Bubbling Paint - rust or just bad paint job?

[fiasco]

Is the bubbling paint in this photo likely to be indicative of surface rust under the paint, or just a bad paint job? I am going to look that this car tomorrow for a possible purchase.



Thanks,
-- se

[rlux4]

I've never seen rust bubbles spread over an area like that. It's usually more localized. Maybe the seller will let you "pop" a bubble to have a look-see?
Ron

[fiasco]

Yeah - that's why I was thinking bad paint. Unless they just painted over a widespread surface rust problem.

[So Cal Mark]

that's an odd place for rust unless it's coming through from the underside of the fender. Maybe it was rust belt car without any protection inside the fender

[stefhahn]

I can think of three things:
- thermoplast vs. acrylic paint - a respray has been done with the other without sanding off and proper cleaning - and those two don't like each other
- someone has dropped some brake fluid onto the paint, I have seen reactions like that
- that fender got replaced and fabulous PO has not sanded off the surface rust (which is common for NOS fenders not stored in an extra-dry environment) i.e. has left some oilish stuff before spraying on the paint.

IMHO it does not really matter, as you need to sand off the paint in that area anyway sooner or later and respray it.

ciao,
Stefan

[swede]

I have seen similar bubbles before.
It normally happens when the car is covered up for a period of time with material that doesn’t breathe properly, the cover will captured moister inside and eventually start corroding.
Make sure to check at least one of the bubbles before buying because you have to sand it down to re-paint if it´s corroded.

[pope]

Just a poor paint job. Check the fender underside for rust, but I think that the owner just gave it a quick shot of paint to sell it and did not prepare it properly, as in no primer coat. On the other hand, it could be a young car and it has acne.

[fiasco]

On the other hand, it could be a young car and it has acne.

This is a diagnosis I like. A little Clearasil and the problem is solved!

-- se

[ga.spyder]

I agree with Pope,that looks like a bad quickie paint job.As a teen(ie dumb) we sprayed a car with a compressor with no filter or dryer on it.Didnt even drain it first! The results looked a lot like that picture.One way or the other you are going to have to repaint it.Maybe you can use it as a bargaining chip to get the price down some?
Craig

[manoa matt]

Compared to the fender, the hood looks like it has some serious "orange peel" texture to it.

[fiasco]

Yep - looks like a bad paint job. There are bubbles and orange peel pretty much all over the car. Bought it this afternoon and expect to repaint. I'll post more info and pics in another thread.

-- se