How long does it take for a 4S shop to perform touch-up painting?
4 Answers
For minor touch-up painting at a 4S shop, it takes 3-4 hours; for severe cases, it takes 5-6 hours. Below are solutions to common touch-up painting issues: 1. Loss of gloss: Use a high-speed polishing machine with a specialized polishing compound to restore the finish, and the gloss loss will not recur. 2. Reaction (paint lifting): Chemical reactions during painting can occur due to wet spraying on an undercoat that is not dry, previous use of spray paint, or application of low-quality paint, leading to paint lifting. If paint lifting occurs, first dry the affected area with an iodine tungsten lamp, then smooth the lifted area with P1500-P2000 wet sandpaper. After drying, proceed with applying the color paint. If the reaction persists, completely remove the original paint, redo the undercoat, and then proceed with painting.
Last time my car got a touch-up paint job at the 4S dealership, they made me wait two full days to finish. Actually, the duration depends entirely on the damage extent—minor scratches might be done in half a day (drop off in the morning, drive back by afternoon). But for larger areas, like a door panel scraped into a "big painted face," it could take two days. They need to sand the surface clean, apply primer, spray the topcoat, then bake it in the drying booth, plus wait for thorough curing to prevent bubbling. Humid weather or shop queues can further delay things. Calling ahead to confirm timelines is crucial—saves wasted trips, time, and fuel costs. Pro tip: Always inspect the paint smoothness post-repair; otherwise, you might end up needing a redo shortly after driving away.
From a technical perspective, the time required for touch-up painting varies depending on the process. Small paint jobs can typically be completed in about 4 to 6 hours, while repairs to larger areas often take 24 to 48 hours. The workflow includes cleaning and sanding, masking and protection, painting and drying, and final polishing. If the dealership has an automated paint booth, drying time can be shortened, but high humidity may prolong it. I also recommend opting for original factory paint materials for a more seamless color match with the car body. Rushed jobs sometimes compromise quality, leading to peeling paint. It's advisable to clarify the process and expected delivery time in advance so you can plan other tasks, such as an oil check or car wash maintenance, to avoid idle waiting and frustration.
Paint touch-up usually takes at least 24 hours. 4S shops prioritize quality over speed—they won't rush and compromise the work. For minor scratches, same-day pickup is possible with express repair, while larger areas require two days for proper curing. Factors like paint type, temperature, and workload affect the timeline. If you're in a hurry, consider paying extra for expedited service or book off-peak appointments in advance. Pro tip: Bring a book and coffee to kill time productively—I often use the wait to study basic car maintenance knowledge, which helps me handle minor fixes myself next time, saving both hassle and money.
