Paint - Spotting Prevention & Repair

Classification:
BF87-030

Reference:
TS87-145

Date:
September 28, 1987

PAINT SPOTTING REPAIR PROCEDURE

APPLIED VEHICLE(S):
All Models

SERVICE INFORMATION

Paint spotting incidents occurring in the U.S. market are not unique to Nissan, but are being experienced by all manufacturers. To date, two separate types of paint spotting incidents have been identified as follows:

1. Particulate Fallout - Tiny solid particles which collect on horizontal panels, causing a dark stain which will penetrate into the paint if not cleaned.

2. Water Spotting - A ringlet or multiple water-drop-shaped light discoloration on dark painted horizontal panels.

THESE TYPES OF SPOTTING ARE NOT DUE TO PAINT DEFICIENCY, AND CAN BE PREVENTED THROUGH PROPER CARE.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Particulate Fallout

Ash, dust, soot and other tiny solid particulate matter from industrial and other sources can be carried many miles. Particulate fallout is most noticeable on the horizontal surfaces (hood, luggage compartment lid, and roof) of the vehicle.

If left on a moist, painted surface, the particles will slowly dissolve and bond to the paint, frequently leaving a red stain. This stain can be present even on plastic surfaces such as bumpers if the fallout has an iron content. These spots may be visible on both solid and metallic paints (especially light colors). The particulate can be felt as a sharp point on the paint surface. When viewed through a magnifying lens, the staining may be evident.

VEHICLE CARE

Every 10 days, or more frequently depending upon local conditions, particulate fallout must be washed off with mild detergent and water to prevent its bonding and staining action. A good carnuba wax coating can help protect against damage from particulate fallout.

PARTICULATE FALLOUT REPAIR PROCEDURE

In most cases, thoroughly washing the affected area with a water and mild detergent solution (to avoid scratching the finish with dislodged particles) will remove the particulates.

After washing the vehicle, a stain, generally orange or red, may still be visible on white or other light colored vehicles. This stain can be removed with a fine compound material. DO NOT APPLY THE COMPOUNDING MATERIAL BEFORE ALL PARTICLES IN THE AFFECTED AREA ARE REMOVED BY THOROUGH WASHING.

Water Spotting

A photograph of typical water spotting is shown on page 26 of the Nissan Paint Refinishing Guide* (PIN 5REFGD). The spots are most visible when viewed at an angle, usually under fluorescent light. The paint surface is usually smooth to the touch because the spotting is a change in the top surface itself. This is not hard-water residue which will wash off with soap and water. These spots are visible on both solid and metallic paints with dark colors.

VEHICLE CARE

When a vehicle is stored outside and unprotected, dust patterns develop on the painted surfaces. These patterns guide moisture droplets from a light rain or morning dew to the same location each time. The strong sunlight, repeatedly concentrated on these water droplets, greatly contributes to the spotting. When storing a vehicle unprotected, where the painted surface is repeatedly exposed to a combination of sunlight and light rain (or morning dew), the vehicle MUST be washed AND thoroughly dried at least every two weeks, or more frequently if there is light rain or dew followed by strong sunlight.

When washing any vehicle, it must be out of direct sunlight and the painted surfaces should be cool to the touch.

WATER SPOTTING REPAIR PROCEDURE

The method of repairing a water spotted finish varies with the severity (depth of spot in finish) of the spotting. After a thorough washing, perform the following:

1. Water spots on light colored vehicles and some vehicles which have had minimal exposure to the elements can be repaired by buffing. First, apply a fine cutting compound using an orbital buffer to remove a thin layer of the top coat or clear coat. After removal of the spots, buff with glazing compound to remove the fine scratches.

2. More severe spotting can be removed with a coarser cutting compound followed by finer compound and glazing compound to remove the scratches.

3. The most severe water spots on clear coated, dark vehicles can be repaired by wet sanding the affected areas with 1200 grit sandpaper to prepare the surface then spraying a fresh clear coat on those areas. Non-clear coated vehicles should be repairable with either step 1 or 2.

* Available through Dyment Distribution Services.