Is It A Paint Problem

[cruzin61]

I posted this thread to a different site, but thought I would put it up front for some assistance (thanx to joe.p for his input). I have two cars with metallic/pearl paint and noticed that after detailing that there appears to be a subtle ripple in the paint surface. It feels smooth, but reflections appear fuzzy and I can't match the look many of the members have on their vehicles after detailing (not that I could anyway since I'm still an amateur at this). But I was wondering if it's the nature of the metallic paint or a bad paint job. And, if there is any detailing procedure that would eliminate this and give me a smooth clear reflection. Any help would be appreciated.

[67Customs]

Is this similar to what you are talking about?

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/sixty7mustang22/Details/BMW_024.jpg

If it is, it is called orange peal. There are ways to reduce it or eliminate it, but it requires wetsanding and compunding. Sometimes, you can't eliminate it without taking off to much clear. But basically, it is a problem with the paint. It is cause by the way the paint flows on the panel while it is drying due to how thick or thin the paint was mixed and sprayed.

[Grimm]

Unfortunately that's the way most cars look from the factory. They are more concerned with speed than qualty paint finish. I think I heard it's typically because they bake it too quick or something.

[greg'sgoat]

Welcome to GM paint quality. It is called "orange peel". 99% of the cars I have seen from GM has this, mine and everyother GTO I have seen have it. The only real cure besdies a complete repaint is wet sanding.

[cruzin61]

Just got back from the dealers. Explained the problem, but got a kinda dumb look and a referral to the mgr who conveniently was out for the day. Tried to set up a mtg with the regional mfg rep. Will see if I succeed. While there, I looked at several new cars and they all had the same look to one degree or another. I think I'm in trouble since I wouldn't try too much pro stuff like wet sanding, etc. I appreciate the feedback though.

sixty7mustang22; you're spot on (but your surface looks great to me!
Grimm; thnx for the response and I agree. Will also be a little PO'd if the mfg says "too bad"
greg'sgoat; the car is an '07 Toyota Avalon Ltd. I also have a Chrys. T&C with the same condition. I guess we're all in this together, eh?

[bambo2888]

my paint guy repainted my car after my accident and it had very severe OP, he took it back and repainted/cleared. its still not perfect, but its the best its going to get.

good luck

[HighEndDetail]

Welcome to GM paint quality. It is called "orange peel". 99% of the cars I have seen from GM has this, mine and everyother GTO I have seen have it. The only real cure besdies a complete repaint is wet sanding.
You are right on the orange peel look. What is the 1% from GM, with no OP from factory:D

[greg'sgoat]

You are right on the orange peel look. What is the 1% from GM, with no OP from factory:D

Hahaha, well the 1% is the car that got passed through the paint booth while somone was in a good mood.

To the OP, I assumed you were talking about the C5 in your avatar, I am sure it has a little too. But yes, most "assembly line" vehicals will have it.

[cruzin61]

The C5's my baby and no, I have not noticed this problem with it. I think I would have refused the car if it came that way. Perhaps if I were more mindful and scrutinizing I should have refused acceptance of the Avalon. Oh well, my wife's happy as a clam with the car and after paying a premium for the blizzard pearl, what can I say????


Hahaha, well the 1% is the car that got passed through the paint booth while somone was in a good mood.

To the OP, I assumed you were talking about the C5 in your avatar, I am sure it has a little too. But yes, most "assembly line" vehicals will have it.

[ltoman]

i have learned to love my orange peel.
lol
don't know what else to do about it!

[HighEndDetail]

The C5's my baby and no, I have not noticed this problem with it. I think I would have refused the car if it came that way. Perhaps if I were more mindful and scrutinizing I should have refused acceptance of the Avalon. Oh well, my wife's happy as a clam with the car and after paying a premium for the blizzard pearl, what can I say????

Sadly your C-5 has it too. I see it almost everyday. I do about 2-5 vettes a week

[Whitethunder46]

So I know orange peel is caused by the factory hurrying up the process, but does gravity have anything to do with it? It's like gravity pulls the paint down when it's drying, thus leaving orange peel.

I've never noticed it on flatter roofs, trunks, and smooth hoods. I've only seen it on the sides of vehicles.

[orngez]

So I know orange peel is caused by the factory hurrying up the process, but does gravity have anything to do with it? It's like gravity pulls the paint down when it's drying, thus leaving orange peel.

I've never noticed it on flatter roofs, trunks, and smooth hoods. I've only seen it on the sides of vehicles.

correct..its gravity pulling down on the paint giving it a rippled effect as it is pulling on the paint it is stretching out the parts that are not dried yet below the surface layer that dries first...it is on hood and roofs as well...just not as evident...look closely to the edges of a hood or trunk where they tend to bend sharply/the most and you will see minor orange peel along the edge...

[67Customs]

sixty7mustang22; you're spot on (but your surface looks great to me!
Well, the paint was in perfect condition after I polished it, but the orange peal on BMWs is nasty sometimes. You can see the wave effect in the picture. Some black cars I have seen look like a mirror. That one looks more like a stained glass mirror.lol

[cruzin61]

Maybe we beat this topic to death since most of you already know about the problem, but I thought I would post a few pics of my Avalon for your review. The 1st pic is the upper hood where it meets the windshield (the top is a concave surface and shows the distortion more), the 2nd pic is the roof between the moon roof and windshield, the last pic is the rear rail between the roof and rear window. I tried to capture a garage window reflection to get the full effect of the OP distortion. For what it's worth, and again, thnx for the comments.:Picture: