How many years can the paint sprayed at a 4S store last?
3 Answers
Normally, the paint sprayed at a 4S store can last for about 4-5 years under regular use. Below is a detailed introduction to the 4S store paint spraying process: 1. Cleaning and sanding: After scratches or collisions, sheet metal repair is usually required to restore the basic shape. Professional paint sanding tools are used to remove the original paint, exposing the metal panel. 2. Filling dents: Applying putty mainly ensures a smooth paint surface and fills in any dents. This process is typically done three times, as it directly affects the final paint result. 3. Base preparation: A paint scanner is used to match the car's paint color, followed by manual fine-tuning. Since different vehicles have varying years of use, the paint may have slight variations, requiring the technician to compare the paint sample with the car body color on-site. 4. Spray painting: The main types of paint used are standard paint, metallic paint, and pearl paint.
I had my entire car repainted at an authorized 4S dealership, and even after five years, it still looks almost new. The paint they apply is indeed more durable, mainly due to several factors: first, they use genuine factory paint with the most accurate color matching, achieving results nearly identical to the factory finish; second, their process is meticulous—the paint booth is clean and dust-free, the technicians are highly experienced, and each layer of paint (primer, base coat, clear coat) is applied properly with sufficient thickness and strong adhesion. Of course, it's not a permanent solution—if you frequently park under trees where sap falls, leave bird droppings untreated, or expose the car to prolonged sun without maintenance, even the best paint won't last. Personally, I try to park in underground garages, wax the car every three months, and address minor scratches promptly. With this routine, maintaining the paint for five to six years isn't a problem.
When it comes to paint longevity, the paint job from a 4S store indeed offers better guarantees. I noticed they pay special attention to environmental control—the entire painting process is completed in a dust-free workshop with constant temperature and humidity, which is hard for ordinary repair shops to achieve. The paint mixture follows the formula directly provided by the manufacturer, ensuring high color accuracy with minimal color difference. Most importantly, the quality of the clear coat is superior, with strong UV resistance, making it less prone to yellowing or losing gloss over time. Of course, how long it actually lasts depends on post-application care—regular washing and waxing can extend its lifespan; if the car frequently drives on highways and gets hit by gravel, or if scratches are left untreated, even the best paint won’t hold up. Overall, with normal use and basic maintenance, the gloss can remain quite good for about five years.
