How Long Does It Take to Get the Car Back After Body Repair and Painting?
2 Answers
How long it takes to get the car back after body repair and painting depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage is minor, it usually takes 1 to 2 days. For more severe damage, it may take one to two months. Body repair and painting, commonly referred to as "bodywork and paint," involves reshaping the deformed parts of the vehicle from a collision (body repair) and restoring the color and gloss to match the pre-collision condition (painting). The workflow for body repair and painting includes: 1. Assessment: Determine the repair plan based on the extent of the damage before starting the work. 2. Body reshaping: Perform cutting, grinding, stretching, heat shrinking, and oxidation treatment on the deformed areas. 3. Filling and shaping: Apply filler to smooth out imperfections. 4. Paint spraying: This step is complex and must be done in a dust-free environment. 5. Paint finishing: Restore the gloss and finish of the car body.
Last time my car door got hit, I took it in for bodywork and painting, but ended up waiting over two days. The whole process was far from simple—first removing parts, then repairing the dented metal, which required meticulous work to avoid compromising the frame's safety. Next came sanding, applying primer and color coats, followed by the clear coat. Proper drying after painting was crucial; letting it air-dry overnight at least was necessary to prevent bubbling. Since I usually drive my kids to and from school, the delay disrupted our routine, forcing us to rely on public transport, which was quite a hassle. My advice: get the damage assessed early at the shop—minor scratches might be fixed within a day, while major collision repairs could take three to four days. Choose a reputable repair shop and ask for a time estimate, as peak seasons mean longer wait times.
