Technical

Paint Defects

Comprehensive guide to identifying and resolving common automotive paint defects. Browse the gallery below to learn about each defect.

Edge Mapping & Fisheye

Small crater-like depressions in the paint film caused by surface contamination (silicone, oil, grease) or incompatible materials. Edge mapping appears as visible lines or ridges along panel edges or repair boundaries from improper sanding or coating thickness variation.

Blistering & Lifting

Bubbles or blisters in the paint film caused by trapped solvent, moisture, or air. Lifting occurs when a new paint layer dissolves the underlying coat due to incompatible solvents or insufficient curing.

Orange-peel & Solvent popping

Orange-peel is a textured surface resembling orange peel caused by improper atomization, incorrect viscosity, or wrong gun settings. Solvent popping appears as small bubbles from trapped solvent escaping during curing.

Runs & Clouding

Runs are excess paint flowing downward due to heavy application or incorrect viscosity. Clouding (or blushing) is a milky appearance caused by moisture trapped in the paint film due to high humidity or incorrect thinner selection.

Dirt & Pinholes

Dirt contamination appears as small particles embedded in the paint film from contaminated air supply, dirty workshop, or improperly cleaned surfaces. Pinholes are tiny holes in the paint film caused by trapped air or solvent.

Low Gloss & Sandmarking

Low gloss is a dull finish caused by improper clearcoat application, incorrect thinner, or poor surface preparation. Sandmarking appears as visible sanding scratches through the paint film due to insufficient sanding or using too coarse grit.

Poor opacity & Colour offshade

Poor opacity occurs when the basecoat fails to hide the previous colour or primer, requiring additional coats. Colour offshade is a mismatch between the applied colour and the target shade due to incorrect mixing, improper application, or variant tinter batches.

Stonechip & Treesap

Stonechips are physical damage to the paint film caused by small rocks or debris striking the vehicle. Treesap is a sticky, acidic residue that bonds to paint and can etch the clearcoat if not removed promptly.

Yellowing

Yellowing is a discoloration of the paint film, particularly in lighter colours and clearcoats, caused by UV exposure, heat, chemical reactions, or using incompatible hardeners and reducers.

Acidrain & Bird

Acid rain contains acidic compounds that chemically etch the clearcoat, leaving watermark stains. Bird droppings contain uric acid that can rapidly etch and damage paint if not cleaned promptly.

Delamination

Delamination is the separation of paint layers from the substrate or from each other, caused by poor adhesion, inadequate surface preparation, moisture ingress, or incompatible coating systems.

Bleeding

Bleeding occurs when underlying colour, stain, or contaminant migrates through the topcoat, causing discoloration. Common with red paints, marker inks, or bituminous materials that are not properly sealed.

Colour fade & Oxidation

Colour fading is the loss of pigment colour due to prolonged UV exposure. Oxidation is a chemical breakdown of the paint resin, causing a chalky, dull appearance. Both are accelerated by environmental factors and lack of protective wax or sealant.

Industry fall out & cement

Industrial fallout consists of tiny metal particles, chemical dust, or cement powder that lands on the paint surface. These contaminants can chemically bond with the paint, causing rust spots, etching, and permanent staining if not removed.

Corrosion & Carwash scratch

Corrosion (rust) occurs when the paint film is compromised and moisture reaches the metal substrate, causing oxidation. Carwash scratches are fine swirl marks and linear scratches caused by abrasive brushes, dirty wash mitts, or improper washing techniques.

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