How long does it usually take to pick up the car after painting at a 4S shop?
3 Answers
4S shop painting time depends on the specific location and whether sheet metal work is needed, as well as the size of the area. For small areas with minimal sheet metal work, the car can usually be picked up the same day; if two or three panels need work, it typically takes until the next day. However, 4S shops generally schedule the time conservatively. Professional repair shops apply three layers of paint: a primer coat, a color coat, and a clear coat. The main difference from factory paint is the absence of an electrophoretic coating, which requires immersing the vehicle in a paint bath and applying an electric current to bond the paint to the frame. The painting process at a 4S shop generally involves cleaning and sanding, priming, painting, baking, and polishing.
My car got scratched before, so I took it to the 4S shop for a paint job, and it took a full two and a half days to get it back. The painting process is quite complex—first, they need to sand the damaged area, apply putty to fill any uneven spots, then spray several layers including primer, color paint, and clear coat. Each layer requires several hours to dry naturally; otherwise, the paint may bubble or peel. Plus, 4S shops are often busy, and technicians have tight schedules, so during peak times, it might take three to five days. Small scratches are quicker, usually done in a day, but for larger repairs, you’ll need to be patient. I recommend calling ahead to ask about the estimated time and whether they offer a courtesy car service to avoid disrupting your daily routine. After all, 4S shops provide more meticulous craftsmanship and more reliable quality.
I have extensive experience with paint touch-ups, having frequented 4S shops for years. Typically, vehicle pickup takes one to three days, depending on the damage type: shallow scratches might be same-day, while deep dents or full-door repainting can extend to four or five days. The painting process includes cleaning, masking, color application, curing, and polishing—with curing being the most time-consuming, especially when high humidity slows paint drying. 4S shops boast professional equipment but may delay during peak hours; winter operations are slower, summer faster. Booking ahead is crucial, and bringing insurance documents to confirm coverage is advised. Their pace lags behind small shops but ensures consistent quality.
