How Long Does Painting Take?
2 Answers
Automotive painting time depends on the extent of damage to the car's paint. For minor damage, it may take only a few hours to complete. For more severe damage, it could require 2 to 3 days. Below are precautions regarding painting: 1. Spray painting must be conducted in dedicated spray booths. Spraying inside workshops is strictly prohibited as it contaminates other work areas and vehicles awaiting repair, worsening the working environment. 2. Spray booths should be equipped with adequate exhaust systems to eliminate solvent vapors and overspray, preventing accumulation of flammable dry paint residues or solvent vapors. 3. It is strictly forbidden to spray both nitrocellulose paint and oil-based synthetic resin paint in the same dry exhaust spray booth. 4. Anyone handling or exposed to paint materials should wear coveralls, gloves, and apply a barrier cream on exposed skin areas for protection. 5. To prevent accidents caused by slippery surfaces or obstacles, promptly clean up any spilled grease, lubricants, paint, or other substances using sawdust, sand, or soil. Never allow spills to enter drains or sewers.
I recently had my car fully repainted, and it took nearly a week to get it back. The entire process included preparation, painting, and drying stages: the first day was spent sanding the body to remove old imperfections, followed by applying primer, which required over a night to dry; the second to third days involved spraying the main paint layers, applied in multiple coats for even coverage—no rushing allowed. The clear coat then needed an additional one to two days to cure, ensuring gloss and durability. The painting time depends on the weather—it dries faster in the hot summer, while cold winters or rainy seasons might extend it to eight days. The shop’s workload also plays a role; peak periods like holidays mean longer wait times. As a long-time car owner, I recommend booking in advance and choosing a reputable shop—don’t sacrifice quality to save time, as poor paint jobs quickly show issues. Also, it’s best to arrange alternative transportation during the wait to avoid disrupting daily commutes. Larger cars or complex colors like metallic paint take more time, but patience will eventually restore your car’s original appearance.
