Think all paint jobs are the same? Think again. Aside from being able to provide a perfect color match, your autobody shop of choice should be able to perform the paint repair impeccably. You may bring your car to a shop expecting perfect results, but there are many issues and inconsistencies that can occur from an unskilled hand conducting your paint job.
What are Fisheyes and What Causes Them?
One issue that may occur on a paint job is called “fisheye.” Fisheyes (also known as craters) are an unattractive occurrence that can happen when dirt, wax, oil, or silicone gets stuck under the paint on your car. This causes spots or bubbles in the paint job. The spots appear as little white dots with paint surrounding them. This can look like a “fisheye,” as the name implies. Fisheyes can be widespread or found just in a small area.
How to Avoid Fisheyes
The best way to avoid fisheyes is to make sure the job is performed properly from the start. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned before the paint job begins. A skilled technician from Breezy Point Auto Body, an autobody shop in Stratford, CT, will be able to make sure there are no leftover substances that can cause problems for your paint job.
Even your skin oil can contaminate your paint job. The technician can reduce the risk of contaminating your car’s paint job with skin oil by washing their hands or wearing latex gloves. Even the technician accidentally brushing up against the car’s paint with their arm can transfer enough skin oil to cause fisheyes to form when the next layer of paint is applied.
Oil and lubricants from sanders or other tools used between layers of paint can also cause fisheyes. The car should be cleaned thoroughly between coats of paint and power tools should be regularly maintained to ensure they do not leak fluids onto the fresh paint.
If fisheyes occur during the paint process, the technician should attempt to repair the issue during the paint process. With proper work ethics, the shop should be able to avoid fisheyes in the first place.
Repairing Fisheyes
If fisheyes have already occurred, don’t worry, there is still hope. Fisheyes can be difficult to repair, but a properly trained technician will be able to do the job. Unfortunately, the affected area will have to be removed and re-coated. Your technician will sand, clean, and repaint the area on your vehicle that has fisheyes. Usually, only the affected areas will need to be sanded.
Sandpaper will be used to remove the area where the “fisheyes” appear. Then a strong steam of water is used along with a suitable cleaning product will be used to make sure the area is properly cleaned. Finally, a sealing product will be used to make sure the problem doesn’t happen again.
This is another good reason to make sure you bring your car to a qualified auto body shop. The folks in the Stratford, CT area can rest assured that Breezy Point Auto Body knows the importance of a beautiful paint job. Our highly trained technicians can perform almost any auto body repair job. Contact us for an appointment or for more information. You can call (203) 378 4909 or use our convenient Contact form