Why does car paint bubble after a little over a year?

[Todd]

The reasons for bubbling are as follows: Paint viscosity is too high: applying a thick coat at once, insufficient filling of pores containing air, especially on porous substrates without a sealing primer; Excessive air pressure during spraying: too much air mixed into the paint; Presence of moisture: oil, dust, sweat, etc., on the surface to be painted, with moisture accumulating around these impurities; Excessive temperature difference: significant difference between the temperature of the paint and the surface to be painted; Improper use of thinner: excessive addition of hardener; High humidity: excessively high temperature or relative humidity in the painting environment; Other reasons: when using heat to dry the coating, the temperature is too high, insufficient standing time before heating the coating, incomplete solvent evaporation, bubbles introduced by the paint itself, bubbles generated during stirring not eliminated, etc.

[JosephRose]

My car's paint started bubbling just over a year after the repaint, which really puzzled me. I figured it must have been due to improper surface cleaning before painting. If there's dust or grease on the car body, the new paint won't adhere properly and will eventually bubble. Maybe the repair shop cut corners by using low-quality paint, or the painting environment was too humid, allowing moisture to seep in. I remember mine was painted during summer and parked outdoors daily - rainy cities are prone to this issue. Later inspection even revealed some roof rust, with corrosion causing the bubbles to spread. I suggest you visit a professional paint shop soon. Small issues become big problems if neglected - repainting now won't cost much, but delayed repairs when entire sections peel off will be far more expensive. Always choose certified shops, never compromise quality for cheap roadside stalls - inferior work brings endless trouble.

[DelKaden]

My car had the same issue. Just over a year after repainting, bubbles appeared along the door edges. I think the main reasons are high air humidity or significant temperature variations, which cause the paint layer to expand and contract, leading to bubbling. Additionally, if the painting process isn't meticulous—like uneven sanding, overly thick coating, or insufficient curing—problems will naturally arise over time. My car was second-hand, and before repainting, the body wasn't thoroughly cleaned, leaving old paint or dirt residues, so the new paint didn't adhere well. Frequent car washing can also allow moisture to seep in, so now I use a soft brush and avoid high-pressure water jets on the bubbled areas. I suggest you check the bubbling spots—if they're near the wheel arches or undercarriage, rust might be the cause. Address it quickly to prevent further corrosion. With proper maintenance, your car paint can last longer, saving you money and hassle.

[IanAnn]

I've encountered the issue of paint bubbling, which started just over a year later. It's usually due to improper surface preparation, such as oil stains or uncleaned dust on the car body before painting, or loose underlying layers causing bubbles. Another possibility is the use of low-quality paint that's too thin to withstand environmental changes, bubbling up when it gets hot or during rainy seasons. Corrosion is also a cause, where rust on the metal pushes up the paint layer from underneath. My old car was painted at a repair shop where they skipped the primer for convenience, leading to quick bubbling. I'd advise you to carefully inspect the bubbling spots—small bubbles can be touched up, but large ones require a complete repaint. To prevent this, ensure the car body is clean and smooth before painting, use high-quality paint, and avoid painting in humid conditions.