Red Seal Automotive Refinishing Technician Practice Exam

What is "fisheye" in automotive paint, and how can it be avoided?

1. A bubble caused by overheating the paint

2. A defect that creates spots in the finish; avoid by ensuring surface cleanliness

3. A shiny spot caused by over-polishing

4. A color discrepancy resulting from incorrect mixing

The correct answer is: A defect that creates spots in the finish; avoid by ensuring surface cleanliness

Fisheye refers to a defect in the automotive paint finish characterized by small circular spots or dimples that create an uneven appearance once the paint has dried. This issue typically arises when contaminants, such as grease, wax, or silicone, are present on the surface before painting. These contaminants repel the paint, causing it to pool away from the area, which leads to the fisheye effect. To avoid fisheye, it is crucial to ensure surface cleanliness prior to applying any paint. Thoroughly cleaning and preparing the surface, which includes steps like sanding, wiping down with a solvent to remove oils and contaminants, and ensuring that all surfaces are free from any foreign substances can help mitigate the risk of this defect. Proper surface preparation is fundamental to achieving a smooth and even paint finish, which is vital in automotive refinishing. In doing so, the chances of encountering fisheyes in the application process are significantly reduced.