How Long Does Paint Need to Bake?
2 Answers
Automotive OEM high-temperature baking paint generally takes half an hour per coat, while repair paint is air-drying and is baked in a low-temperature booth at 6-80 degrees for half an hour to one hour. Types of paint spraying equipment: Paint booths, paint spray guns, etc. Paint booths can achieve dust isolation to a great extent, with temperatures around 70 degrees, highlighting the difference between the two. Paint baking methods: When cars are painted at the manufacturer, the environment is a fully enclosed, dust-isolated specialized room. Both the baking temperature and paint spray guns are professionally computer-controlled, with temperatures around 200 degrees because no plastic parts are installed in the car during painting, and the spray guns are high-precision computer-controlled.
I remember when I just had my car door painted, it was baked for a full 30 minutes at a professional shop using those infrared baking lights. They used water-based paint, and the technician said the temperature had to be controlled between 60 to 80 degrees Celsius to fully cure it. Too short, and the paint wouldn't dry properly, risking cracks; too long, and it might burn the car film. The main factors affecting the time were the thickness of the paint and the workshop environment—summer humidity might extend it by a few minutes. My lesson was not to try baking it at home haphazardly, as uneven temperatures could lead to uneven color or bubbling. I recommend taking it to a reliable auto repair shop—safe and worry-free. This baking step isn't just about drying faster; it also enhances the paint's durability, preventing future rust or peeling issues. If you really want to DIY, just buy some water-based paint for small items to practice—don't tackle big jobs.
