Millions of tiny holes in the paint

[gpteitz]

I recently dove into the detailing thing with some clay, a PC, M105/M205, etc. I did the work without benefit of lighting and later see that, despite a pretty thorough job of claying the car (though not perfect -- some specks remain), it looks like years of neglect and lack of a garage have left the paint with millions of tiny holes, as if pricked by pins. I assume this is due to contaminants such as pollution, etc. -- stuff that the clay (mostly) pulled out.

At this point I'm not terribly interested in taking the paint down so far that the holes go away (it's a daily driver, not a show car), so I'm wondering if there's some sort of potion/goop I could be slathering/rubbing on to at least somewhat fill in the holes. From the right angle, the paint looks kinda beat (though, overall, it's 1000% better than the panels I haven't gotten to yet).

If it matters, this is a single-stage white Saab from the 80s.

Thanks...

[Fly Bye]

Re: Millions of tiny holes in the paint


Try M7

[Murr1525]

Re: Millions of tiny holes in the paint

#7 would be good overall for single stage paint, but the holes you are probably stick with.

Are they mostly around the front end?

[gpteitz]

Re: Millions of tiny holes in the paint

I'll try the M7; thanks.

The holes are on the hood and roof. They are not rock chips (I've got plenty of them on the leading edge of the hood) but appear to be pitting that I can only conclude is due to pollutants.

[Murr1525]

Re: Millions of tiny holes in the paint

Some cars/environments get kind of a 'sand-blasting' effect also.

[RPPM]

Re: Millions of tiny holes in the paint

Murr1525 you are spot on when speaking about the sandblasting effect, especially in Pittsburgh with the tons of salt they dump during winter time!!

[Dubbin1]

Re: Millions of tiny holes in the paint

Without seeing a picture it sounds like it could be a case of solvent pop. There's nothing you can do about it.