Had to redo a whole fender repair because the primer lifted

Last week I was finishing up a 2015 Ford Focus, rear quarter panel damage. Got the primer down, looks good, then I lay the base coat and it all crinkled up on me. Turns out I didn't let the primer flash long enough after the last coat, maybe 5 minutes too short. Took me an extra hour to sand it back down and start over. Anyone else had paint lift from rushing flash times?

2 comments

2 Comments

max3889h ago

Bet your issue might not be flash time at all, could be you trapped moisture under the primer if the panel wasn't fully dry after sanding. Check your air line too, if your water trap is clogged or your compressor is dumping moisture you can get that same crinkle effect even with perfect flash times.

the_gray6h ago

Yeah, 'trapped moisture' is a good way to put it. It's funny how that same kind of thing pops up all over, not just in painting. Like, you ever notice how if you try to rush something, you just end up with a bigger mess later? Works that way with a lot of stuff, I guess. Just gotta let things breathe.