Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

GF98.00-U-9100-05A Differentiating Characteristics, Bubbles/Stone Impact



GF98.00-U-9100-05A Differentiating Characteristics, Bubbles/stone Impact

Important:
When top coat paint has not yet chipped off, stone impact can be have the appearance of bubble formation!

Notes:
a. Only bubbles can be moved with fingernail.
b. Only bubbles can be reduced by the effect of heat - e.g. with hand-held heat gun (1h/80 degree C).
c. Bubbles cannot be opened with the cellophane tape adhesion test; this is possible only with damage from mechanical effects - i.e. stone impact (residues from the top coat adhere to the cellophane tape).
d. Open bubbles with microscope instruments under microscope/ magnifying glass: If moisture comes out they are bubbles and not stone impact damage.
e. In the event of mechanical damage - e.g. stone impact - where the top coat has not yet chipped off, cracks are visible at the damaged point under a microscope/magnifying glass! The damage illustrations below show this clearly.