A Troubleshooting Guide: Fixing Common DIY Paint Problems

You’ve done all the prep work, applied your base coat, and are ready to stand back and admire your handiwork. But what happens when you notice imperfections in your paint finish? Don’t panic! Many common DIY car paint problems can be fixed with the right approach.

At Complete Paint Care, we want you to be confident in your abilities. This troubleshooting guide will help you identify what went wrong and how to fix it, turning a potential disaster into a minor setback.

Problem #1: The Finish Looks Like an Orange Peel

This is one of the most common issues DIYers face. Instead of a smooth, flat surface, the paint looks textured, like the skin of an orange.

• Cause: The paint was too thick, the spray gun/aerosol can was held too far away, or the pressure was too low, causing the paint to dry before it could flow and level out.
• The Fix: If the problem is in your clear coat, you’re in luck! You can often wet sand the surface with very fine-grit sandpaper (2000-2500 grit) to smooth it out, then use a polishing compound to restore the gloss. If the orange peel is severe and in the base coat, you may need to sand it smooth and reapply.

Problem #2: Runs and Sags

This is where the paint pools in a section, creating a drip or a thick, wavy line.

• Cause: Applying the paint too heavily in one spot, holding the spray gun/aerosol can too close to the surface, or moving too slowly.
• The Fix: For a run or sag in the clear coat, you can wait for it to fully cure (24-48 hours), then carefully sand down the imperfection with a sanding block and fine-grit paper. Once it’s level, polish the area to restore the shine. If it’s a deep run in the base coat, you’ll need to sand it smooth and reapply.

Problem #3: Fisheyes, Craters, or Pinholes

These are small, circular craters in the paint that look like a fisheye or a pinhole.

• Cause: Surface contamination is the primary culprit. Wax, silicone, grease, or even moisture from your hands or the air can cause this. The paint tries to repel the contaminant, leaving a crater.
• The Fix: This one is a little trickier. You’ll need to sand the affected area down to the primer, thoroughly clean it with a wax and grease remover, and then reapply your paint. This is why proper surface prep is so important!

Problem #4: Peeling or Cracking Paint

This is a more severe issue where the paint starts to lift or crack.

• Cause: Poor adhesion from improper surface prep (not sanding or cleaning properly), using incompatible paint products (e.g., acrylic over enamel), or a weak primer coat.
• The Fix: Unfortunately, this requires a complete do-over. You’ll need to strip the paint from the affected area down to the substrate and restart the entire process, paying extra close attention to your cleaning, sanding, and primer application to ensure a strong foundation.

Don’t Give Up!

Every painter, even professionals, has faced these issues. The key is to understand what went wrong and how to correct it. With a little patience and the right products, you can easily turn a mistake into a learning opportunity and still achieve a beautiful, professional finish.

Ready to tackle your next project with confidence? Find all the high-quality urethane clear coat, aerosol cans, and prep products you need at www.completepaintcare.com!