Why do I get fish eyes in my paint?

Author: Roberto Lemke IV  |  Last update: Thursday, March 13, 2025

They are generally caused by painting over surfaces contaminated with oil, wax, silicone, grease, etc.; using a thinner/reducer in place of a solvent cleaner; or spraying over previously repaired areas containing "fisheye eliminator" additive.

How do you fix fisheye in paint?

Basically what you do when you've run across fisheye is to let the finish dry thoroughly and then spray light mist coats of finish over the cratered areas. Usually several coats, letting each one dry thoroughly. Essentially what this does is to deposit small particals of lacquer which are too small to pull away.

How to prevent fish eyes when painting?

From contributor A: If fisheyes are a problem, the easiest way to solve the problem is to spray very light wet coats. Let each ``tack coat'' dry for a few minutes and repeat once or twice. Watch what you're doing in case the fisheyes start to form but spray with a light touch and you should be alright.

What causes fish eyes in painting?

Generally speaking, that contaminant is light oil (silicon), which has, by whatever means, found its way to the surface of the vehicle. When paint is applied on top of this contaminant, the paint is unable to adhere to the oily surface and a “fish eye crater” is caused.

What is the most effective way to eliminate fish eyes?

Adding silicone to the finish is usually the best method for preventing fish eye because it is the most predictably effective. A shellac sealer also works well as long as you don't dissolve it with too wet a coat of lacquer.

Fish eyes OH NOO!!

Does WD-40 cause fish eyes?

Not cleaning the surface properly before applying topcoats is another possibility. It's not just silicone that can cause fisheye. Many household chemicals, cleaners, wd-40 etc can cause it, as can using hoses or lines that have previously been used for spraying oils etc.

How do you treat fish eyes?

If the eye has been injured, it will typically heal on its own as long as the fish does not develop a secondary infection or become stressed. You can help the fish recover by performing palliative care using aquarium salt while the eye heals (unless contraindicated). This helps to relieve the swelling.

What causes fish-eye?

Fish-eye disease is caused by mutations in the LCAT gene. This gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT).

What are 5 defects found on a painted surface?

The most common painting defects
  • Blistering. ...
  • Orange peel. ...
  • Burn marks. ...
  • Dripping. ...
  • Cracking. ...
  • Slow drying. ...
  • Pinholes. ...
  • Scratches or failed film distension.

What causes fisheye distortion?

Barrel Distortion as a Third Order Optical Aberration

Distortion is present in all fisheye lenses and most wide-angle lenses. Additionally, distortion is a function of field angle, and usually increases as field increases.

What causes pinholes in paint?

Oils, dust, and even residues from previous paint layers can contribute to pinholes. The base and clear coat layers require perfect adhesion to prevent pinholes from forming, so thorough cleaning and priming are essential.

What is the difference between orange peel and fish eyes?

Fish Eyes, Orange Peel and Over Varnish Striation. There are many holes or lines on the over varnish surface in one of three ways: Fish Eyes: The overprint varnish is applied with foam and the bubbles tend to burst, leaving craters. Orange Peel: The over varnish leveling looks like an orange peel.

Will tack cloth cause fish eyes?

No, do not use a tack cloth on the surface, either before or after. It will leave oil residue that can cause fisheye blemishes and separation.

How to get rid of fish eyes in car paint?

If bubbling occurs in a topcoat when paint is still wet, remove the paint film with a solvent, clean the surface and refinish. Add the recommended fisheye eliminator and respray the affected area. If the paint has dried, sand to a smooth finish below the fisheye cratering and refinish.

What causes frog eyes in paint?

POSSIBLE CAUSE

Painting over surfaces contaminated with oil, wax, silicone, grease, etc. Use of thinner/reducer in place of a solvent cleaner. Spraying over previously repaired areas containing "fisheye eliminator" additive.

How do you reduce fisheye effect?

Choose the linear field of view (FOV)

One simple way to eliminate the fisheye effect completely is to set your camera to Linear FOV in the settings.

What is fish eye eliminator?

“Fish-eye eliminator” is a product you add to the clear before you spray, that is supposed to help eliminate reactions from oil and water contaminates in your air supply. Upvote 56 Downvote Reply. mc_thunderfart.

How do you stop fish eyes?

Surfaces that already have a coat of finish on them are prone to fisheyes, especially if you are applying a gloss finish. Flattening or matting agents in satin and matte finishes make them less susceptible to fisheyes. You also can prevent fisheyes by applying a coat of super-blond shellac (2-lb.

What do fish eyes in paint look like?

One issue that may occur on a paint job is called “fisheye.” Fisheyes (also known as craters) are an unattractive occurrence that can happen when dirt, wax, oil, or silicone gets stuck under the paint on your car. This causes spots or bubbles in the paint job.

What is the problem with fisheye paint?

Fish eyes are small, crater-like openings in the finish after it has been applied. They are usually caused by oil and grease on a coating substrate. Fish eyes are also known as silicone contamination, poor wetting, saucering, pits, craters and cissing. Fish eyes are a typical defect when paint is sprayed.

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