What Causes Wavy Patterns in Car Paint Reflection?
2 Answers
The main reasons for wavy patterns in car paint reflection are: 1. Dirt Particles: This occurs due to inadequate cleaning of the paint booth during the painting process, resulting in defects after painting. The usual repair method involves sanding and polishing the paint surface. If the dirt particles are large or located in the underlying layers, repainting is required. 2. Water Droplets: This is also a type of dirt particle issue, caused by environmental humidity and improper maintenance of the air compressor, leading to water accumulation in the paint lines. The repair method depends on the paint thickness and typically involves sanding and polishing. Otherwise, repainting is necessary. 3. Glue Repair: Based on the described phenomenon, if a transparent color effect appears, past management cases indicate that painters sometimes use small drops of glue to repair minor pits or dirt particles found on the paint surface after painting.
Last time I washed my car, I also noticed those wavy patterns in the paint reflection. At first, I thought it was a lighting issue, but later I asked a friend and finally understood. These wavy patterns are usually caused by uneven paint application, such as when the paint layer is sprayed too thick during repairs or at the factory, or when the base layer isn’t properly smoothed before painting, resulting in distorted reflections. It could also be due to a dirty painting environment, where dust gets mixed into the paint, creating waves after it dries. My own old car had been refurbished before, and I suspect the technician didn’t do a good job—now it looks awful in sunlight. I recommend regularly checking your car’s paint. If there’s any wear, address it quickly, as it can affect the overall appearance and cause rapid depreciation. When washing your car, avoid using overly abrasive tools to prevent surface scratches. If the issue has just appeared, visit a professional shop as soon as possible—delaying repairs will only make them more expensive later.
