Paint analysis help

[George G.]

I need some help with some paint analysis. I posted in another topic how I though my black Rodeo had lint embedded in the many wax layers. Well, I clayed the hood and although I think it feels smoother(I've only clayed, nothing else yet) the "lint is still there. If I look closely, and position the light just right, I can tell that each of the specs are "raised". Is it possible that it's a bunch of little cuts in the clear coat? It doesn't make sense. The Step 1 paint cleaner is next. Just trying to figure out this problem because if I have to use a different product, then I'll just clay it and not wax it yet. Any thoughts is greatly appreciated.

[George G.]

After pic

[Jose Torres]

RE:Paint analysis help

Hello George G,

When did this start to happen? Has the finish ever been repainted?

From the looks of your pictures and your description, it may be what is known as "cracking". Cracking is a wide-spread, random pattern of fine hair line cracks in the paint surface. It is normally caused by one of the following: 1) Painting over a previously cracked or crazed surface. 2) Excessive film thickness. 3) Improper mixing or application of materials. Unfortunately, if it is cracking, it will have to be repainted. You best bet is to have it looked at by detailer or a body shop.

[George G.]

I've noticed it for a pretty good while...maybe over the past year. I've just never done more that wash and reapply wax.

Although a couple of parts has been repainted(front and rear bumper covers), I don't think the hood has. This is also found on my doors, which has not been painted. A failed clear coat crossed my mind...but on the whole car? I've seen cars where the CC wore off and I've seen the hair line cracks you mention but nothing like this. I'm gonna try a more aggressive product before taking it to a body shop.

Can anyone tell me what I should try next? I have my PC ready! I only have the the Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner(which I haven't used yet). I also have ColorX but don't think I need to use it for this job.

Has any of the detailers here seen anything like this?

[George G.]

Well, I used the DC Paint Cleaner and the PC yesterday. Aside from making the paint looking really good, I still have those specs. I can't really tell if there's less though. I even made 2 passes on the hood and concentrated on a 1x1 ft area and they're still there.

I can feel a big difference after claying and see a greater difference after the paint cleaner. One thing I noticed, is that when applying the paint cleaner, I occasionally got these little rolled up balls of what looks like clay. It was grayish-I'm guessing from the dirt it was cleaning but does that indicate I'm using too much product on my pad?

I'll take another after-paint cleaner pic so I can see a comparison

[George G.]

Opinions...anyone else?

[Mike Phillips]

The pictures and the description sound like cracking in the paint, if this is true, then there's nothing you can do to eliminate it because it is a defect in the paint, not on the paint and probably through the entire layer.

As far as the little gray balls go, this is probably dirty paint? Could be if the finish has been neglected for some time and exposed to outdoor environments where dirt can accumulate in the paint and on the paint.

When cleaning neglected paint, you want to use enough product that the liquid can work into the surface where it can loosen and remove the dirt and any other contaminants including dead, oxidized paint.

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Here are your before and after pictures,

Before


After


I uploaded them into your gallery here,

Geroge C.'s gallery


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Mike

[George G.]

thanks Mike for the pics and the gallery.

The more I look closely at the surface the more I think that you and Jose are correct. It just struck me as odd being that it's literally all over the car in various degrees(hood, doors, side quater panels and roof). To a detailer, this car has been neglected. It's spent all of it's life so far being outside day and night. As well as going extended periods of time being dirty. After claying and using the paint cleaner, there is a tremendous difference with the paint surface. It's very smooth and richer in color. Only downside is now this cracks stand out quit a bit as light gray cuts.

Thanks for the info guys. Guess I'll quit beating this dead horse and look into a repaint.

[gregcavi]

my dads 2000 ford has that all over it. Ford is no help at all with this. The trucks has all orignal paint. Ford told us they only offer a 12 month warrenty on paint. THis was also described to me as pickling?

Greg

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by gregcavi
my dads 2000 ford has that all over it. Ford is no help at all with this. The trucks has all orignal paint. Ford told us they only offer a 12 month warrenty on paint. THis was also described to me as pickling?

Greg

I was thinking that problems like this were related to dried out / neglected paint?.......Maybe not.

I wonder if applying Meguiar's products would help to slow this down, or even stop it?