How Long Does Painting Take?
2 Answers
The time required for car painting is primarily determined by the scope of the painting. Generally, at a 4S shop, the fastest turnaround is 2-3 days. Below are the precautions for painting and methods for car paint maintenance: Precautions for Painting: After painting, check if the painted surface matches the original car paint color perfectly. Inspect the smoothness of the painted surface for any bubbles, pits, or impurities. Examine the uniformity of metallic paint particles, observing their size, color, and arrangement to ensure consistency and harmony with the original car paint. Methods for Car Paint Maintenance: To enhance the lifespan and appearance of the car paint, wash the car regularly to remove stains and dust. Avoid strong impacts, bumps, or scratches to the car's paint film. If any scratches, dents, or peeling are found on the painted surface, repair them promptly.
As an experienced driver, I've had my car repainted several times. Last time when my car door got scratched and I took it to the shop for repainting, it took about three days to get it back. The repair shop technician said the first day was spent sanding off the old paint and applying putty, which took about seven to eight hours to dry completely. The second day was for applying primer and base coat, with each layer requiring a half-hour interval for slight curing. Finally, a clear coat protective layer was applied. The most time-consuming part was the baking process—the infrared baking room needed to maintain a constant temperature for two hours to ensure the paint fully hardened; otherwise, it would remain soft and prone to fingerprints. If it happened to be a humid or rainy day, the drying time would extend by half a day. Full-panel repainting takes longer than spot repairs, and a full color change usually takes about a week, especially since removing and reinstalling emblems, handles, and other details is particularly labor-intensive.
