How Many Days Does Auto Body Repair and Painting Take?
3 Answers
Auto body repair and painting typically take about 2 to 3 days to complete. Below is the workflow for body repair and painting: Determining the Plan: Before starting the body repair and painting, the technician needs to assess the extent of the vehicle's damage to determine the repair plan. Different levels of damage will require different solutions. Body Repair and Shaping: For areas that have been deformed, processes such as cutting, grinding, stretching, heat shrinking, and oxidation treatment are applied. It's important to note that body repair not only restores the vehicle's original appearance but also aims to maintain the hardness of the metal material as much as possible. Applying Putty for Shaping: After the body repair is corrected, the technician will shape the body lines by applying putty to adjust the flatness of the body. Painting the Surface: The painting process is quite complex and involves multiple steps, including applying the primer, mid-coat primer, color matching, applying the topcoat, and baking the paint. This must be done in a dust-free environment. Surface Treatment: Even after painting, there may still be minor imperfections. The technician will then use ultra-fine sandpaper or a polishing machine to buff the surface, restoring the body's shine.
Last year, I had a dent on the side door of my car and took it to a professional repair shop for panel beating and repainting. The entire process took about 4 days because although the damage wasn't severe, we had to wait for the paint to dry completely. The technician first assessed the extent of the dent, smoothed out the metal panel, then cleaned the surface before applying primer, base coat, and clear coat. Each layer required half a day to a full day of drying time; otherwise, the paint might bubble or peel. Drying was faster in cooler weather, but during the rainy season, it took longer. I chose to get it repaired on a weekday when the shop was less crowded, avoiding queues. I recommend scheduling your car repair in advance rather than going last minute to avoid potential delays of over a week. Since cars are daily necessities, planning ahead can minimize disruptions to your usage.
Last time my car got scratched and I sent it for a repaint, which took a full 5 days to complete. As a long-time car owner, I believe you shouldn't rush the process - quality comes first. The metalwork repair itself is quick, but the paint drying stage is crucial, requiring controlled temperature and humidity. In humid weather, it might extend to 7 days; otherwise, the paint won't adhere properly and may peel months later. From my experience, it's safer to wait two extra days before picking up the car. I recommend choosing reputable shops - don't opt for quick repairs just to save money, as quality often suffers. Overall, standard repair time is 3-7 days. Minor damage might be done in 3 days, but for moderate or severe damage, it's best to allow extra time for unexpected delays.
