Foire aux questions sur les défauts de peinture

Dirt nibs are small surface defects that occur when airborne contaminants settle on wet clear coat during spraying. Once the coating cures, these particles harden into the finish, creating tiny raised areas that disrupt gloss and surface clarity. Denibbing is the term commonly used to describe the process of addressing these defects.

Dust inclusions are surface defects caused by airborne particles landing on a wet paint layer, typically during basecoat or clear coat application. These contaminants become trapped in the finish as it cures, creating small visual imperfections that can affect gloss, clarity, and overall surface quality. 

Unlike dirt nibs, which tend to sit on top of the clear coat, dust inclusions are often embedded slightly deeper within the paint film.

Fisheyes are circular surface defects that appear when paint fails to adhere evenly due to surface contamination. They look like small craters or dimples with a clear centre and are usually caused by substances such as silicone, oil, wax, or grease that repel the paint during application. Fisheyes typically form in the basecoat or clear coat and indicate a need for improved cleaning or surface preparation before spraying.

Orange peel is a surface texture that resembles the skin of an orange. It occurs when paint doesn’t level out smoothly during application. While a degree of orange peel is often present in OEM finishes due to production standards and material choices, excessive or uneven texture in refinishing is typically considered a defect. It can be caused by incorrect spray technique, improper setup, or environmental conditions, and it reduces gloss and surface clarity.

Micro-marring consists of fine, often hologram-like scratches that can appear after polishing. It’s typically caused by aggressive polishing pads, incorrect compound choice, or insufficient refinement stages. Micro-marring can reduce clarity and requires corrective polishing with a finer grade.

Solvent pop is a defect where small blisters or pinholes form in the paint surface. It’s caused by trapped solvents that evaporate too quickly during the curing process, often due to high temperatures or heavy film builds. These trapped gases create visible craters or voids as they escape, compromising the finish quality.

Dieback is a reduction in gloss or clarity that occurs after initial drying. It’s usually caused by solvent retention or insufficient film build, leading to a dull, sunken appearance as the coating fully cures. Dieback often requires re-polishing or, in severe cases, recoating.

Paint runs and paint sagging are defects that occur when excess material flows down a vertical surface before curing. This results in uneven film build, visible drips, or streaks in the finish. Common in clear coat or topcoat application, these issues are typically caused by poor spray technique, incorrect gun setup, or insufficient flash times between coats. Paint runs and sagging not only affect appearance but may require sanding and refinishing to correct.