How Long Does It Take to Repair and Paint a Car?

[RachelAnn]

Repairing and painting a car depends on whether it's a full-body paint job or a small-area touch-up. Small-area touch-ups can be completed in a day, while a full-body paint job at a 4S dealership might take ten days to half a month, and at least a week at an external repair shop. Below is a partial introduction to car repair and painting: 1. Overview: The process from receiving the car, diagnosing the issue, issuing the work order, to dispatching the job takes about an hour. If the car requires painting, it should first be handed over to a professional auto body and paint center. The service advisor will greet the owner, discuss the pricing for the painting area, and conduct a full inspection and confirmation of the vehicle before issuing the work order and dispatching the job to the workshop. 2. Types of Paint: Car painting refers to applying a layer of paint to the car's surface to protect it. Automotive paint is typically baking paint. There are several types of topcoat: standard paint, metallic paint, and pearl paint. Standard paint consists of resin, pigments, and additives. Metallic paint contains aluminum powder, giving it a shiny finish. Pearl paint includes mica particles, which reflect light directionally, creating a colorful effect.

[VonJulian]

Last time my car got scratched, it took a full three days to get it repainted. Since it was a small area on the rear door, the repair shop said they first had to treat the surface—sanding off the old paint marks and fixing minor dents—which took most of the day. Then they applied the primer, let it dry for several hours, and only then applied the color coat. After painting, they had to wait for it to fully cure, and their shop used natural drying, so it had to sit overnight. The next day, they found some spots weren’t fully dry, so it took another half day. The whole process depends on the size of the area and the depth of the damage—small jobs take at least two days, while major accidents or full-body repaints can take over a week. I recommend asking for a clear timeline in advance to avoid delays, but don’t rush into low-quality services just to save time.

[DeRowan]

The duration of a paint job is influenced by multiple factors. From my experience, the size of the area being painted plays a role: for instance, a bumper or fender typically takes about two days, while a full-body repaint may require four to five days. The complexity of the repair and the type of materials involved also matter—minor scratches can be painted over quickly, but rust or dents will extend the repair time. The painting process includes cleaning, applying filler, priming, base coating, and clear coating, with drying time needed between each step. Drying method has the biggest impact: air drying is slow, often taking over 24 hours, whereas baking equipment can reduce this to a few hours. Generally, minor repairs take 1-3 days, major ones 4-7 days. Scheduling in advance saves time.

[JanelleRose]

A standard paint job takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the situation. When I sent my car in, minor scratch repairs could be picked up the same day, but required drying time. The process includes sanding, painting, and curing. With baking, surface work can be completed in a few hours, but natural drying requires patience. Repair shop queues can also extend the time, especially during peak seasons. It's advisable to assess the damage before painting—simple jobs can be done at quick repair shops for same-day return, while complex issues are better handled by professional shops for guaranteed quality. Remember not to wash the car for a few days after painting.