New paint super delicate - why?

brighton911 · 04-07-2008, 05:16 PM

Need some help here. Had my car painted by a so called painter who claims his work is top notch. Dupont clear coat paint in a Guards red color was used. Right after picking up the car from the painter, if I lightly rub anywhere with my finger, the paint is permanently marked with what I call micro scratches, sort of white and cloudy. The paint is two months old and still the same issue. What is your opinion of what could cause this effect and what is the cure. The painter is giving no end of useless excuses so the courts may get involved here. Thanks

Axiom · 04-07-2008, 06:45 PM

This is what I know about this problem, sure the paint and clear was Dupont, but some times painters like to use a generic hardener to save a few dollars. If this is the case, sorry, it is gonna have to be done all over again.

Buckterrier · 04-07-2008, 07:07 PM

Do you mean a clear OVER a guards red basecoat? Different basecoat/clearcoat combination?
Do some investigation. Find out what Dupont recommends for a cure check. Like 50 double rubs with MEK etc. with no dulling of the coating. Then try what they say. First see if it's cured.
See if you can get a DFT, (dry film thickness), possibly low film.
Ax also has a good point. That and possibly bad mix ratios. But even at that after two months it should be cured.
Good luck.

Axiom · 04-08-2008, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckterrier

Ax also has a good point. That and possibly bad mix ratios. But even at that after two months it should be cured.
Good luck.

Good point Mark, I didn't think that some were still adding more hardener, so that it will "dry faster."

I think that if a paint job cannot be colorsanded within 24 hours, something is wrong, and whatever the reason, it is best to re do it. In this case, take the base coat and clear coat off.

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

Is a little more hardener a bad idea? Should you really try to get it exact? I have always given it just a shot more, could this be why my paint chips so easy?

Buckterrier · 04-08-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgarr

Is a little more hardener a bad idea? Should you really try to get it exact? I have always given it just a shot more, could this be why my paint chips so easy?

The quick answer... Yes. Believe it or not the chemists do know what they are doing, (but even I think they don't sometimes!). Paint is flexible even for metal. So when you add 'extra' hardner guess what it happens? The paint is now not as flexible as it's designed to be. Save yourself some money and stay with the recommended ratios!!
I use this a lot but it's so true.... "If all else fails, read the directions"

btw... I used to live on 43rd St. in Kentwod in the mid 80's.

Axiom · 04-09-2008, 06:37 AM

I use mixing cups. they are not 100% acurate, but it is very close.

3.2 CAB · 04-09-2008, 10:14 AM

+100 with Ax and Buck! People have to learn, the paints on the market today, ARE NOT as forgiving as those of years gone by. You are mixing chemical formulations, and they need to be as close to exact as possible. I have seen people that are "painters" add the extra shot of hardener to the mix, and they even tell the customer this, and the customer gets all giddy, thinking that they are getting even a better paint job. They ARE NOT! This will actually make the paint or clear coat brittle and easily damaged or chipped, and also have a paint problem till it is re-painted, then it will cost even more, if it is at a real painters shop, because he will see the crap that is there, and will have to do a lot more prep to get a quality painted surface. This is because he is having to correct the damage that was done by the other "painter" and in this game, you really do get what you pay for, IF you are at the right shop, if you are at the wrong shop, you are getting screwed, even though you have been led to believe you are getting a great deal!