What does 'paint time' include in a vehicle repair?

'Paint time' specifically refers to the period allocated for applying the paint to a vehicle and includes various preparation steps leading up to the actual application of the paint. This preparation encompasses activities such as masking adjacent panels to protect them from overspray, which is crucial to achieving a clean and professional finish. The masking process helps ensure that only the intended surfaces receive the paint, thereby avoiding potential damage or unsightly results on other areas of the vehicle.

While drying time and surface preparation are vital aspects of the overall painting process, they pertain to different phases of the repair. Drying time occurs after the paint has been applied and is necessary for the paint to adhere properly and cure. Repair surface preparation, on the other hand, involves steps like sanding and priming but is not limited to the activities directly surrounding the painting phase. Parts replacement, while essential in many repair scenarios, does not fall under the definition of 'paint time' as it relates more to structural or functional components of the vehicle rather than the cosmetic application of paint.