time for paint??

Just like the primer, it should take you about 10 minutes per panel to apply the paint and another 20 minutes to an hour for the paint to cure between paint applications. Apply three to four coats using the recommended drying time specified on the paint can.

Painting a Vehicle Takes Time

Some vehicle paint shops boast a turn-around time of three days or less, but in general, you should expect your car to be in the shop for at least a week.

Most retailers and body shops will likely give you a 30–90 day “cure time”. This is the amount of time it takes for the paint to fully set and harden, giving your vehicle the full protective measures. This 30–90 day period is also a time where you WILL NOT want to apply any other protective coating: wax, sealant, etc.

Using modern acrylic enamel or urethane, either one with hardener, it is generally tack-free in about 45 minutes, dust-free in about 3 hours, ready for final round about in about 12 hours, ready for service in about 24 hours, ready to withstand light cleaning in about a week, and ready for wax in about a month.

Force drying at about 165ºF for 20 minutes will allow a final polish in about 1 hour, light cleaning an about a day, and ready for wax in about 3 days.