Orange peel paint

[diskullman]

My boss was showing off his latest purchase, a high end German luxyury sedan. This celebration of his showing of succes, to be able afford a car in the 6 digit range. I couldn't help but notice his paint, black with a good amount of metal flake, did not produce a clear reflection. The surface was bumpy looking, a condition known as "orange peel". I was quite dismayed to see this on a car in that price range, as I feel there really is not too much difference in the cost of manufacture of his luxury car, and my regular GM sedan. I would expect more attention to details on this high end vehicle. I know this situation occurs with the newer method of base coat/clear coat, but why does it happen, how can it be avoided, and how can it be changed after the paint dries?

Russell Giuliano

 

[NickE]

Orange Peel can be removed with lots of wet sanding, and if the clearcoat is thick enough hours of rubbing/polishing compounds will restore the shine.

 

[MechanicalChef]

I've heard the Lexus LS is wet-sanded at the factory.

 

[Peter7307]

Saw something similar at the last Melbourne Motor Show.

The German built top end spec car was the first one seen by people as they walked through the door which was unfortunate since it had orange peel in virtually every panel.

To make matter worse the next stand was Honda and the paint finish on the display cars on that stand was flawless.

Given the volume of people walking in and out of the place over the ten or so days of the show and given the opportunity to promote the brand and the product it was a disaster.

Pete.

 

[RossABQ]

Lexus has their bodies on a rotisserie in the paint booth to allow the paint to be applied in a uniform thickness considering the effects of gravity.

 

[evelrod]

Maybe the Germans are using an "undocumented worker" robot?

In truth, I'm rather surprised as most all the cars that I saw at the LA show a number of years ago were all "special prepped", ie, color sanded and buffed to a glass like finish and decorated with scantily clad young ladies...To distract one from seeing any flaws in the finish, perhaps?

Rod

 

[pcz]

Orange peel is usually caused by the condition "overbake".
It more frequently occurs on dark colored vehicles. Dark colors absorb more heat. When the line thru the ovens goes from say, light silver to dark grey the ovens are dialed down. The line does not stop for anyman. As a result the first portion of the color-lot goes thru the ovens before they cool down. The heat is hotter than it should be... so you have "overbake"