A quality gallon of clear can easily cost $3-500, and you still need hardener and reducer plus all the other materials. Base coat is even more expensive and then you will need a sealer just to paint it. So $1500 just for paint materials for one car is pretty common (PPG, Axalta, Sherwin Williams, BASF etc.) if you are a professional. If you do the cheap you buy junk with no cust support and still pay $500 - $1000.
