Is the paint sprayed at a 4S shop the same as the original car paint?

[DiValentina]

4S shop sprayed paint is not the same as the original car paint. Below are the differences and methods of painting: Differences in painting: The painting environment, methods of operation, and texture of the paint at a 4S shop are all different from the original factory car paint. The original factory car paint is applied using a mechanized spraying method, which is more refined and standardized, significantly differing from manual spraying. Methods of painting: Factory painting workshops generally use thermal radiation to bake the car body, with temperatures as high as 200 degrees. The baking process is also very complex, involving heating stages, temperature maintenance stages, and rapid cooling. This results in an extremely high-quality paint surface with excellent strength and stability. 4S shops typically use baking lamps for the baking process.

[DiCatherine]

The paint applied at a 4S shop is definitely different from the original factory paint. The factory paint is applied on the production line, where the entire car body undergoes high-temperature baking in a drying room. The paint is applied in multiple layers, resulting in a thicker, more uniform coating with strong UV resistance, making it less prone to fading or cracking. In contrast, 4S shops perform repairs after the fact, often using localized low-temperature baking. Their equipment is less advanced, leading to thinner coatings that may not match the color perfectly or could bubble over time. My car was rear-ended once, and the paint applied at the 4S shop turned yellow within a year, with uneven reflection compared to when it was new. For minor scratches, I recommend not rushing to repair them—just cover them with a sticker. For serious damage, visit a 4S shop and opt for computer color matching to minimize discrepancies. Protecting the original paint is more important in daily use. Remember, the factory paint is best preserved; any touch-up later will be slightly inferior. However, 4S shops offer reliable and trustworthy service.

[MacLily]

The paint job at a 4S shop usually doesn't match the original factory paint. The factory applies paint to the entire car under high temperature, ensuring strong color consistency. However, 4S touch-ups only cover a small area, and even with skilled technicians, noticeable color differences may occur. My colleague had a door panel repainted—it looked acceptable from a distance but showed obvious whitening at the edges up close. Though expensive, repairs are free during the warranty period. The durability is inferior to factory paint and may peel off after a few years. If you want to avoid hassle, a 4S shop is a convenient choice—just drive carefully to avoid rough roads. After repainting, avoid scrubbing the car too hard during washes to prevent marks. Overall, if you seek perfection, buying a new car with factory paint is better; for daily use, 4S touch-ups suffice. Factory paint meets strict quality standards upon leaving the plant and is hard to replicate later.

[LeAnna]

In the field of automotive repair, 4S shops use OEM paints but with different processes. The original factory employs whole-vehicle high-temperature baking, integrating all layers from primer to clear coat; 4S shops perform localized low-temperature repairs with fewer coating layers, lower hardness, and higher susceptibility to oxidation and darkening. Color matching relies on technicians' manual adjustments, often resulting in deviations. Regular waxing after repair can delay aging. The price is moderate but less durable than original paint. The painting process is highly susceptible to environmental interference, affecting results. It is recommended that car owners take photos to confirm the original color before painting.