How Long Does It Usually Take to Repair Car Paint?

[OAnnie]

Car paint repair generally takes about 1 day. Here is the relevant information: Process: The specific steps for paint repair include determining the repair area, assessing the damage level, applying protective measures, surface preparation, masking and degreasing, applying base coat, applying clear coat, blending the paint edges, baking, and finally polishing the paint surface. If loss of gloss occurs during polishing, it can be restored using a high-speed polisher with specialized polishing compound. Note: The hardness of the repaired paint is lower compared to the factory paint, and high water pressure can damage the car's paint surface, so avoid using high-pressure water jets directly on the car body.

[MichaelAnn]

I've driven for many years and often had to get paint touch-ups for scratches. The time it takes mainly depends on the size and location of the damage. Minor scratches, like small scuffs on door handles, can be fixed in just one or two hours at the shop. Moderate damage, such as a patch of missing paint on a side door, usually takes half a day to a full day. For severe scratches that reach the primer or large-area damage, it takes even longer—sometimes two to three days. Why so long? Because the process is complicated: first sanding, then applying primer and topcoat, letting it dry, and finally polishing. If it doesn’t dry properly, bubbles can form. Last time I had a rear bumper collision, I chose a dry day for the touch-up, and it took a full day, but the result was great. I’d advise against doing it during the rainy season—high humidity slows things down. Also, the type of paint matters—metallic paint dries slower, and factory-matched colors are more precise, so you can’t rush it. This kind of work requires patience; cutting corners can lead to more trouble later.

[Aniyah]

I enjoy doing car paint touch-ups and have tried it myself a few times. The time required for paint repair varies greatly due to multiple influencing factors. For minor issues like small scratches on the bumper, a professional shop can fix it in half an hour. For medium-range repairs, such as chipped paint on a door panel, it usually takes about two to three hours. Larger repairs, like repainting an entire panel, require at least half a day to a full day. Why does it take so long? Factors include waiting for the paint to dry completely, applying multiple coats, and slower drying times in humid weather. When I DIY, I find that using ready-made spray cans saves time—just prepare the tools and spray slowly, but it’s prone to minor imperfections. After touch-ups, avoid washing the car immediately; wait 24 hours for the paint to dry and harden properly. Here’s a handy tip: working on sunny days improves efficiency, saving both time and effort. Keep a touch-up pen handy for quick fixes—it takes just minutes and is super convenient.

[LeAlana]

As an ordinary office worker, my car often gets scratched, and the time for repainting usually depends on the extent of the damage. For minor scratches like a small chip at the door corner, once you make an appointment and drop it off, it takes at most two to three hours to pick it up. For moderate to major issues like a large dent on the door, most often you’ll need to leave the car overnight. Last time, my car’s front got a scratch—I dropped it off in the morning and got it back in the afternoon, which was quite fast. I recommend contacting the repair shop in advance to confirm the timing to avoid unnecessary trips. You can temporarily cover small scratches with stickers to prevent rust. Paint dries faster in hot weather, while in cold weather, you might have to wait longer. Don’t delay too long, as it can affect driving safety. Repainting isn’t as difficult as imagined—just choose a reputable place for longer-lasting quality.