Expert: Kim Smith - 4/19/2009

Question
I have a dark blue 95 Voyageur. Over this past winter the paint has started flaking off in large sheets. About 75% of the hood and roof have flaked off, and it has also started on the side panels mostly where the bodywork is shaped and not flat. The paint is not flaking off the metal but only off the primer. I am not at all mechanically inclined, and will need to take this into a shop to be repainted but don't want to be "taken" by paying for extra work that I don't have to have. I've read that stripping the vehicle is a recommended procedure, but the cost for an older vehicle like this is not in line with the value of the vehicle. It is still mechanically great and I will likely keep it for several more years, but need to make it look presentable, I can't drive it looking like it is. Can the edges of the peeling paint be feather sanded and then have the whole vehicle painted the same colour? or would it only continue to flake under the new paint afterwards. I'm on a budget and can't afford a new vehicle, but don't want to spend more on this paint job than the car itself is worth. What would you do?

Answer
Hi Wendy, I will assume that the paint peeling is the original paint.I would try and scrape the remaining paint off with a razorblade scraper. If the paint comes off with this method a body shop can then do the sanding and painting required... Feathering out the paint and then painting can lead to problems down the road...If the razor blade method does not work then the paint will have to be either sanded down to metal or a paint stripper will be used-either way they will take it down to the metal.. you will find that it is not a cheap job to have done. I wish the best to you and get a few estimates and ask them the procedures that they are going to take before painting.........Kim