How Long Does It Take for Car Paint to Dry in Winter?
2 Answers
Typically, car paint takes four to seven days to completely dry after being touched up in winter. The main purpose of touch-up paint is to protect the car's appearance. Painting Sequence: The painting sequence for cars starts from the top of the vehicle to the doors, followed by spraying around the body. This sequence helps avoid surface overlaps and seam marks. The spraying speed should be consistent to prevent skipping or missing spots. If uneven coloring occurs during the painting process, you can reduce the paint's viscosity and then continue spraying the uneven areas. Touch-Up Paint Precautions: When painting a car, it's advisable to use a high-quality spray gun to ensure even application and a smoother finish. This prevents clogging or skipping due to poor spray gun quality. After completing the paint job, carefully inspect the painted surface to ensure there are no impurities before proceeding with polishing.
I've been driving in the north for over 20 years. After a paint touch-up in winter, you should wait at least a day, and when the temperature is below 5°C, it's safer to wait 48 hours. Low temperatures slow down the movement of paint molecules, making it harder for the paint to fully harden. If you rush out and encounter snow or scratches, the new paint can bubble or crack, making repairs more troublesome. I recommend parking in an indoor garage—if it's heated, the paint will dry faster. Don't rush to wash or wax the car; waiting three days is the safest. Also, high humidity can slow the process, so a dry, well-ventilated environment speeds things up. Choose the right time for touch-ups to avoid cold snaps, ensuring the paint stays durable and glossy.
