Had some issues with the black '99 Miata that I own (surprise given my forum name), and so i have new paint on the quarters, front fenders, hood, nose and front spoiler. The work was done at a local body shop, and they did a nice job with the rust repairs in the quarters and other body work. The paint work is another thing.
Since it was done, there have been very noticeable swirls in the finish. I brought it back once, and asked them to buff the hood, in particalar, as they were highly noticeable hollograms. Got it back without much improvement. I waited the 90 days that they recommended for outgassing, and hit it with some Griots #3 polish and after that, some 3M Perfect It SMR with my PC and an orange foam pad. Little impeovement with the Griots, and a little better but still very noticable after the 3M. Tried to overlay it then with 2 coats of AIO to see of that would fill in. It is better, but not great, and still perfectly noticeable. I also then saw what I think are flaws in the primer where it wither wasn't dried properly or something, as it looked like the paint had pooled and not hardened smoothly under the clear. Hard to describe.
Took it back to them, and to their credit, they are going to make good and paint the hood again. They saw the flaws in the primer/base and were willing to give it another go. I was disheartened thoough that they didn't seem all that convinced that the swirling issue would be alleviated, though. To me, that seems to be technique/product use issues. The finsih should be reasonably perfect IMHO when they are finished. Yes, I realize it is a black car and it shows all imperfections. Can swirls be in the base coat? They seemed to be particularly resistant to methods I have used in the past on the factory paint to make the finish almost flawless.
I don't know whether I am being unreasoanble and a perfectionist (I have been accused on other occasions) or this is just a case of them not knowing how to finish the surface properly.... Thye are re-doing the hood and I am afraid it will come out as it did before - less than up to snuff IMHO.
Your comments and thoughts are appreciated. Sorry for the long post.
Jeff
Since it was done, there have been very noticeable swirls in the finish. I brought it back once, and asked them to buff the hood, in particalar, as they were highly noticeable hollograms. Got it back without much improvement. I waited the 90 days that they recommended for outgassing, and hit it with some Griots #3 polish and after that, some 3M Perfect It SMR with my PC and an orange foam pad. Little impeovement with the Griots, and a little better but still very noticable after the 3M. Tried to overlay it then with 2 coats of AIO to see of that would fill in. It is better, but not great, and still perfectly noticeable. I also then saw what I think are flaws in the primer where it wither wasn't dried properly or something, as it looked like the paint had pooled and not hardened smoothly under the clear. Hard to describe.
Took it back to them, and to their credit, they are going to make good and paint the hood again. They saw the flaws in the primer/base and were willing to give it another go. I was disheartened thoough that they didn't seem all that convinced that the swirling issue would be alleviated, though. To me, that seems to be technique/product use issues. The finsih should be reasonably perfect IMHO when they are finished. Yes, I realize it is a black car and it shows all imperfections. Can swirls be in the base coat? They seemed to be particularly resistant to methods I have used in the past on the factory paint to make the finish almost flawless.
I don't know whether I am being unreasoanble and a perfectionist (I have been accused on other occasions) or this is just a case of them not knowing how to finish the surface properly.... Thye are re-doing the hood and I am afraid it will come out as it did before - less than up to snuff IMHO.
Your comments and thoughts are appreciated. Sorry for the long post.
Jeff
He's about the only guy I know that I'd let do that...