How Long Does Car Painting Usually Take?
3 Answers
Car painting takes one day. Introduction to Auto Body Painting: Commonly known as body repair and painting, when a vehicle is involved in a collision, the body will inevitably have scratches, or more seriously, deformations. Auto body repair involves reshaping and restoring the deformed parts of the vehicle. Painting is the process of restoring the color and gloss of the vehicle after it has been returned to its pre-collision state. Precautions for Car Painting: The paint surface should be fine a few days after the car is painted. Just after painting, pay attention to insufficient baking time, and avoid washing the car when the paint is not fully dry. Avoid contact with chemicals and grease, as they can easily damage the paint surface.
The first time I got my car repainted, I thought it would be quick, but it took three days to get my beloved car back. The duration mainly depends on the size of the area to be painted: a small scratch touch-up might be done the same day, completed within eight hours; a full car repaint in a different color takes much longer, typically three to five days. There are several reasons: the car body must first be sanded smooth, and if there are major damages, welding repairs are needed, which consumes time; each coat of paint must be applied evenly, with light or complex color schemes requiring multiple layers, each needing to dry thoroughly; the drying period is critical, as natural drying takes overnight and can be prolonged in rainy weather; shops may not accept rush jobs when busy. It's best to ask the shop directly for an estimated time—reserve one to two days for partial painting and at least three days for a full car repaint. Don’t rush; thorough drying ensures lasting quality.
When it comes to car painting time, I once had my SUV fully repainted and waited a full four days, which was a bit unexpected. Key influencing factors include: the size of the car—smaller cars get painted faster; deeper damage requires prior repairs, adding one to two days; different painting types—small local areas can be done in a few hours, while a full repaint is more comprehensive; shop equipment varies—those with drying ovens are faster, while natural drying is slower; seasons have a big impact—summer drying is shorter, winter adds a few days. Don’t just go for the cheapest or fastest option, as it may lead to bubbles or fading; I recommend comparing different shops, as their busy and idle times vary greatly. Ask about the specific process—on average, local repairs take one to two days, while a full repaint takes three to five days—and plan for alternative transportation.
