The last few cars I've painted with base coat/clearcoat have cost $800 to $1100 for good materials. Most of time I use R&M, sherwin-Willliams, House of Kolor, or X-otic products.

You have to remember that I want a paintjob to look great ten or twenty years from now, so I will not waste all of my labor and reputation by shortening the life of a job on cheap materials.

How much a person spends on materials (or even a hired painter) is their own choice, but always be sure that the less you spend on materials, the less you will get, guaranteed!