Expert: Gary - 5/5/2011

Question
Gary,  I just got a new paint job on my '94 red Honda del Sol. I opted for the "M" company to do the work, as other places were WAY more expensive and out of my price range.  They had a special going that was still pricey but I didn't want to go with their cheapy offering - I paid for a one stage paint job with clear coat on top.  I did some research first, and the forums I found that addressed this said it was OK to do so.

Anyway, on day five (yesterday), I noticed very small blisters in the paint on the trunk (alot), the hood and a few other places. I took it back; they said it was sap from a tree (although I made sure to not park it under one), hit the trunk with some rubbing compound and said it was OK.  On closer inspections, I've found that what were blisters are now little divets or indents for lack of better words.  Any ideas as to what I should do?  I have a four year "gloss" warranty with the "M" guys that did the work.

Many thanks!

Answer
Hi Christina,

It sounds to me that the material that they used is not a very good quality. That may be why they were running the special. It sounds to me like the clear had a solvent pop issue. This is caused by the clear drying too fast on the top surface and entrapping the solvents before they have had time to evaporate. This is typical of inexpensive clear-coats. If they offer a warranty that's good because you will be needing a re-paint within 5 years. Just remember to make a note to yourself not to take advantage of "M" companies cheap price again. Usually "cheap" or "big discount" in paint means "cheap paint" and "big disappointment" resulting in failure within a short time.