Paint Damage Causes

It helps to inspect the paint surfaces outdoors as well as indoors under fluorescent lights. Some of the affected areas may show up better with the help of inside lighting. Sometimes you can feel the damage; other times it takes more than a touch. The key here is to carefully verify the extent of damage to find a way to repair the affected areas without having to repaint the panel or sometimes the entire vehicle.

Acid Rain

Acid rain forms when pollution is combined with rain and/or moisture in the atmosphere. When Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides mix with water molecules, they form a weak Sulfuric Acid and Nitric Acid, otherwise known as Acid rain.

As the rain evaporates the acid concentration increases, creating pits in the surface. This damage is further accelerated by sunlight.

Rail Dust

Rail dust is iron particles that fall onto the paint which occurs during transportation. These airborne iron particles become embedded into the paint finish on contact. This causes a rough finish and stains the surface, which is created by the iron dissolving when moisture or water are present.





Scratches

Scratches are the result of contact of a hard object with the painted surface. Some scratches found on new vehicles are caused by tiedown chains used during transportation.
Swirl Marks

Swirl marks are fine scratches remaining from incomplete or improper buffing operations.