How long does it take to repair scratched car paint?

[Floyd]

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.

[NaomiDella]

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.

[DiAbel]

I just got a scratch on my new car and was really worried, so I quickly asked about the repair time. Small scratches can indeed be fixed quickly, with morning drop-offs often ready by afternoon, especially for minor areas. However, if the metal layer is damaged, repairs take longer. The technician explained it's a step-by-step process: cleaning, filling, applying color and clear coats, then drying with a heat lamp, likely taking one to two days. Don’t just choose a repair shop for cheap prices—poorly-rated ones might take three to four days, affecting my work and school runs. Cost-wise, spot painting usually costs a few hundred, while a full panel can run over a thousand. Daily driving requires caution: avoid random roadside parking to reduce scratch risks, and use soft water for washing to protect the paint.

[DiAlexander]

I know a thing or two about car door repairs. The time it takes to repaint depends on the depth and location of the scratch. Minor surface damage can be fixed within half a day with just a spray of paint. For severe scratches that expose the base layer, the repair is more time-consuming. The standard process involves sanding, rust removal, applying filler, spraying primer, topcoat, and clear coat, followed by drying. The entire process typically takes 48 hours, but in hot weather, it might be shortened to 24 hours. It's advisable to choose a shop with a paint booth for faster service. Costs vary depending on the paint used; metallic paint is more expensive than regular paint but more durable. Temporary solution: For small, band-aid-like scratches, use a touch-up pen as a quick fix, but don't rely on it for long.

[VanAshlyn]

As an average car owner, I find car scratches quite annoying, especially when the time needed for repainting keeps interfering with taking my kids to extracurricular classes. From experience, minor shallow scratches like those on door handles can be fixed in a few hours, while deeper or larger areas take about two days—especially frustrating when rainy weather slows down the drying process. Going to a professional shop is more efficient; otherwise, a botched repair can be even more troublesome. Extra advice: Keep costs under control and avoid being talked into unnecessary full treatments. Always park carefully to avoid scraping against poles and reduce frequent repairs. During monthly cleanings, inspect the paint surface to catch issues early.