Will the touch-up paint crack over time?
2 Answers
The main consideration is how the touch-up is done. If there is no sanding or any treatment, it will peel off quickly. If it undergoes sanding, spraying, and varnishing, it will not be affected for 5 years. Below are relevant details: 1. Conditions: If the touch-up technique is good, the color matching is reasonable, and the paint thickness is appropriate, the paint will not peel or discolor. Touch-up paint that has not undergone high-temperature baking—even if it goes through the baking process, the temperature is not as high as the factory's—will not be as durable as the original factory paint, so it may need to be reapplied if it peels. 2. Additional information: Under the exposure of the sun's ultraviolet rays, the paint film continuously evaporates oil into the air to protect itself. Over time, this can cause excessive loss of oil from the paint surface. The brightness and depth of the paint surface are greatly reduced, causing the paint to slowly turn white, forming an oxidation layer and shortening the lifespan of the car paint.
Last time I helped my neighbor check the cracking issue on his old car's touch-up paint, I gave it a lot of thought. If the touch-up paint isn't done properly, it's prone to cracking over time. The key lies in the craftsmanship and materials—for example, if the underlying putty is applied too thickly or if paint is sprayed before it's fully dry, thermal expansion and contraction can cause cracks. Another issue is if the color isn't matched correctly, leading to poor blending with the original paint. Additionally, if the car is constantly exposed to sunlight, the repeated expansion and contraction of the paint surface can cause low-quality paint to fail. Washing the car too frequently and spraying water directly on the touched-up area can also accelerate aging. To prevent cracking, it's best to go to a reputable shop that uses imported paint. After touch-up, avoid prolonged sun exposure and apply wax frequently for the first two months—this should keep the paint in good condition for at least five years.
