Spray painting your car can be a rewarding way to give it a fresh look or breathe life into an old vehicle. If you are new to automotive bodywork, you’ll probably encounter a few frustrating challenges along the way. Learn about troubleshooting common issues in automotive spray paint jobs so you can get a smooth finish that you’re proud of.
Wrinkling
Paint wrinkles form when solvents in a fresh coat react with the underlying layer. This is common if you apply a new coat too late after the recommended dry time. Other factors include applying paint too thickly or working in extreme temperatures or humidity.
To prevent wrinkling, confirm that the previous layer of paint has fully cured before applying a new coat. Apply thin, even coats, and work in a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity. Always check for compatibility between coatings to avoid solvent reactions.
If wrinkling does occur, sand the affected area down to a smooth surface using fine-grit sandpaper. Clean the area thoroughly, then reapply primer and paint in light, even coats, following proper drying times between applications.
Fisheyes
Fisheyes are small, crater-like imperfections that appear when contaminants interfere with the paint’s adhesion. They result from oils, grease, or silicone contaminants on the surface of the car. Even trace amounts of wax or fingerprints can disrupt the paint, cause it to pull away, and leave circular blemishes.
To avoid fisheyes during the paint job, clean the surface meticulously with a dedicated automotive degreaser or wax remover. Avoid using rags that may have residues from cleaning agents or lubes. Also, keep your workspace clean and free from airborne particles and oils.
Sagging
Sagging appears as unsightly runs or drips in the paint finish, giving the surface an uneven, streaky appearance. This can happen when you apply too much paint in one coat, often combined with not keeping the spray nozzle an appropriate distance from the surface. Cool ambient temperatures can slow drying times and contribute to this issue.
To avoid sagging when painting, apply thin, even coats with an 8–12 inch distance between the spray can and the surface. Move your arm steadily, and avoid lingering in one spot. Also, work in a ventilated area with optimal temperatures to facilitate drying.
Peeling
Peeling occurs when layers of paint separate and flake off, revealing the surface underneath or previous layers of paint. Always prepare your vehicle’s body by sanding, cleaning, and applying primer before painting. Additionally, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for drying times, and use compatible products during the process.
Here’s what to do in order to repair peeling paint:
- Strip the damaged area down to the base
- Sand it to create a smooth surface
- Clean the surface thoroughly
- Apply primer
- Repaint with careful attention to layering techniques
Dimpling
Dimpling looks like small indentations, pinholes, or pockmarks on the paint’s surface. Trapped air or solvent vapor beneath the paint layer usually causes dimpling. This issue happens when the paint dries too quickly or when you apply it in thick coats.
To prevent dimpling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for thinning the paint and maintaining ideal spray distances. Also, allow the paint to cure at a steady rate in controlled conditions.
Cracking
Excessive layer thickness, insufficient drying time, or incompatible paint layers usually cause automotive spray paint to crack. Exposure to UV rays can also exacerbate cracking over time.
To keep your car from showing cracks, follow proper application techniques, such as applying thin layers and allowing them to dry fully before adding another coat. Always use compatible products from the same brand when possible.
If there’s already a few cracks, you should remove the cracked paint entirely by sanding the area. Apply primer, followed by fresh paint in thin and even coats, while ensuring that each layer cures fully.
Bleeding
Bleeding is discoloration that happens when underlying paint or primer seeps through the topcoat, negatively affecting the finish. This problem typically occurs when you use incompatible paint types. The chemicals in one layer can react with another, causing it to bleed through.
To avoid this issue, make sure your primers and paints are compatible. You may also want to consider using a high-quality sealer to prevent interactions between layers.
An Orange Peel Texture
The “orange peel” texture looks like the surface of an orange, with a rough, bumpy appearance instead of a smooth finish. You’ll often see this with improper spray techniques, overly thick layers, or too-thick spray paint.
Ensure you’re using the right spray technique, with consistent movement and the correct distance from the surface. Thin the paint appropriately and apply light coats to build up coverage.
To fix an orange peel look, wet-sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper, then polish it. Reapply paint if necessary.
Dull Finish
If you notice a dull finish, it might indicate that you didn’t do enough sanding or polishing before or after applying the paint. Sanding creates a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, while polishing brings out the shine. Skipping or rushing through these steps can leave the car looking unfinished.
You might have used a low-quality automotive spray paint that doesn’t provide the glossy finish you were looking for. While it might be tempting to save money on supplies, cutting corners on paint quality can lead to unsatisfactory results that may require additional work to fix later.
To avoid a dull finish, use high-quality spray paint for vehicles. Before applying the paint, thoroughly prep the surface by sanding it to a smooth finish. After painting, buff and polish the surface with a fine polishing compound.
Perfect Your Paint Job With the Right Tools
By now, you should feel confident about troubleshooting common issues in automotive spray paint jobs, such as wrinkling, fisheyes, and dull finishes.
Before you start painting, equip yourself with the right materials. At Eagle National Supply, we offer high-quality automotive aerosol spray paint to give you professional, lasting results every time. Shop for your auto body supplies today.