Some expert advice on my paint please

[Gio G]

Have had my S1 some 2.5 years, the car is now 5 years old and it seems the top coat is peeling in various different areas. Ranging from front bonnet, front bumper and now the rear arch. On the front bumper by the headlights I can see it bubbling under the clear coat.

Audi's paint warranty is three years based upon actual defects, however given it is peeling from different areas, I am wondering if it could have been a problem from the factory. Of course it could have been painted in those areas when I was not the owner, however only paint depth readings will probably give me a indication of this.

I look after it, keeping it well protected, generally wash it by hose in the summer and a jet wash in the winter. The wife reckons I have washed it too much, hence the problems. Never had this issue with a long line of Audi's before and it seems to be happening at the same time in those different areas. Could it be the products I am using? I don't use anything abrasive, all PH neutral shampoos. I know jet wash can cause chipped paint to peel off, but I never spray it too close..

Any thoughts please? Apologies pictures are not the best, but gives an idea..







I guess it will need a proper body shop to sort it out, however just concerned if other areas go, where will it stop..

G

[mbwoy84]

Most likely the result of previous repair work using inferior quality materials. Just looks like standard lacquer peel.

[Gio G]

mbwoy84 said:

Most likely the result of previous repair work using inferior quality materials. Just looks like standard lacquer peel.

So more likely when dealerships use their own paint people for quick fixes? Not a body shop that would allow proper curing of paint etc..?

G

[mbwoy84]

There’s nothing to say that hasn’t been cured correctly etc. More likely a bodyshop using a cheap clearcoat, rather than worrying about quality/longevity.

A lot of body shops will use cheaper materials did trade customers (ie/ dealers etc) as they typical want to pay as little as possible for a job and won’t be worried what it looks like in 12 months time.

[paintman]

Looks like an adhesion problem.

Is the paint the original factory finish?
Have the areas ever had paintwork?

You mention using a pressure washer.
I'm not a fan of pressure washers in general on car paintwork.
Wash & hose with a normal domestic hosepipe shouldn't be an issue but it's all too easy to get high pressure water to exploit stone chip damage.
Been there, done that.
On my own car.
Took a palm sized bit of clear off the front of the bonnet - original factory finish too.

[zetec]

Bird poo maybe? Especially the top picture.

[Belle427]

I know it’s an older car but my Tornado red golf is starting to do this, seemed to get worse after it was sat in the sun last summer.
I’m led to believe it’s just poor quality materials.

[Gio G]

paintman said:

Looks like an adhesion problem.

Is the paint the original factory finish?
Have the areas ever had paintwork?

You mention using a pressure washer.
I'm not a fan of pressure washers in general on car paintwork.
Wash & hose with a normal domestic hosepipe shouldn't be an issue but it's all too easy to get high pressure water to exploit stone chip damage.
Been there, done that.
On my own car.
Took a palm sized bit of clear off the front of the bonnet - original factory finish too.

Yes, factory finish. It is an exclusive Audi paint which probably makes no difference. Your point about adhesion maybe a good one, as I can see bubbling on the front bumper.

It may have had some paint repair on the bonnet, however front bumper and rear arch I doubt. I use a Nilfisk pressure washer, not super powerful. Dealership will look at the car hopefully next week. Going to insist on a proper body shop repair.

G

[V8covin]

Good job it isn't a red Mercedes,they're having them back under warranty for clearcoat peeling much worse than yours.
Even the manufacturers can't get it right all the time.
Given the locations are prone to stone chipping,front bumper,front of bonnet and rear arches, I'd suggest that's where the problem has originated,stone chipping has broken through the clear and pressure washing has got under the clear to exasperate the problem

[Cookiedough]

You are very unfortunate if your paintwork is original. I have been around Audi dealerships, smart repairing, since 2006, and rarely come across original paintwork that has started to lift. Lifting from an edge is easier to understand. Lifting in the middle of a panel makes it harder to guess what’s gone wrong. Maybe trapped moisture which has evaporated over time leaving an air pocket under the paint. Stone chips, rarely blow that much lacquer off on original Audi paintwork, but as Paintman stated, jet washing can aggravate the matter. If it is poor quality materials that has caused the flaking, why is it only in certain places? Cheap thinner, gun wash, can cause a host of problems if used in paint or lacquer as it has a water content. Paintwork can be a minefield. Hope you get help sorting it.