You can save $$ if you do the strip and prep work yourself. Read up on the appropriate methods and materials for stripping the existing paint. That is half the cost of a full repaint. The remainder of the work you propose paying for anyway, the prep and paint work.

It is not rocket science but to get good paint you need to spend lots of time on the prep work. Shooting the paint itself is relatively easy.

EAA offers some workshops on topics that include paint. Sign up for one.

Best of luck,

Wes
N78PS