How Long Does It Usually Take to Repair Car Paint?
2 Answers
Car paint repair generally takes one day. If the scratches are not severe, a quick spray method can be used, which takes 3-4 hours, allowing you to pick up the car in the morning or afternoon. The drying speed of the paint after spraying is directly related to the season. With sufficient ventilation and humidity, the paint will dry in 6 hours. If baking is used, the drying speed can be accelerated, and the paint will dry in 2-3 hours. Car paint repair based on the severity of scratches: For minor scratches that only affect the surface layer of the car paint without damaging the primer or structure, it is best for new cars to go to a 4S shop for warranty repair. For older cars, you can visit an auto beauty shop and use waxing to repair the paint. Depending on the extent of the paint damage, either coarse wax or fine wax is used, followed by polishing with a polishing machine to restore the paint surface. For severe scratches, where there are multiple scratches on the car surface or the scratches are deep enough to damage the primer or the vehicle's structure, immediate repair at a 4S shop is necessary. If left unrepaired for too long, the scratched paint surface may rust. Once rusted, even if repaired later, the internal metal may continue to rust, leading to issues such as paint peeling.
I previously helped someone with touch-up paint issues at a repair shop, and generally speaking, the time required really depends on the extent of the damage. For small scratches or minor scrapes, like those on the door edges, it might be fixed the same day—the painter applies a few layers and then dries them, taking just a few hours at most. However, if the damage is deeper, such as dents or large areas, the process involves sanding, applying primer, multiple coats of paint, and baking, taking at least two to three days or more, especially in rainy weather since the paint takes longer to dry properly. Color matching is also time-consuming, requiring precise mixing to avoid noticeable differences between the new and old paint. During peak periods at repair shops, waiting a few days in line is common, so it’s best to ask for an estimate when booking an appointment—they’ll assess the situation and give you a timeframe to avoid wasted trips. Remember, safety first: after the paint job, wait a couple of days for full curing before washing the car to ensure durability.
