How Long Does It Take to Complete Sheet Metal and Painting at a 4S Shop?
3 Answers
Sheet metal repair and painting at a 4S shop typically take around 3 hours. Sheet metal painting is divided into two types: paint and powder. Powder coating dries faster, especially when placed in a drying oven, while liquid paint takes longer to dry. Sheet metal painting is an automotive repair technique that involves restoring deformed parts of a car's metal body. For example, if the car's exterior shell is dented, sheet metal work can restore it to its original shape, followed by the application of specialized paint to ensure the repaired metal surface matches the rest of the undamaged areas. Automotive Sheet Metal Painting Process: Determining the Plan: Before starting the sheet metal and painting work, the repair technician assesses the extent of the vehicle's damage to determine the appropriate repair method, as different levels of damage require different solutions. Sheet Metal Shaping: Deformed areas undergo cutting, grinding, stretching, heat shrinking, and oxidation treatment. It's important to note that sheet metal work not only restores the vehicle's original appearance but also maintains the hardness of the metal material to the greatest extent possible. Filler Application: After sheet metal correction, the technician uses body filler to shape the car's body lines and adjust its smoothness. Paint Application: The painting process is complex, involving multiple steps such as applying primer, mid-coat primer, color matching, topcoat application, and paint drying. This must be done in a dust-free environment. Paint Finishing: Even after painting, minor imperfections may remain. The technician then uses ultra-fine sandpaper or a polishing machine to refine the surface, restoring the car's gloss.
My car was recently scratched, so I took it to the 4S shop for bodywork and paint repair, which usually takes 2 to 5 days to complete, depending on the extent of the damage. For minor scratches that only require paintwork without bodywork, you might place an order in the morning and pick up the car in the afternoon. For larger dents or deformations, the bodywork process is more time-consuming: first straightening the metal, welding and reshaping, then applying filler to level the surface, sanding it smooth, spraying primer for rust prevention, applying color paint for the finish, coating with clear paint for protection, and finally baking in the paint booth for several hours before polishing and inspection. Each step requires time, as insufficient drying of the paint can lead to peeling. During peak periods at the 4S shop, there might be queues, which can prolong the process. Precise bodywork is essential to avoid rework, and color matching must be exact. I understand everyone is in a hurry, but technicians focus on meticulous work rather than rushing to ensure stable quality. It’s advisable to schedule appointments outside of peak seasons, and for minor damage, opting for quick repair services directly is a good choice.
The average time for sheet metal painting at a 4S shop varies, and I recommend communicating in advance to estimate the duration. For minor damage like small scratches on the bumper that only require painting, it can be ready the next day or within 1 day. However, deep dents requiring sheet metal repair take 3-7 days due to the complex process: damage assessment, sheet metal leveling, applying putty, multiple layers of painting, and baking. The quality of painting depends on sufficient drying time in the paint booth—rushing may cause bubbles. 4S shops with multiple workstations can handle jobs in parallel, speeding up the process, but delays are common during peak seasons. I usually choose certified shops where technicians are skilled and time management is efficient. For major damage, using appointment services to schedule a specific date saves time. Avoid opting for cheap shops that promise quick service, as they often result in loss of gloss or color mismatch. Remember: quality first, safety foremost.
