How long does it take to drive away after car painting?

[VonHailey]

After painting, you need to wait at least 24 hours before driving away. When painting a car, it is essential to go to a professional institution and seek experts. Car paint is relatively complex, consisting of four layers from the inside out: the electrophoretic layer, the primer layer, the base coat, and the clear coat. Here is an introduction to each layer of car paint: 1. Electrophoretic layer: After the entire car body is assembled, it is generally immersed in an electrophoretic tank, forming an electrophoretic layer on the surface of the car body. 2. Primer layer: After the electrophoretic layer is formed on the car body surface, robots spray the primer layer, which also plays a crucial role in rust prevention and enhances the adhesion with the next layer of car paint. 3. Base coat: Above the primer layer is the base coat, which primarily serves an aesthetic purpose. The various colors of car paint visible are essentially presented by the base coat. 4. Clear coat: The clear coat protects the base coat and enhances the glossiness of the car paint.

[Torres]

Last time my car got scratched and needed a paint job, the repair shop technician said it would take at least two days. The exact time depends on the size of the area to be painted. For example, repainting an entire door requires sanding and rust removal first, then applying putty and waiting for it to dry, followed by spraying primer, color paint, and clear coat. Each layer of paint needs to be baked in the drying booth, which takes about five to six hours just for the painting process. Finally, polishing is required. They asked me to pick up the car on the third day, explaining that the freshly painted surface is still soft and driving it immediately could attract dust or leave fingerprints. It's best to let the paint fully harden by leaving the car in the workshop for a day.

[OGage]

Once I wanted to drive my car away immediately after a touch-up paint job, but the repair shop advised against it. The staff explained that even small-area touch-ups require at least four hours, while full-panel repainting needs a minimum of 24 hours. Freshly painted car surfaces are like uncured concrete—driving over bumps may cause the paint to crack. They recommended letting the paint naturally cool in the baking booth for 8 hours to ensure proper adhesion. Using quick-dry paint to save time may lead to fading and bubbling instead.

[DelTravis]

The time taken for car painting is really unpredictable. A small scratch touch-up can be done in three hours, while a full respray may take five days. It mainly depends on the schedule of the repair shop's paint booth - during peak periods you'll have to queue. Last time I got my hood repainted, the car stayed in the shop for two and a half days. When picking it up, the technician reminded me not to wash the car or expose it to direct sunlight for a week, explaining that the paint takes seven days to fully cure, and water contact during this period could cause bubbles.

[EmmanuelDella]

A friend's car had its bumper repainted after being rear-ended, and it was sent for repairs in the morning and driven away in the afternoon. However, the next day, the paint was found to be wrinkled, requiring a redo. The repairman explained that plastic parts need more drying time for painting—at least 12 hours of standing before moving. Metal parts also require the underlying putty to fully cure; otherwise, they are prone to cracking on bumpy roads. Additionally, in cold and humid weather, it's advisable to let the car sit for an extra half day before driving it away for better safety.

[LaGenesis]

Don't rush to drive away after painting—I learned this the hard way. Once I picked up my car just four hours after painting, and the rear door was covered in dust particles. The repair technician explained that freshly painted surfaces remain sticky and require at least six hours of enclosed drying time before moving the vehicle. After picking up your car, also remember: avoid using high-pressure water jets on the painted surface for three days, parking under trees can expose the paint to corrosive tree sap, and it's best to park in an indoor garage to allow the paint to naturally harden for two weeks.