"I'm just a little sticker shocked. The decals cost more than the paint. I guess she's going naked."

Ha, ha, ha! No one got the pun. STICKER shock? Good one!!!!
(I love the try humor in this forum )
PS The actual cost of powder that goes on the frame (plus overspray) actually might be around $18 if it's a single coat. Taken literally, the guy might be right. But not for a "paint" JOB! (Which loosely refers to either paint or powder.)