Paint Defects: What to Look For
Paint quality is one of the most scrutinised aspects of any new vehicle delivery — and rightly so. The paint on your car is its primary protection against corrosion, and defects can affect both its appearance and long-term durability. Here's a comprehensive guide to the paint defects our inspectors look for.
1. Swirl Marks
Circular scratches in the clear coat, usually caused by improper washing technique using dirty cloth or circular motions. They appear as a spider-web pattern when light catches the paint at certain angles.
Very common on demo cars but also found on new deliveries handled carelessly at the dealership.
2. Orange Peel
A textured surface that resembles the skin of an orange. This is caused by improper paint application or spraying conditions during manufacturing.
Mild orange peel is acceptable on budget vehicles but is considered a defect on premium cars.
3. Paint Runs
Vertical lines or drips in the paint surface caused by too much paint being applied in a single coat.
These are manufacturing defects that indicate poor quality control at the paint shop.
4. Colour Mismatch Between Panels
Slight differences in shade between adjacent panels — typically between a bumper and a door — indicate that a panel has been repainted after the original factory application.
This is a significant finding as it suggests prior damage and repair.
5. Paint Thickness Anomalies
This is the most important and least obvious defect category. Using a paint thickness gauge (PTG), inspectors measure the depth of paint on every panel.
Factory-applied paint has a consistent thickness (typically 100–150 microns for most Indian cars). Panels with readings significantly above this have been repainted — a clear sign of prior damage and repair that would be completely invisible to the naked eye.
6. Clear Coat Defects
Bubbles, fish eyes, or hazing in the clear coat layer. These are manufacturing defects that will worsen over time, eventually leading to paint peeling.
Early detection is critical as they are covered under warranty but must be documented before delivery.
What To Do If Defects Are Found
- Minor swirl marks — dealer should machine polish before delivery
- Orange peel — request paint correction or accept with written documentation
- Repainted panels — demand explanation; may be grounds for vehicle replacement
- Clear coat defects — raise warranty claim; get timeline for rectification in writing
This is why a professional PDI is irreplaceable.
No visual inspection, no matter how thorough, can detect this class of defect without specialist equipment.
Book Inspection — ₹2,999