Why Are There Ripples After Painting?
2 Answers
Ripples after painting may be caused by issues with the paint film thickness, leading to insufficient leveling of the paint, which results in an uneven surface appearance. Car paint itself is quite fragile—even the evaporation of ordinary water droplets can leave watermarks. For paint that is smooth and well-maintained, if the water droplets contain low levels of acidic or alkaline substances, it is advisable to avoid washing the car outdoors in hot weather. After washing, the car body should be dried, and after rain, it's best to wash the car as soon as possible. Below is a detailed explanation: Ripples (Watermarks): The chemicals in watermarks continue to react with the car paint under sunlight as the car body heats up, thereby worsening the condition. Oxidized cars, those frequently washed with detergent, and cars with cracked paint are more susceptible to watermark damage.
Wavy patterns after painting, I've been in this business for over a decade, it's one of the common issues. Usually, it's due to improper surface preparation, like uneven sanding or residue of dust and grease, which can cause wrinkling after painting. The painting technique is also crucial; holding the spray gun too far or too close, or having the air pressure too high or too low, can result in uneven paint layers that dry like orange peel. Environmental factors play a role too; for example, paint dries slowly on humid days and too quickly in high temperatures, both of which can lead to wavy patterns. Incorrect paint mixture ratios, either too much or too little thinner, can also cause problems. For repair, you'll need to sand it smooth again and repaint—don't cut corners. Prevention is key: thorough cleaning and sanding before painting, choosing the right weather and time, and moving the spray gun evenly can help minimize such troubles.
