Abnormal Amount of Paint Chips on Car Hood

At the end of June last year, my 8 year old Audi's hood and bumper were replaced and painted by a body shop in Sterling. They work on cars for the Sterling dealerships and were recommended by a couple acquaintances. The finished looked great when it was returned to me. In the past month while washing my car, I noticed tons of 1/8" paint chips on the hood (mainly by the grill). Has anyone had a problem with their recently painted hood chipping so quickly and often? The paint chips are down to the metal and looks as if I drove behind a dump truck dumping rocks every time I drive.

I drive mainly on the toll road/66 to work and rt28/50 to visit my family in Fairfax on the weekends. Prior to last year's accident, the car received a new painted hood from another accident 5 years ago (neither were my fault) at Wagonworks in Alexandria. In the following 4 years, the hood only had two or three paint chips down to the primer coat. No significant change in my travels. Based on the similar oldest repair, this recent work should not be chipping so badly in less than a year.

It is such a disappointment because the finish for the rest of the car is in great condition. I am taking the car back to the body shop in hopes that they will honor their warranty.

Any suggestions on why the paint is chipping off so quickly and how people have dealt with their body shop regarding chipped paint is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Randolph

 

there could be number of reasons this could happen. The condition of the metal in the hood, the hardener that was used, possibly incorrectly, and the clear coat not being applied correctly. But after 1-month, this is not normal and I would think that the shop should re-paint something like this.

I am consulting with my expert (brother) to see if he has anything to add, and I will let you know. He is the "paint expert" that Dupont, Audi, Jaguar and Lamborghini use in the Philly area - so he would know.

 

Thanks Dave!

 

i say that is *not* normal. we just got rid of a car that was 10 years old, and any dings it had from normal wear and tear still only managed to knick out some clear coat. it's down to the metal??? did the original audi paint job chip like this new one (i'm guessing not)?

1) what shop did you use? (i need some body work done myself and i may want to avoid this place)

2) most reputable places should stand behind this kind of work. did you contact them about it? if so, how did they respond? are they going to take care of it for you?

My FIL owned a body shop for 30 years, i'll check with him and see what he says for you. good luck!

 

@SDS

1. I took the car to Ashburn Collision Center

2. I called them this morning describing my problem and they told me they will need to check out the car. So I've made an appointment for them to inspect the damage.

That'd be great. Thanks SDS

 

FIL said if they didn't sand down the primer properly, this could happen. he thinks they should fix it for you without a problem. if they become reluctant to fix it, mention that you will need to call your insurance company to resolve this (assuming you went through your insurance company), he said they should cave and do it if you say that, as they don't want the insurance compnay questioning their work/taking their business elsewhere.

 

FWIW ... they are a authorized Mini collision shop, and I had my Mini taken there when it decided to take a ride down a street without me. The body work was very well done, as was the paint job, which perfectly matched the rest of the car. I've had no problems with it, and its been over a year since its been done.

 

Neil - exactly how did this happen?

 

Randolph, as someone said about the insurance question, also make sure to see if they are a DRP (direct repair program) with the insurance companies. But as was said, the basic point is that there must have been some defect in the process or the primer. So bottom line is that the job should be re-done completely. It is not as good if they try to just fix the chips. That does not eliminate the problem.

Let us know what they say, and I am curious what paint system they use. If it is Dupont, Sherwin Williams, etc.

 

Thanks for the good pointers Dave. I have an appt with them on Tuesday to inspect the damage. Will give updates soon.

Randolph

 

For new car owners, get 3M clear bar......

 

Long story ... mostly due to inattention, and alot of AD&D