What is mottling on metallic car paint?
Also calledBanding, Clouding, Clouding by Runs, Clouding or mottling in metallic finishes, Striping, Tiger/Zebra Stripes
Metallic and pearl colours get their look from tiny flakes that should lie flat and even. Mottling is when they do not. The panel goes light and dark in patches or stripes. It is also called striping, banding, or tiger stripes. Causes include spraying too wet, too close, uneven gun passes, or the wrong thinner.
What kind of repair does it need?
That panel is painted again. Mottling is in the colour coat, and nothing done on top can move flakes that set wrongly. Polishing does not touch it.
This is a workmanship fault. The question is not what it costs you. Paid work must be done with care and skill, so it belongs back with the shop that did it.
What to do next
Go back and use the word mottling. It is the trade's own term. It tells the shop you know this is a spraying fault, not a colour match problem. Paid work must be done with care and skill. Photograph it from a few angles, because it changes as you move.
Sources
- Axaltapaint maker
Occurs mainly in metallics, when the flakes float together to form a spotty or striped appearance.
- Sherwin-Williams Automotivepaint maker
A streaked spotty, or striped appearance in a metallic color.
- PPG ANZpaint maker
If the clearcoat has not been applied, shade the base, otherwise rub down the surface and repaint
- Spies Hecker (Axalta)paint maker
Allow clear coat to dry thoroughly, then sand the surface and respray
- Queensland Government (Office of Fair Trading)government
A business guarantees they provide their services with due care and skill.
Not sure what your car damage is?
Point your phone at it, or describe it. The answer in seconds, $8 AUD.
Check it