Dimples or craters that form in the wet paint film immediately after spraying. In some cases, the substrate can be seen at the bottom of the crater.
Causes
- Improper cleaning of the substrate
- Spraying over surfaces that contain silicone
- Contamination of air lines and hoses
- Contamination of rags, sanding dust, or dirty hands that come in contact with the substrate to be painted
Prevention
- Wear clean gloves when touching the substrate
- Use appropriate solventborne and waterborne surface cleaners to remove all contaminants from the substrate
- Use clean, disposable cloths
- Drain and clean air filters and compressors regularly and service air line filters and driers periodically
- As a final effort a fisheye preventer may be utilized
Correcting
- Spray an additional coat over the affected area to see if the paint will flow out smooth over the fisheyes
- Allow paint to cure, then sand the affected area to level the defects in the surface. Repaint the area as needed
- Utilize fisheye eliminator additive in the paint
