.

The sprayables will run me between 400 (commercial white and clear) to ~1200 (metallic red and clear) including catalysts and filters. Maybe add another 40 bucks for a can of thinners if the shop won't provide a gun cleaner (they almost always do)

Disposables like sandpaper, wall filters, and finishing compound will add another 50-100 if I have to buy the whole pack myself, but usally a rental booth will provide wall filters at no extra charge, and a couple of fine sanding discs for a few bucks a piece.

So let's assume it is a candy red CUV and we have to buy everything we touch.we are looking at up-front costs of 400+1200+40+100. ~1740

I am on the Eastern side of Canada, so let's assume a return flight to San jose at about 1200 and add that.

We are now at almost 3000 bucks. If you will let me have dinner at your place both nights and I only have to deal with a burger and some morning coffees myself... I can charge you 5k and still be home smiling with 2000 bucks profit after a working vacation to somewhere nice and warm and doing something I enjoy doing.