Is there a difference between original factory paint and 4S store touch-up paint?

[PhoebeLynn]

Original factory paint and 4S store touch-up paint do have differences, which are: 1. Different spraying environments: The OEM paint shop in the original factory is a sealed positive-pressure workshop with air filtered through multiple layers and oil-water separation; 4S store touch-up paint is done in a separate paint room or outdoors. 2. Different construction tools: Original factory paint uses robotic automatic spraying in the OEM; 4S store touch-up paint is done manually with ordinary spray guns. 3. Different baking methods: Original factory paint in the OEM paint shop uses thermal radiation to bake the car body at temperatures reaching 200 degrees Celsius; 4S store touch-up paint uses lamp baking.

[DelDaniela]

Last time I had my car door repainted at the 4S shop, it looked fine when I first drove back, but after a few days I noticed quite obvious color differences - some areas appeared darker and some lighter under sunlight. The mechanic explained that the factory paint is applied through high-temperature baking when the car is new, with multiple even layers. Although 4S shops use original paint formulas, their manual spraying with lower oven temperatures than factories can easily cause bubbles or orange peel texture. Now I understand it's better not to touch up minor scratches since factory paint is more durable. If repainting is necessary, find professional services. Whenever I notice dull spots while washing the car, I worry they might crack. Regular waxing for protection helps.

[LeahAnn]

I've been in this business for over a decade and seen countless paint jobs. Factory paint is fully automated from electrophoretic primer to clear coat, offering strong rust resistance and high gloss. 4S shop touch-ups are manually sprayed with thinner layers that tend to peel. Even with precise color matching machines, it's hard to perfectly match the original car color - white cars especially tend to yellow. My advice is to apply ceramic coating promptly after touch-ups and park away from direct sunlight, or the gloss will fade within 2-3 years. Never skimp on regular maintenance.

[LeZane]

The difference between factory paint and 4S shop touch-ups mainly lies in gloss and longevity. The original paint on a new car undergoes high-temperature curing, resulting in higher hardness; touch-up paint lacks sufficient temperature during application, making it prone to scratches. Poor painting environments can affect brightness, and color mismatches are common, especially with metallic paints. Personally, I believe regular waxing can somewhat compensate for the differences, but factory paint is always the top choice. Parking in a garage to minimize exposure to wind and sun is ideal.

[DiWyatt]

When evaluating a used car, if the original factory paint is intact, the car's value is well preserved. Even with professional touch-ups, traces will still be visible. If the paint job from a 4S shop shows color inconsistency or orange peel texture, it directly reduces the value, especially for older cars where the paint surface ages quickly. It is recommended that owners avoid touching up the original paint for minor damages and apply a transparent protective film as soon as possible after any touch-ups to prevent price reductions when selling the car in the future. More maintenance and fewer repairs lead to peace of mind.