Paint film having an uneven texture that resembles the skin of an orange.
Generally it is from paint being applied too thick.


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CAUSE
Under reduction and/or air pressure too low.
Thinner/reducer evaporates too fast for spray conditions.
Excessive film thickness or piling on of heavy wet coats.
Improper spray gun set-up.
Improper painting technique.
REPAIR
Compound or polish to reduce surface texture.
Or, sand smooth with 1200 or finer grit sandpaper, compound and polish to restore gloss.
Or, sand smooth and refinish.
PREVENTION
Use proper reduction ratio and spray at recommended air pressure.
Select recommended thinner/reducer based on temperature, humidity, air movement, and size of repair.
Avoid heavy coats and excessive film thickness.
Use recommended spray gun, fluid tip and air cap for the material being sprayed. Always adjust the gun for best atomization and balanced spray pattern before paint application.
During paint application, hold the gun perpendicular and parallel to the surface. Adjust speed of pass, pattern overlap, and distance from the panel to achieve the desired appearance.

 

I have chips on the hood and front bumper, price to pay for living in NE I guess

 

Grrr... washed the Evo for the first time today, noticed I have two bubbles in the paint on the hood. Only 4 days old. Hope this isn't a sign of things to come...

 

Mine is holding up better than I originally thought. At first I was getting chips around the door edges. But that seemed to have stopped and I still haven't got any chips on the front end (crossing fingers). like mentioned the orange peel is bad, but it holds up. I keep a good layer of wax on so that may be helping somewhat.