Les principaux défauts de peinture automobile

The main automotive paint defects: how to recognize and correct them

Paint can seem merely "scratched" or "dull," but the defects visible on a car body can be very different from one another.

Some only affect the surface of the clear coat and can be corrected by polishing. Others penetrate several layers of paint and instead require a touch-up or a repair.

Here are 6 of the most common paint defects and how to identify them.

Swirls — Micro-scratches

Swirls are fine circular micro-scratches visible mainly under direct light or in the sun.

Common causes:

Poor washing technique
Contaminated wash mitts or microfiber towels
Inadequate drying
Automatic brush car washes

Correction:
In the majority of cases, swirls are located in the clear coat and can be significantly reduced or eliminated with proper polishing.

Scratch

A scratch is generally deeper and more defined than a swirl.

It may affect only the clear coat, but some scratches also penetrate the color layer.

Correction:
A superficial scratch can often be corrected by polishing. If it penetrates the clear coat or the paint, a paint touch-up or a more significant repair may be necessary.

Stone Chip

Stone chips are caused by rocks and debris hitting the car body, particularly the hood, bumper, and front fenders.

Unlike a micro-scratch, a chip can completely remove a portion of the clear coat and paint.

Correction:
Polishing cannot replace missing paint. A paint touch-up is generally necessary.

Protection such as PPF (Paint Protection Film) can help prevent new chips.

Buffer Trails — Holograms

Holograms are polishing marks visible under certain light sources.

They can appear when a correction is performed with an incorrect combination of:

polisher;
pad;
abrasive compound;
working technique.

Correction:
A finishing step with a suitable combination generally allows these marks to be corrected and a clear, uniform finish to be restored.

Etching — Chemical Damage

Chemical etching occurs when a contaminant gradually affects the clear coat.

It can be caused by, among other things:

bird droppings;
insects;
mineral deposits;
water spots;
harsh chemicals.

The longer the contaminant remains on the surface, the more it risks penetrating deep into the clear coat.

Correction:
Light etching can sometimes be corrected by polishing. Deeper damage may require more aggressive correction.

Oxidation

Oxidation generally gives the paint a dull, whitish, or faded appearance.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays and environmental conditions contributes to the gradual degradation of the surface.

Correction:
Light oxidation can sometimes be recovered by polishing. When a clear coat is heavily degraded or begins to peel, traditional cosmetic correction is usually no longer sufficient.