How Many Days Does It Usually Take for a 4S Shop to Complete Sheet Metal and Painting Work?
2 Answers
Automotive sheet metal and painting typically take about 2 to 3 days to complete. Below is the workflow for sheet metal and painting: Determining the Plan: Before starting the sheet metal and painting work, the repair technician needs to assess the extent of the vehicle's damage to determine the repair plan. Different levels of damage require different solutions. Sheet Metal Shaping: For deformed areas, processes such as cutting, grinding, stretching, heat shrinking, and oxidation treatment are applied. It's important to note that sheet metal work not only restores the vehicle's original appearance but also maintains the hardness of the metal material as much as possible. Applying Putty for Shaping: After sheet metal correction, the repair technician will shape the body lines by applying putty to adjust the flatness of the vehicle body. Painting the Surface: The painting process is relatively complex and involves multiple steps, including applying the primer, mid-coat primer, color matching, topcoat painting, and paint drying. This must be done in a dust-free environment. Paint Surface Treatment: Even after painting, minor imperfections may remain. The repair technician will then use ultra-fine sandpaper or a polishing machine to refine the surface, restoring the vehicle's gloss.
Last time my car got panel beating and spray painting at the 4S shop for minor door panel scratches, it took a full four days to complete. They explained the process is quite time-consuming: first, the panel needs reshaping to repair dents, then rust removal by sanding, followed by applying filler and waiting for it to dry. Next comes primer spraying, baking overnight before applying the topcoat, plus polishing and color matching. Especially critical is color matching - the 4S shop uses OEM paint to ensure gloss consistency, but drying temperatures affect progress, making it slower in winter. For major damage like a deformed trunk from collision, a friend waited over a week. Booking in advance can compress it to 2-3 days, but don't rush - meticulous work ensures safety and durability. Remember not to wash the car or expose the fresh paint to direct sunlight for the first few days after repair.
