OEM
Common Defects
Dirt / Seed/ Bits
DESCRIPTION:
A rough, irregular surface to the paint film, is easily felt with the hand. The particles are often totally embedded in, and covered by the paint film.
CAUSE:
Airborne particles settling on and becoming incorporated in the paint film during or immediately after spraying.
REMEDY:
- Flatten or de-nib the affected area with fine abrasive using a sander or block
- Polish with Mechanical polisher
Acid/Solvent attack
DESCRIPTION:
Irregular patches of roughened, discoloured, partly stripped or disintegrating surface, possibly with crazing or cracking in the affected area. Traces of the attacking substance may be present.
Cause:
Caused in shipping transport from hydraulic fluids on ships, Caused by shipping on car transporters or
Brake fluid or similar has been spilled onto paint.
REMEDY:
- Light damage may be remedied by flatting
with fine abrasive using soft block or sander then polished using a mechanical polishing machine
- In the event of more severe attack, remove the paint down to a sound surface, ensure that all traces of contaminants are removed, and repaint.
Water Spotting
DESCRIPTION:
Looks like water droplets (white rings) that have dried on the paint film and caused discolouration.
Severe cases show pitting.
CAUSE:
Water droplets impacting on, and evaporating from the surface.
REMEDY:
A)
SURFACE DAMAGE ONLY
- Wash with soapy water
- Clean with wax and grease remover
- Neutralise area by washing with baking soda solution (bi-carbonate of soda) & rinse thoroughly
B)
DAMAGE IMBEDED IN SURFACE AREA
- Follow cleaning and neutralising steps as above.
- Machine buff & polish - Inspect frequently
OR
- Flatten with fine abrasive
- Machine buff and polish
C)
DAMAGE THROUGH TO PRIMER
- Follow cleaning and neutralising steps as previous
- Dry sand with P500
- Re-clean and neutralise and refinish
Contamination / Industrial Fallout
DESCRIPTION:
- Spots, speckles or splash-like deposits on, or discolouration and staining of the paint surface
- The surface may have greasy or tacky spots, be covered with particles, or feel gritty
- Industrial fallout and flash rust are deposits of metal particles of various origin on the painted surface
- These particles adhere to the surface of the paint and corrode over time
- After several months, small holes are formed in the topcoat at the points of contact
CAUSE
- Frequently these damage profiles occur in the vicinity of railroads due to flying sparks and wear debris from power lines and brakes
- At construction sites airborne metal particles can be expected to deposit themselves on the paint surface
- You should not attempt to remove the particles by polishing because this can lead to scratches in the paint film
- The metal and resulting rust particles merely lie on the paint surface, and are not in contact with the metals underneath
- These surfaces can be cleaned with metal dust remover
REMEDY
- Wash vehicle with a pressure washer using a commercial detergent
- Do not attempt to use sponges or rags at this stage, as scratching and marking may occur by rubbing commercial residue, grit etc. into the painted surface
- Apply Oxalic Acid solution mixed to, and in accordance with the manufacturers instructions (approx1:10); saturate horizontal sections of the vehicle making sure the trim , glass ,and plastic are not effected by the solution being used. Work around the vehicle, then operate on lower and vertical sections. Do not allow solution to dry out on the paint
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water, compound/polish to restore the gloss
- If staining and discolouration persist, rub down the surface and repaint
Polishing Marks
DESCRIPTION:
Micro-grooves or smears on the surface of the film, typically in a curved or swirling pattern. Underlying layers may show through.
CAUSE:
- Abrasive damage to the paint film due to Compounding or polishing the surface before fully hardened (Refinish)
- Clear coat under cured OEM
- Excessive pressure or speed of mechanical polisher
- Use of too coarse of a compound, or incorrect polish
- Dirty or coarse polishing cloth or mop
- Wash surface with Solvent and water cleaner
REMEDY
Wash surface with Solvent and water cleaner
Use variable speed polisher
- correct speed
- correct polishing heads
- correct grade/ type of compound/polish
- ensure polishing cloths are soft and clean (Use microfiber only)
Scratches / Stone Chips
DESCRIPTION
Damaged and broken paint film, varying in depth and extent depending on the cause.
CAUSE
a)Impact damage, typically caused by stones thrown up from loose road surfaces,
b)Scratching by sharp objects.
PREVENTION
Damage caused on the road may be unavoidable, but care should be taken to protect vehicles in storage, or in transit.
REMEDY
CHIPS:
Rub down the affected area, feather the edges of the chips, restore the level with stopper and repaint.
SCRATCHES:
If you cannot feel the scratch it may be removed by polish or compound by hand or machine.
If you can feel it , flatten with P1500 or 2000 and buff and polish to restore gloss
Bird Lime
DESCRIPTION:
Irregular patches of roughened, discoloured, partly stripped or disintegrating surface, possibly with crazing or cracking in the affected area. Traces of the attacking substance may be present.
REMEDY:
- Light swelling may be remedied by sanding with fine abrasive followed by polishing.
- In the event of more severe attack, remove the paint down to a sound surface, ensure that all traces of contaminants are removed, and repaint.
Poor hiding /transparency
DESCRIPTION:
The inability of a pigmented or coloured finish to completely hide the colour of the substrate
REMEDY:
Must be sanded followed by re-painting
Runs or sags
DESCRIPTION:
Result from too much material build up in one area
REMEDY:
Depending on film thickness:
- Tungsten block
- Razor blade
- Hard block using
- P1200/1500 wet
- In the event of more severe runs, remove the paint down to a sound surface, ensure that all traces of contaminants are removed, and repaint.