dirt specks/nibs

[Spidey]

I just got my car back from the body shop (they repaired my rear quarter panel and resprayed my whole/majority of that side of the car too for colour matching purposes). I noticed a couple of dirt specks in the paint last night, and this morning as I was able to scrutinize some more, i noticed more random specks of dirt in the paint here and there (probably about 10?) Some are in areas where it isnt a HUGE deal, but I called them and they said to bring in the car in a couple of days when the paint hardens, and they will buff/wetsand it out.

I did some reading on google and they also suggest some wet sanding and cutting, but what are the chances of that being successfull? I seem skeptical and think it would work only if the dirt landed on the clear and not the basecoat? The 2 specks that are pretty prominant look like they are just on the clear as they are a lot more noticeable than the others.

So what are your guys' experience with this and how successful is it?

[H.E.D]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

If there in the clear wet sand and buffing will take care of it base its going to need repaint. Do you have pictures?

[Spidey]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

I don't have pictures, no. There is about 3 I want gone since it is very noticeable (hopefully those are in the clear)... Regardless, I shouldn't need to worry too much since the repair is fully warranteed for the life of my car since it was done through insurance. If it needs to be repainted, it had to be done... I just HATE the thought of layers and layers of paint on my car... about 2/3 of the car has aftermarket paint on it :S

[H.E.D]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

Well having a decent amount of clear wouldn't hurt more polishing lol.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

I say, give them a chance. If they mess it up. They have to make it right. Let them correct their own work.

[photoadjuster]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

3M has a neat cordless de-nibber. I used it last week when the 3M rep came by to demo it. It uses very small discs, 1/4", 1/2" & 3/4" to remove the nib. Then you polish out the sanding marks with a 3" polisher. It is much quick than the old way.

Stephenson

[Michael Stoops]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

This is an incredibly common occurrence in paint shops - the existence of dirt nibs, not the delivering of the car to the customer with them (at least they shouldn't deliver the car with a bunch of nibs!). In any event, our Pro Headlight & Spot Repair Kit was designed specifically for this purpose, and the process is actually quite straight forward when done correctly. You can see the process being done here.

We agree that you should let the body shop correct the problem since they created the situation. But make not of every spot you want corrected and talk to the shop manager about them, and about your expectations.

[mattya802]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

Man, I think I have some of these on my hood also. Didn't notice them when I got the car back from having the hood repainted, but have noticed them more recently after a fresh wash.

Might have to inspect more carefully and see if I can bring them back to get looked at. Thanks for this info!

[Spidey]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

Thanks for your posts, guys!

[Spidey]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

brought the car in today..t hey were able to successfully get rid of all the nibs i poitned out on the rear quarter panel... there may be the odd on on the door but the ones that are an eye sore are completely gone.. amazing.. didnt think wetsanding and polishing could go such a long way. good to know.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

Glad they fixed it to your satisfaction. It saved you a bunch of work.

[Spidey]

Re: dirt specks/nibs

arghhh... well as soon as i was able to wash my car i noticed there are a bunch of hte speck on my pillar above my window as well.. back to the shop i go on monday... very frustrated.. even though they are able to fix it, i hate being the "annoying customer that is never happy"