How Long Does the Paint from a 4S Shop Fade?
2 Answers
4S shop paint can generally last for 4-5 years under normal use. Below is a detailed introduction to the 4S shop painting process: 1. Cleaning and Sanding: After a collision or scrape, the metal panel is first restored to its basic shape through body repair. Professional painting and sanding tools are then used to remove the original paint down to the metal panel. 2. Filling Dents: Applying putty ensures the paint surface is smooth and fills in any dents. This step is typically repeated three times, as it directly affects the final painting result. 3. Base Coating: A paint scanner is used to match the car's paint color, followed by manual fine-tuning. Since paint color can vary slightly depending on the vehicle's age, technicians compare paint samples with the car's body color on-site. 4. Painting: The main types of paint used include standard paint, metallic paint, and pearl paint.
The paint job at 4S shops is generally of good quality, using professional-grade materials and techniques with adequate UV protection, so under normal use, it can last seven or eight years or even longer before showing noticeable fading. With my experience in car repairs, I know this heavily depends on daily conditions—for example, if your car is constantly parked under direct sunlight, UV rays accelerate paint oxidation, or frequent driving in dusty areas leads to pollutant buildup that causes discoloration. Additionally, the thickness and sealing of the paint layer are crucial. 4S shops usually apply paint evenly, but if you wash the car too aggressively or neglect long-term maintenance, the paint wears faster and discolors sooner. I recommend waxing every six months to create a protective layer and parking in shaded areas to extend its lifespan and reduce fading risks. In short, high-quality paint under ideal conditions shows minimal fading within a decade, but proper personal care is still essential.
