Will a 4S shop always grind off the entire surface when repainting?
3 Answers
4S shops typically grind off the entire surface when repainting, firstly to avoid color discrepancies and secondly to ensure the quality of the paint job. Repainting at a 4S shop usually requires queuing, and even minor scratches or dents may take 4-5 days to complete. Alternatively, you can choose a repair shop, which is faster. For small-area repainting, it can often be done on the same day—dropped off in the morning and picked up in the evening. Additional information: 1. Location selection: Whether you go to a 4S shop or a repair shop for repainting, the final paint finish is generally similar. However, it's important to note that the repair shop should be a professional one specializing in automotive repair and detailing. The main difference is that 4S shops usually have more advanced equipment, offering advantages in paint mixing and color matching. That said, many repair shops are also well-equipped these days, often matching 4S shops in terms of equipment to improve efficiency and competitiveness. 2. Repainting time: Repainting front and rear bumpers is relatively straightforward. If there’s a quick auto detailing shop nearby, the repair, repainting, and polishing can be completed in about 5 hours. For trunk repainting, if the damage is severe, panel beating takes about 6 hours, while applying putty and repainting takes around 5 hours. For minor damage, panel beating, putty application, and repainting combined take approximately 7 hours.
It's not always necessary to sand down the entire surface—it depends on the size and location of the damage. Over the years, I've frequently dealt with 4S shops, and their approach to touch-up painting is primarily determined by the depth of the scratch. For minor scratches or superficial scuffs, spot-repair techniques can be used to sand and paint only the affected area without touching the surrounding parts, saving time, money, and being more eco-friendly. For example, a small scuff on a car door might only require cleaning and painting a small section, making it nearly invisible afterward. However, if the damage reaches the primer or covers a large area—like an entire scratched hood—the entire surface must be sanded down to ensure a smooth, color-matched finish, as older paint may have faded, making spot repairs prone to visible marks. 4S shops typically offer free assessments before proposing a solution, so it's advisable for car owners to first send photos to the technicians to evaluate the extent of damage before deciding on repairs, avoiding unnecessary expenses. In short, it's not a one-size-fits-all process—clear communication is key, and professional shops prioritize quality and long-term results.
I've had my car repainted a few times at the 4S dealership, and they never insisted on a full sanding. I remember that time it was just a shallow scratch on the rear bumper, and the technician fixed it with spot sanding and painting, costing only 300 yuan and finished within a day. But later, when another car got a large scratch from a tree branch, they recommended sanding the entire door panel to ensure color consistency without edge marks. I agreed, spent a bit more, but the result was perfect. My experience tells me: the key lies in the risk of damage spreading and the location. Small damages or edge issues can be spot-treated, saving money and hassle; large areas or deep damages require full panel sanding, otherwise, patchy or peeling paint might cause more trouble later. I suggest bringing a photo of the damage to the 4S dealership for the technician to assess, listen to their professional advice, and then choose a solution based on your budget and car usage needs—don't rush into full sanding.
