How to Deal with Paint Bubbles?

[Iker]

Reasons and solutions for paint bubbles: 1. Unrigorous construction conditions and processes. The conditions and techniques for paint application require high standards. Before painting, the surface must be completely free of any moisture. The initial filling and priming must be thoroughly dried in a dry environment before entering the paint booth for spraying. 2. The causes of paint bubbles are numerous and complex. Generally, once bubbles appear, the only solution is to repaint the surface. For smaller bubbles, temporary touch-ups can be done using the same color and type of paint. 3. First, scrape off the bubbled paint, then use resin filler to level the cracks and repaint. Alternatively, skip the filler and directly apply microporous paint after scraping off the bubbled paint.

[Kingston]

Encountering paint blistering issues is quite common, especially for those of us in this line of work who've seen it frequently. The main causes are usually moisture or contaminants trapped beneath the paint layer, leading to small bubbles forming—like when water isn't dried properly from crevices during washing or when paint layers shrink and separate after prolonged exposure to high heat. When dealing with this, I first ensure the car body is clean, then gently sand the blistered area with fine-grit sandpaper (800-1000 grit), being careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the primer. Next, scrape off the bubbled paint, fill any gaps with body filler, and after it's completely dry, apply primer and topcoat, making sure the color matches the original. The whole process takes at least half an hour to several hours, depending on the size. For large or deep blisters, DIY repairs might leave noticeable marks, so it's better to have a professional auto body shop redo the paint job. For prevention, thoroughly dry the car with a soft cloth after washing, avoid directing high-pressure water jets at detailed areas, and park in shaded spots to minimize temperature fluctuation risks. These practical tips can save a lot on repair costs.

[Kathleen]

My old car also developed small paint bubbles last year, right on the edge of the door. I first tried a DIY solution—I bought an auto repair kit online, including sandpaper and a touch-up pen. After sanding, the bubbles reduced slightly, but they swelled up again within a few days, probably because the internal moisture wasn’t fully removed. I later learned that improper handling of small-scale bubbling can lead to more serious issues. So, I changed my approach: I completely removed the old paint, ensured the interior was dry, and then repainted it. The total cost was around a hundred yuan for materials plus half a day of work. If the bubbles grow or spread, don’t hesitate—take it to a professional shop immediately; their equipment can fix it properly in one go. For regular maintenance, I now routinely check the car body, especially drying water-prone areas after rain. This experience taught me that timely action is key—otherwise, rust and corrosion will make repairs much more troublesome.

[DelCarson]

When it comes to paint bubbling, prevention is my first thought. Bubbles mostly stem from moisture intrusion or drastic temperature changes, such as direct sun exposure after washing, which causes the paint layer to expand and contract, leading to separation. I've developed the habit of immediately wiping the entire car with a microfiber cloth after washing, avoiding areas where water accumulates in seams and edges. Waxing can seal the paint surface, reducing the risk of water penetration—once a month is sufficient. If small bubbles have already appeared, don't ignore them; minor ones can be DIY-fixed by sanding them flat and then spraying a small area with paint, but make sure no moisture remains. Prevention is better than repair—this habit has helped me maintain smooth car paint for years and saved on major repair costs. Regular maintenance is the key.