Can I Pick Up My Car the Same Day for Bodywork and Paint?
2 Answers
Whether you can pick up your car the same day for bodywork and paint depends on the size of the area to be painted. If the area is small, it is usually possible to pick up the car the same day, as vehicle paint needs 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 dryer, and even slower if left to dry naturally, possibly 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.
Last time my car got scratched and I sent it for bodywork and repainting, the mechanic told me it would take at least a day before I could pick it up. The reason is simple: the paint needs to dry thoroughly, otherwise, bubbles or peeling may occur when driving out, which is too risky. For minor scratches, they might use quick-drying techniques to finish in four or five hours, but for major dents, the full process—reshaping, filling, painting, and baking—takes longer and usually can't be completed the same day. That time, I dropped it off at 8 a.m., and by 3 p.m., it was still stuck in the baking room. My advice is to contact the repair shop in advance to confirm the progress and choose a shop with professional equipment, like those with automatic drying systems, to ensure timely service. If you're in a hurry, consider renting a car or taking a taxi as a temporary solution—don't rush the job just to save time. Remember, good quality requires patience.
