How long does it take to repair scratched car paint?
2 Answers
Repairing scratched car paint takes about 3 to 4 hours. The repair method is as follows: 1. Thoroughly clean the surface to be repaired before starting; 2. Use alcohol to remove wax, moisture, oil, and rust from the area to enhance paint adhesion; 3. Shake the touch-up paint pen vigorously before use, hearing the mixing ball rattle for at least 30 times; 4. Open the cap of the touch-up paint pen while it is upright to prevent spillage; 5. For deeper scratches, apply repeatedly with a brush; 6. The repaired area may appear uneven after direct application. Once the paint is dry, use 2000-grit wet sandpaper to smooth it until the surface is level with the surrounding area.
Having driven for over a decade, the time needed for touch-up painting after a car paint scratch really depends on the situation. For minor scratches like a mark on the bumper, you might be lucky to get your car back the same day—it usually takes about half a day if the technician works efficiently to spray and bake the paint. However, deep scratches that expose the metal base are more troublesome, requiring at least two to three days. This includes sanding to treat rust, applying filler, spraying multiple layers of paint, and baking. Last time my rear door got scratched, it took two and a half days, and drying takes even longer in humid weather—there’s no rushing it. Cost is another factor: regular shops are cheaper and faster, while dealerships (4S shops) are slower and pricier but offer more stable quality. Usually, pay extra attention to parking gaps and avoid contact with hard objects to minimize repairs. Regular waxing can also protect the paint and extend its lifespan—next time, be more careful when washing the car.
