You’ve just had your car repainted, and now you’re staring at unsightly bubbles or blisters appearing on the fresh coat. It’s not uncommon for this to happen two to three months post-paint job.
Chances are, corrosion might have already started beneath the surface, but trapped moisture or debris in the paint could also be to blame. Before you rush to call a mechanic, here’s what you need to know about rust, moisture, and how paint jobs can go wrong.
What Causes Bubbles in Car Paint
Bubbles, or osmotic blistering, happen when moisture seeps into the paint layers. During application, even tiny droplets can get stuck inside or beneath the surface.
As the moisture moves toward the surface, it pushes through, forming visible bubbles or blisters. Unfortunately, this can ruin the appearance of your newly painted car. The best course of action at this point is usually to strip the paint and refinish the affected area.
Several factors can lead to bubbling, such as:
- Poor weather conditions like high heat and humidity during painting.
- Applying too many coats too quickly without giving them time to dry properly.
- Insufficient drying time, causing debris or moisture to get trapped.
- If the old paint was stripped and the metal wasn’t prepped immediately, moisture and dirt can settle on the surface before new paint is applied.
- Using low-quality thinners.
- Not allowing enough time between undercoat and topcoat applications.
For moisture to escape effectively, lower humidity and higher temperatures are required. If it’s too cold, the trapped moisture can freeze, leading to adhesion problems. Both situations—whether warm or cold—can result in bubbling, depending on environmental conditions.
Could It Be Rust?
Rust can also cause paint to bubble and lose its grip on the metal. While moisture plays a role here, rust typically forms when the underlying metal is exposed, whether due to a small chip or a larger dent. Once exposed, the metal provides a direct path for moisture to reach the steel, triggering a chemical reaction.
Bubbling paint, particularly in one concentrated area, often signals rust formation. A key distinction: moisture trapped within the paint tends to cause bubbles across the entire surface of the vehicle, rather than being localized.
When It's Not Rust
Improper application techniques can mimic bubbling, though this isn’t caused by rust or moisture. Instead, you’ll notice something resembling pinholes or craters. Applying too much paint too fast or standing too close to the spray gun can trap solvents or create air pockets. Over time, these solvents rise to the surface, while air bubbles pop, leaving behind a crater-like texture.
In this case, the bubbling isn’t severe. Often, sanding down the affected area is all that’s needed to smooth things out.
Another possibility is de-lamination, which happens when repeated exposure to sunlight weakens the clear coat and underlying paint. As this happens, the paint begins to peel, bubble, and eventually flake off.
No matter who painted your car—whether you did it yourself or hired a pro—it’s worth checking for signs of corrosion. If you notice bubbling, consider scheduling a repaint and rustproofing session with DaSilva’s Auto Body. They’ll help ensure your car looks great and stays protected.
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