A method for painting a component, in particular for painting a motor vehicle body component, with a decorative layer is provided. The decorative layer may be a decorative strip, a graphic element, a contrast surface or a pattern. The method includes applying a base coat layer, applying a decorative layer, which is within a decorative region with a limited surface area, to the component, and drying a limited drying region of the component, which drying region comprises at least part of the decorative region.