What is clear coat failure?

Also calledAdhesion Loss (Clearcoat), Adhesion problems between base and clear coats, Delamination of Clearcoat, Delamination (Clearcoat), Loss of adhesion, Poor adhesion, Poor bond, Shelling

Patches with hard, sharp edges mean the clear coat has stopped sticking to the colour underneath. It is peeling off in sheets, which is why it has edges. Oxidation is even, with no edges. This has a step you can see and feel.

What kind of repair does it need?

Painting the affected panels. It cannot be polished, because the clear coat is what has failed. It also spreads. The edge of a peeling patch keeps lifting.

Class of work Panel refinish, blended into the panel beside it.

The panel is prepared, the colour is matched and sprayed, and clear coat goes over it. Metallic and pearl colours are harder to blend than solid colours. Aluminium panels need different preparation from steel. Both add to the job.

What to do next

Go to a panel shop, priced per panel. This is wear, not an accident, so insurance will not usually cover it. It does not stop. One panel now costs less than three panels next year.

Sources

  1. Axaltapaint makerSand, isolate if necessary, and refinish
  2. PPG ANZpaint makerSand areas affected and refinish as needed
  3. PPG GBpaint makerThe paint lifts from its underlying surface in smooth flakes. These flakes may be easily broken, with a tendency for the edges to peel away from the surface.
  4. Naked InsuranceinsurerBecause this is something that you can expect from using your car, car insurance generally doesn’t cover it.
  5. Allianz AustraliainsurerIt doesn’t usually cover normal wear and tear or poor maintenance.
  6. OCD Car Careproduct sellerThe paint system has been so jeopardized by oxidation, UV, or other chemical agents, that it completely fails.
  7. BASFpaint makerBASF recommends applying the specified amount of clear to the entire panel when doing Basecoat/Clearcoat repairs.
  8. GarageWeldingblogAluminum needs dedicated tools, contamination control, and a compatible joining process.

Not sure what your car damage is?

Point your phone at it, or describe it. The answer in seconds, $8 AUD.

Check it

Related

What is paint oxidation on a car? Dull chalky paint that has lost its gloss is oxidised clear coat. Learn how a cut and polish restores it. What is colour fade on car paint? Colour that has gone wrong rather than just dull is UV breaking down the pigment. Learn why reds and blacks go first. What is clear coat yellowing? White cars turning cream or amber is UV breaking down the clear coat. Learn how to test whether polishing will fix it.
← All damage types
Check it