What Causes Small Bubbles in Car Paint?

[HeidiDella]

Paint bubbling may be due to poor paint quality or improper repainting procedures where the primer wasn't fully dry before applying the topcoat. If there's moisture trapped between the topcoat and body filler, heat can cause evaporation and air pockets, leading to paint blistering. Other possible causes: It could also result from rust formation on the underlying metal surface due to moisture exposure. Untreated paint bubbles not only affect appearance but will gradually expand, eventually causing the paint to crack and peel off. This damages the car body, leading to complicated and costly repairs. If paint bubbling occurs due to paint quality issues or improper repainting, you may be eligible for compensation. It's recommended to visit an authorized repair shop or 4S store for professional assessment and treatment by qualified technicians.

[OValerie]

I've noticed that paint bubbling is quite common on cars. The most frequent cause is failing to address scratches promptly. Once, my car got a small scratch from a tree branch. It didn't look serious on the surface, but rust formed underneath, causing the metal to expand and push up a small bubble in the paint. Another reason is poor workmanship by painters. If the spray booth is dusty or the surface isn't properly cleaned before painting, the new paint layer is like fabric laid over sand—it gradually bubbles up. The most hidden cause is clogged door drainage holes. Water accumulates inside and can't escape, leading to rust and expansion over time. My advice is to take your car to a repair shop as soon as you notice bubbling. Otherwise, the rust can spread to the entire steel panel, making repairs more expensive and compromising the vehicle's safety.

[ErinLynn]

I've personally experienced paint blistering on my car. Last year, several rice-sized bubbles suddenly appeared on the hood. The mechanic said it was due to painting process issues – incomplete removal of rust and oil from the metal surface before painting. Even a hairline-sized oil stain can affect paint adhesion. Another possibility is that the underlying filler wasn't completely dry, or the humidity was too high during painting, trapping moisture inside. Daily car care is also important – avoid parking near sprinklers as alkaline water dripping on the car body long-term can corrode the paint. Additionally, paint aging is a factor; paint layers on cars over ten years old become brittle and crack, allowing moisture to seep in during rain and cause blistering. Whatever the cause, immediate treatment is necessary upon discovery, otherwise summer sun exposure can rapidly worsen small blisters.

[RoseFitz]

Paint blistering issues stem from problems beneath the paint layer. Common causes include rust expansion on metal substrates, such as when saltwater splashes on rocker panels and isn't promptly cleaned. Improper handling during painting, like applying topcoat before primer fully dries, can cause delamination. Vehicles frequently parked under trees should beware - tree sap and fruit resins seeping into paint gaps can also cause localized blistering. For repairs, completely sand down the blistered area and reapply three layers: rust-proof metal primer, intermediate filler layer, then topcoat with clear coat. Never simply scrape off the blister and touch up with paint - that will guarantee recurrence within six months.