Auto Paint Problems
The process of painting a car, whether at the factory where it is being built or many years later as part of a restoration, is a complex series of steps. Each coat of paint must be carefully applied at the proper thickness and allowed to dry before the next layer is added. Paint jobs can contain any number of problems if done improperly, and even the best paint jobs are likely to develop problems with age.
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Initial Challenges
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When applying a new paint job, there are several challenges that can prevent professional-looking results. Some of the biggest problems occur when paint is not evenly distributed across the surface of the car. An area in which the paint is applied only lightly may be subject to bleeding, with the color beneath the new paint job seeping through. On the other hand, if paint is applied too thick in one area, it may not dry properly and unwanted textures can result. Air bubbles in the paint, or dust and debris settling on wet paint, can also cause problems.
Types of Problems
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Besides the problems that result from a poor initial paint job, several types of problems can develop over time. Fading is one of the most common problems and may affect all or only part of a vehicle's painted surface. Peeling paint is also common, often coupled with rust. In some cases only the protective transparent top coat will peel, causing discoloration or uneven coloring. Scratches and water spotting can also be observed on many older cars.
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Causes
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There are several causes of problems with auto paint. Many problems are simply the result of the elements. Contaminants in the air and even rain water can leave behind damaging chemicals that eventually wear away a paint job. Sunlight is also a major culprit, with cars that are parked outdoors subject to large amounts of ultraviolet light, which can fade the paint and eventually break down the chemical composition of the protective top coat. Other forms of damage, like scratches or dents, are more obvious but can cause further problems if the paint surface is breached, allowing rust to form.
Prevention
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There are several ways to prevent, or at least delay, the onset of the most common auto paint problems. Parking cars indoors or in the shade is a good way to prevent the problems that occur from the sun, though tree sap can cause its own series of problems. Waxing a car may be the best preventative measure. Liquid and paste-style wax products form a barrier between the top coat of paint and the environment while also shielding the paint from ultraviolet light.
Solutions
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If a car is kept on the road long enough, paint problems are almost inevitable. Auto detailing, or the cleaning and repainting of small areas, can be useful in minimizing the appearance of small problems. When rust or peeling paint occur, an oxide conversion product can be used to neutralize the rust and form a new base on which to repaint the affected area. Some problems, such as water spots or small scratches, can be made less noticeable by using an abrasive polish or rubbing compound. For the most severe problems, a new paint job may be the best way to restore a car to its original brilliance.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of psyberartist
