Cloudy Spot in Paint

J

jwc7

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I am new to detailing. I have 2 black cars that have what appears to me, to be a "cloudy" spot in the finish. I am probably wrong, but it appears that this spot is "under" the clear coat. On one of the cars, it is probably about 2cm in diameter, and on the other, there are two spots, probably about 2mm in diameter. These also have a small, pencil-point sized spot in the center (a small grain of sand, perhaps?).

If anyone has any experience with this type of blemish in the finish, I would greatly appreciate any info, and how to repair.

Thanks,
Jeff
 
Welcome to Autogeek Jeff!

Most will ask if you can get some pictures posted so we can see what you are describing.

Any other info you know about the history of the vehicles will help too. Like if they have been repainted.
 
jwc7 said:
I am new to detailing. I have 2 black cars that have what appears to me, to be a "cloudy" spot in the finish. I am probably wrong, but it appears that this spot is "under" the clear coat. On one of the cars, it is probably about 2cm in diameter, and on the other, there are two spots, probably about 2mm in diameter. These also have a small, pencil-point sized spot in the center (a small grain of sand, perhaps?).

If anyone has any experience with this type of blemish in the finish, I would greatly appreciate any info, and how to repair.

Thanks,
Jeff
Click to expand...

Hi Jeff,

How old are the cars?
Where are they parked most of the time?
Where do you life?


Sorry for not replying sooner, I just found this thread in a forum group for videos?

I'm moving it to Detailing 101


:)
 
In a worst case scenario.... it could be...


Beginning Clearcoat Failure


2600_8_30_06OG003.JPG




In a best case scenario it might simply be some type of topical stain or light surface oxidation. If so a quality compound and or polish or maybe even a cleaner/wax will restore a clear uniform appearance.

If it's clearcoat failure however there's really nothing that can be done except keep the car out of the sun and after a good wash job lightly polish and wax and then keep waxed.


:)
 
Hi Mike,

First I want you to know that I follow you on the autogeek website and I purchased both of your books; find them very informative.

The two cars are: a 1992 Honda Prelude which has always been kept under carport when parked. The second is a 1995 Corvette, which has always been garaged. Both cars are in south Louisiana.

Somehow, I don't think that the problem is a failure in the clearcoat itself. As I mentioned in my original post, it appears to be "under" the clearcoat. Of course, this observation could be a result of my being a novice in this area.

Thanks for your help,
Jeff
 
If it has been re-painted, it possibly could be "ghosting" from improper re-spray techniques. Ask me how I know...hit and run bastardos.
 
The prelude was repainted about a year ago. Don't know about the Corvette as I've only owned it for about a year. Can you explain "ghosting" to me?
 
Here's the deal....

Defects are either

Topical - This means on the surface.
You can usually fixe topical defects 100 percent.


Below surface - This means the defects are "in" the clear layer of paint.
You can sometimes fix below surface defects 100 percent depending upon how deep they are as the average layer of clear paint is around 2 mils. It's only safe to remove about .5 mils. So shallow defects like swirls and scratches can be 100 percent removed. Deeper swirls and scratches, water spots and etchings can usually be improved but not 100 percent removed.


Sub-surface - This mean the defects are under the clear layer of paint.
Defects that are below the clear layer of paint like signs of body work cannot be fixed.




It's really easy to find out if these cloudy spots can be fixed. All you need to do is apply one of the below and look for improvement.

  • Paint cleaner also called a Pre-Wax cleaner.
  • Fine cut polish
  • Medium cut polish
  • Aggressive compound
  • One-step cleaner/wax

All of the above have the ability to remove light surface staining and except for the paint cleaner, all of the above have the ability to abrade the surface to remove a portion of the top layer of clearcoat paint.

This is how you would fix a topical or below surface defects.


I do what I call troubleshooting.

To troubleshoot a defect to see if you can remove it simply place some painter's tape directly down the middle of the affected areas.

Next only work on one side of the tape. For example, by hand or machine apply a fine cut polish. Wipe off the residue and inspect. If the side you worked on looks better or the defects are removed you know you can remove the tape an duplicate the process to the other side and fix the problem.

If there is no change then you can either try a more aggressive product and or the problem cannot be fixed.

What do you have for paint care products, pads and polishers?


:)
 
I have the following products, all Meguiars:
DA polisher
cutting pads
polishing pads
waxing pads
ultimate paste wax
swirl-x
ultimate compound
ultimate polish
 
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