One question auto body shop workers constantly hear is, “How long does it take to paint a car?” The answer varies, but our team at Cutting Edge Collision Center is here to explain everything you need to know. We specialize in car painting in Tucson, AZ and can transform your vehicle’s exterior as quickly as possible.
Four Factors Affecting the Average Car Painting Timeline
Don’t expect to drop your car off at the shop for a new paint job and expect to drive away in it the next day. This service can take several days or weeks to complete, depending on a few key factors. Before you start sorting through popular car colors, explore the different components that impact the timeline of your vehicle’s paint job.
1. The Model of a Car
Ask an expert, “How long does it take to paint a car?” and they’ll tell you that working on a large truck or van will usually take longer than painting a compact sedan. Do you only need a small touch-up versus a complete paint job? This can also impact the project’s overall timeline.
2. Any Necessary Body Work
Experts make sure that every vehicle that rolls out of their shop looks immaculate. Therefore, they won’t even apply a primer before correcting any damage to the body, such as scratches or dents. Depending on the scope of the repairs, this can set the project back by up to a week.
3. The Paint Preparation Phase
With the body in pristine condition, mechanics can begin prepping the vehicle. This includes:
- Covering the glass windows
- Sanding the surface
- Adding a strong primer
Completing these steps may only take a few hours, but specialists must allow ample drying time for the primer before they can apply their first coat of paint.
4. The Application and Drying Phases
Discuss the types of paint that your auto body shop uses and the paint curing times they call for. The painting process itself shouldn’t take long after applying a base coat. You can also opt for a clear coat, which has its own distinct drying time.
You must plan accordingly if you want to give your vehicle a fresh, new look. Say you drive a small sedan with little to no damage. If your painting team uses substances with fast curing times, your vehicle should be ready within a few days.
For a rugged pickup truck with lots of dents and scratches, the project will likely take much longer to complete.
Revitalize Your Car’s Paint Job With Cutting Edge Collision Center
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “How long does it take to paint a car?” Use the information above for a general idea of the timeline you can expect and reach out to Cutting Edge Collision Center for a customized estimate. Give us a call at (520) 339-6901 to learn about the high-quality auto paint types we use and schedule a service.