Can I Pick Up My Car the Same Day After Bodywork and Painting?
2 Answers
Bodywork and painting completion time depends on the size of the painted area. If the painted area is small, the car can usually be picked up the same day, as vehicle paint requires time to dry completely. 1. Differences in bodywork painting: Bodywork painting is divided into paint and powder. Powder coating dries relatively quickly, especially in a drying oven, while liquid paint dries more slowly. 2. Paint thickness: The drying time depends on the thickness of the paint and the degree of atomization. Thicker coatings dry more slowly in a drying oven and even slower when air-dried, potentially taking up to a week. 3. Weather conditions: Adequate sunlight is required when mixing paint to avoid color discrepancies; paint cannot be mixed on cloudy days.
From my experience running an auto body shop, whether you can get your car back the same day for dent repair and painting really depends on the severity of the damage. For minor scratches or localized scuffs without metal deformation, quick repairs can be done in a few hours, making same-day pickup possible. However, if there's significant panel deformation or large-area painting required, the process becomes more complex: it involves straightening, filling, applying primer, base coat, and clear coat layer by layer, followed by baking. Drying takes even longer in humid weather, and you might have to wait in line during busy periods. I often advise customers to send photos for an estimate first and book an appointment in advance to save time. Choosing a reputable shop with good equipment can speed up drying, but generally, don't expect all jobs to be completed the same day. It's wiser to keep your schedule flexible to avoid unnecessary trips.