Help with Paint Problem

[Mike G. #33811]

Haven't posted in a long time but I need some help with a paint problem I recently discovered.

I had my car painted a little over two years ago. It's a base/clearcoat finish, colour Mulsanne Blue. At the time, I had to replace the right rear quarter due to some damage and I purchased a new quarter. Anyway, just recently, I noticed very small bubbles or blisters only where the new quarter is (this phenomenon does not go above the body seam so this is why I believe it has to do with the new panel). In bright outdoor light, you can barely see them but at dusk or indoor light, they are quite pronounced at certain angles.

At the time we installed the new panel, I do remember some type of warning about the fact that new panels are still curing, and that there is a small risk that shrinkage can occur which might cause a problem at the seam. However, I have never heard of this type of problem before.

Before I approach my paint guy, I have a few questions:

1) Why is this happening? Did the paint guy not prep something correctly? Is the panel curing and causing the paint to blister?
2) Can we strip the paint on this panel and repaint only the quarter or will we have to paint the whole rear clip?
3) If we repaint, do we need to do something special to prevent this happening again.

Anyone's insight or comments greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mike M.]

Re: Help with Paint Problem

was the 1/4 panel a nors or nor piece or was it aftermarket? mike

[Mike G. #33811]

Re: Help with Paint Problem

I'm not sure. I think is was purchased from an aftermarket manufacturer somewhere in Pennsylvania (something with an S, Summerville, Summer..., something like that). By the way, I also replaced the rear deck with an NOS piece and it does not exhibit the problem I mentioned.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Help with Paint Problem

Mike-----

Probably Semmersheim's. They have a great reputation for quality and fine reproduction body panels. They and the Corvette Image of Gresham, OR are right up there at the top. However, I have heard of just the problem that you describe with some of their body panels. I believe that it may have something to do with the release agent that they use in the molds or the curing of the substrate material, itself. I don't know what the resolution is, though. I'm sure that it's going to involve repainting the panel, but what sort of surface preparation that you're going to have to use first to keep the problem from "coming back", I don't know.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Help with Paint Problem

Many times bubbles are moisture in the compressed air that gets trapped in the finish. This would definitely be the paint shops problem to fix. Sand back to bare fiberglass and start over. Unless you have a show car, it can be spotted in and look pretty good.

[George Daina]

Shrinkage....

of the solvents....not much you can do, except take the paint down, then reprime with a catalyst primer such as Evercoat's Slicksand, and repaint. Your painter will give you better advice and the course of action to follow.

George

[David Bodily]

Re: Shrinkage....

I think I would recommend a high quality sealer also. Make sure you stay with the same system. Primer, sealer and top coats. Good Luck

[Wayne K.]

Re: Help with Paint Problem

Mike,

Sounds like a simular problem with painting of plastic pieces. I believe it is called outgassing.

Wayne

[Mike G. #33811]

Re: Help with Paint Problem

Wayne, I really don't think that this is painting equipment or method problem. These bubbles/blisters were not there when first painted. Also, there are no bubbles above the body seam on the same panel. I'm pretty sure that it is related to the panel itself. Thanks anyway for the response.