Paint cracking?????????

[Derek Short]

Ive ran across this a few times on cars but this 1 is by far the worst I have seen.

Anyone know why this happens and what causes it?

Ive got a buddy with a similar issue on his 07' TL I this his paint may be original? but not sure...

I could see this happening possibly on a bad after market paint job... but if that is the case and its not original paint why does this happen?

I can get more pics of a few other cars I know of that have this issue if need be. Would like to get to the bottom of it and know if there is anything that can be done to fix it? Or is a repainting being required?

https://imageshack.com/i/idaWG5dTj

https://imageshack.com/i/f07BjAIUj

[DBAILEY]

I don't think you can fix that. I thought the pictures were going to be the crow's feet check marks, but that is much worse. Can you tell if that panel was repainted at some point? Those cracks look like they are in the paint layer as well as the clear coat.

[AutowerxDetailing]

From what I understand, this appears to be caused by severe UV degradation. This vehicle was likely never waxed or maintained properly throughout its life. I'll bet the cracking is most apparent on horizontal panels that would have the most exposure to the sun. I believe this pattern of damage is caused when the resin/binder system breaks down due to UV overexposure. The paint becomes brittle and unable to expand or contract with changes in temperature; therefore eventually splitting apart and eventually flaking off the panel. The only repair would be a complete paint job.

[Detailing by M]

.... no one will ever know the answer

[Derek Short]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback.