What does it mean when a 4S shop touches up the paint?
3 Answers
4S shop touching up the paint refers to quickly treating scratches, which is a localized paint touch-up without affecting other areas. Below is an extended introduction: Painting environment: 4S shops generally only have a separate paint room, and many even operate outdoors. It is impossible to ensure the cleanliness and consistency of the painting environment. Construction tools: 4S shops only use ordinary spray guns for manual work, and the quality of the painting largely depends on the skill of the workers. Baking method: 4S shops generally use baking lamps for curing. Temperature control is also based solely on experience, usually only a few dozen degrees. At such temperatures, the paint surface cannot cure and cross-link well. Therefore, the paintwork done by 4S shops ages quickly and is prone to color differences.
I've had spot painting done at the 4S shop several times. It's essentially their quick touch-up repair for minor body damage. For instance, if there's a small scratch or paint chip on the door, they don't repaint the entire door—just use a professional spray gun for localized painting to match the original factory color. The whole process is super fast, taking about half an hour, but you need to book in advance. Personally, I find this service extremely practical—it prevents minor issues from escalating into rust or more expensive repairs. I've tried DIY with touch-up pens before, but often ended up with uneven application and noticeable color mismatch, making subsequent fixes even more troublesome. The 4S shop's equipment and paint materials are high-quality, and the repair is virtually undetectable afterward. The cost is usually around 200-300 RMB per session, which is worth it for maintaining the car's appearance. My advice to car owners: address minor damages early—don't procrastinate and risk affecting the resale value.
Spot painting at a 4S shop refers to performing small-area spray painting to repair paint imperfections. I'm familiar with the process: technicians first clean the damaged area, remove rust, and sand it down. Then they use micro-spray equipment to precisely apply the matched paint, with colors accurately adjusted using a database. After baking, polishing ensures a smooth finish. The key lies in the meticulous detail work, employing OEM techniques to prevent color mismatch and extend longevity. My research shows this outperforms DIY spray paint, which has poor coverage and peels easily. Cost depends on damage size but is reasonable, saving both time and money compared to full repainting. I advise owners to confirm whether the repair includes a clear coat layer for longer protection. Regular spot touch-ups can prevent corrosion and save on major repair costs, making it an efficient maintenance approach overall.
