Condition:

    When the topcoat layer of the car paint swells up then it appears like blisters or bubbles, sometimes months after application.

 

Cause:

  1. Improper surface cleaning or preparation. Dirt left on the surface can hold moisture for long. When temperature or atmospheric pressure increases, the moisture expands and builds up pressure, resulting in blisters.
  2.  Low quality thinner that evaporates too quickly can also be one of the main reasons behind blistering.
  3. Excessive film thickness. Insufficient drying time between coats or too heavy an application of the undercoats can trap solvents that later escape and blister the color coat.
  4. Contamination of compressed air lines with oil, water or dirt.

Prevention:

  1. Thoroughly clean the areas to be painted before and after sanding.
  2. Use good quality thinner preferably PCI T-020
  3. Allow proper drying time for undercoats and topcoats. Be sure to let each coat flash before applying the next coat.
  4. Drain and clean air pressure regulator and drain air compressor tank daily.

Treatment:

  1. In mild cases, the blisters can be sanded out, and refinished.
  2. If damage is severe, the paint must be removed down to the undercoat or substrate, sand & clean substrates thoroughly with PCI Degreaser and then refinish using PCI products.