Close
MENU

Follow us on @Ask_ICAR for daily updates.

Home / Collision Repair News / Back-To-Basics: Solvent Popping

Back-To-Basics: Solvent Popping

Posted on 20 September 2018 | Share: | Print Print

Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to preparing a surface for refinishing, it is easy to make simple mistakes that can lead to small bubbles or pinholes in the surface of the paint. This is commonly known as solvent popping.

When solvents are trapped throughout the refinish process, small bubbles or pinholes can form in the surface of the paint. Some of the causes could be not allowing layers of coating to flash before applying another, as well as applying too much material in one layer. A few other reasons could be force drying a vehicle too quickly, using the wrong fluid nozzle, or applying refinishing materials at the wrong pressure.

Make sure that the surface that is being refinished is prepped with the correct surface cleaner based on the product being sprayed. The surface should be completely dry before any coatings are applied. Using the proper reducer and/or hardener can greatly affect the final outcome of a refinished panel. Read the temperature recommendations to know which reducer and/or hardener should be used for the conditions during application.

These are just a few examples on how solvent popping occurs. Always follow the paint maker instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Refinish Defects Correction

Course Understanding Refinish Defects - Part 1

Course Understanding Refinish Defects - Part 2

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Hyundai Does Hyundai have a sectioning procedure available?
Kia Does Kia have a sectioning procedure available?
Chevrolet Does Chevrolet have a warning against sectioning when there is no procedure?
BMW Can I-CAR send me BMW repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about repairing damaged airbag system wiring harnesses?
Hyundai Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
Mercedes-Benz Can I-CAR send me Mercedes-Benz repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about straightening front lower rails?
Subaru Do you have to replace a front passenger airbag on a Subaru even if the airbag did not deploy? The repair information seems to indicate that it should.
Nissan Is there a wiring repair procedure for the airbag connector?

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions

What does I-CAR say about using a recycled quarter panel assembly that includes the inner, outer, and reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about straightening a kink?
Can I-CAR General Sectioning Guidelines be used?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged door intrusion beams?
What does I-CAR say about the decision to use recycled parts?
What does I-CAR say about replacing suspension parts in pairs?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged bumper reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about repair tolerances?
What does I-CAR say about using recycled airbags?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged crush boxes?