How many days does body repair and painting take at a 4S shop?
2 Answers
4S shop body repair and painting: If repair plus painting is needed, it takes about a week; painting alone takes up to three days. The workflow for body repair and painting is as follows: 1. Determine the plan: Before starting the body repair and painting, the repair technician needs to assess the extent of the vehicle damage to determine the repair plan. Different levels of damage will require different solutions. 2. Body shaping: For deformed parts, cutting, grinding, stretching, heat shrinking, and oxidation treatment are performed. Body repair not only aims to restore the vehicle's original appearance but also strives to maintain the hardness of the metal material. 3. Filler application and shaping: After body correction, the repair technician will shape the body lines and adjust its smoothness by applying filler to the body. 4. Paint spraying: The paint spraying process is complex and involves multiple steps such as applying primer, mid-coat primer, color matching, topcoat spraying, and paint drying. It must be performed in a dust-free environment. 5. Paint finishing: The repair technician will use ultra-fine sandpaper or a polishing machine to buff out imperfections and restore the body's gloss.
When I went to the 4S shop for sheet metal and spray painting, it took about five days, mainly because my car had a big dent, which was not a minor issue. They said the process was quite complicated: first, they had to assess the depth of the damage—small scratches were quicker, while large dents took longer; then, they repaired the metal part, pulling out the dent and filling it with putty; next, they sprayed the paint, applying primer first, followed by color paint and clear coat, layer by layer without rushing; finally, it went into the paint baking room to dry and cure, and after cooling, it was polished and inspected. The waiting time also included queuing, as the shop's peak periods could extend the process by a few days. I recommend making an appointment during off-peak seasons in advance to avoid delays. The quality of the spray paint is crucial—it must dry thoroughly to prevent peeling, and rainy weather can also affect progress. Budget at least three to four days, and don’t expect to pick up the car the same day to avoid any mishaps.
