having trouble with fish eye

[Greg H.]

I removed my master cylinder to repair after brake fluid had leaked onto the firewall. When I wiped the fluid off, the paint also came with it. So I'm wiping with laquer thinner, and alcohol, again and again, and now there's no paint left, and repainting will not cover. The paint is avoiding oil residue I suppose. I am able to get a coat of primer, but then the black out still won't adhere smoothly. What do I need to clean this surface enough for the paint?

Thanks,
Greg

[Andre R.]

Re: having trouble with fish eye

Hey Greg,
Try a paint prep silicone/wax remover like Nason's 441-05 or equivalent. Lacquer thinner has a too rapid flash. Wipe in one direction turning cloth often.
Andre

[Dick W.]

Re: having trouble with fish eye

A product like Prep sol or a real slow drying enamel reducer will work to wash the brake fluid off. Just take your time and use plenty of clean rags

[Ray C.]

Re: having trouble with fish eye

After cleaning like described in the previous post, just mist your paint. Let first mist coat dry and mist again. Continue the mist process until you have full coverage. You should be able to put on a heavier coat after full mist coverage. I use this process when ever silcone products are detected.

Ray

[Mike M.]

Re: having trouble with fish eye

A light wet-sanding with a fine sandpaper would also help.
HaND

[Craig O.]

Re: having trouble with fish eye

I had a similar situation where on the inner fender tub near the brake line block on the frame, fluid had splashed there at some time and had years of settling into the paint. be careful not to sand the area as a first step.
all you will do is sand the contaminant in, and spread it around. follow the cleaning steps as indicated . Rays method of light mist coats is what I used letting each coat dry, dont put a full wet coat on first, let it dry and come back the next day. you can 400 wet sand to remove the halo fuss . I also used DuPont's fish-eye eliminator 659S additive ( silicone free )
I had very good results, took some time but its done

[James W.]

Re: having trouble with fish eye

Great advice, all. Don't forget to wipe with a clean rag after using the paint prep. I use the PPG product, which seems to work well, but it is always adviseable not to mix brands.

Jim

[Bill B.]

Re: having trouble with fish eye

I ran into this problem a few times. Unlike most metals castings can host some unwanted contaminates due its porous nature that can cause fish eyes when painting. The most effective solution is to submerge your part in a (tin or metal pan) of Acetone for several hours drawing the contaminates out. Then blow dry with uncontaminated compressed air, bingo your ready for paint. For smaller jobs, saturate a thick cotton round pad women use for removal of cosmetics with Acetone, place on effected area and keep saturated for an hour. Presto your paint will adhere with no signs of fish eyes.

Of course follow cautions for use in a well ventilated area

Bill