Porsche Paint Checking, Solution?

[NJR1986]

So, recently came across what I have now learned to be "checking" or "crows feet" - it seems as tho they've showed themselves shortly after a polish, or maybe I just didnt notice them prior to, but I think I would've.

However, I understand the only REAL way to remove this "checking" it to do a re-spray, which makes me weak in my knees.

The car is a 2007 Porsche Cayman S, I've read different things and some people say they become noticeable as it is stuck polish within the cracks, and you can limit the appearance of them by cleaning the "stuck polish" with some APC or something of the sort.

My mind comes up with something like CarPro Eraser, but I'm curious if this is simply just a waste of time?

What can I do to get rid of this checking?

[Sizzle Chest]

Are you able to post a closer in/zoom shot of the defects you are referring to?

[NJR1986]

Are you able to post a closer in/zoom shot of the defects you are referring to?

Yes, sorry, it's difficult to get a close up without all the reflection, this was the best I could do :

[Mike Phillips]

Here's a picture showing extreme crows feet or lacquer cracking


I've downloaded one of the pictures the OP attached and then uploaded it to the gallery so now it can be inserted so you can actually see what everyone is talking about. If you register and join the forum this issue goes away.


This is Crows Feet or Lacquer Cracking

[Mike Phillips]

What can I do to get rid of this checking?

The only to actually fix the problem is to repaint the panel.

You might be able to mask the problem with a colored wax. (might)


And "yes" when you machine polished the paint the polish lodged into the cracks making them visible and unsightly.


Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[NJR1986]

The only to actually fix the problem is to repaint the panel.

You might be able to mask the problem with a colored wax. (might)


And "yes" when you machine polished the paint the polish lodged into the cracks making them visible and unsightly.


Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

No worries, it was kind of what i was expecting, is there any way to "clean" the polish out of those cracks?

[Mike Phillips]

No worries, it was kind of what i was expecting, is there any way to "clean" the polish out of those cracks?

I list your options in this article. See items #5 and #6 in the FAQ


Crows Feet - Lacquer Cracking - Paint Checking



In the words of Bill Clinton,

I feel your pain...


In the words of Mike Phillips

I feel your paint....

[NJR1986]

I list your options in this article. See items #5 and #6 in the FAQ


Crows Feet - Lacquer Cracking - Paint Checking



In the words of Bill Clinton,

I feel your pain...


In the words of Mike Phillips

I feel your paint....

Thanks so much for your help, having my paint guy come look at it tomorrow, hopefully he's not too expensive

[2black1s]

The only to actually fix the problem is to repaint the panel...

And for absolutely ensuring that the cracks will not return, or telegraph through in the new finish, stripping the panel is necessary before refinishing. If you simply sand and fill the cracks with primer/surfacer prior to refinishing, the cracks will begin to telegraph themselves shortly thereafter (days -weeks).

[mc2hill]

I have these on my 2000 Frontier. Sadly they are under the clearcoat, so no way to fix them from the top. They seem to get worse after polishing, so I think it is the heat of the polishing that makes them worse. The front quarter panel that has been resprayed looks fine and does not have them.

I have seen them on other older black vehicles, and now I am very leary of compounding older, black cars that have not been maintained.
I am looking at wetsanding with 3000, 4000, and/or 5000 then finish polish, instead of compound and finish polish for a friends black Kia.