Any problems with factory paint job?

[BuffaloSabres]

I bought my 07 fusion used, but it was only 9 months old. I get it waxed 2 or 3 times a year, and i've noticed that the front right fender has a dull spot on it, almost like they missed a spot with the clear coat? Also, on my rear bumper where the bumper and the quarter panel meet, the clear coat is starting to chip off. has anyone else experienced this? did they do a crappy job on my paint or what?

[FtLewis2002]

I bought my 07 fusion used, but it was only 9 months old. I get it waxed 2 or 3 times a year, and i've noticed that the front right fender has a dull spot on it, almost like they missed a spot with the clear coat? Also, on my rear bumper where the bumper and the quarter panel meet, the clear coat is starting to chip off. has anyone else experienced this? did they do a crappy job on my paint or what?

 

Not like the old Chevy's and Dodges where you see them ALL chipping clearcoat. No, not that crappy. I have yet to see a systemic issue with the paint, and I honestly don't think I've seen a single fusion with bad paint unless it was wrecked and not repaired.

[zestar]

I bought my 07 fusion used, but it was only 9 months old. I get it waxed 2 or 3 times a year, and i've noticed that the front right fender has a dull spot on it, almost like they missed a spot with the clear coat? Also, on my rear bumper where the bumper and the quarter panel meet, the clear coat is starting to chip off. has anyone else experienced this? did they do a crappy job on my paint or what?

 

Automotive painting is a science.

 

A typical finish consists of four layers:

1) electrocoat - provides corrosion protection

2) primer - protects electrocoat, stone chip resistance, adhesion

between basecoat and elctrocoat

3) basecoat - provides color to the vehicle

4) clearcoat - sunlight protection, scratch resistance, gloss

and appearance properties

 

Film thickness is a criteria used by the auto industry to ensure durability.

 

Each of the 4 layers must be at the proper film thickness specification.

 

If any of the individual layers is below specification. The vehicle would

be considered a factory paint defect.

 

A visible manifestation of low film thickness is paint peeling, body rusting and stone chipping.

 

Since the mid 1990s the auto industry while retaining ownership of the paint facilities have outsourced

the process and quality responsibilities to multiple paint suppliers.

 

Outsourcing in this application is defined as a process in which a company

assigns its in-house operations to a third party.

 

Specifics on automotive paint suppliers roles within the facilities may be found in textbooks published

both in Europe and America. The most recent textbook being released in 2008.

 

The paint suppliers actively market and advertise their outsourcing expertise with terms such as

"Cost Per Unit" or "Pay As Painted" supplier programs. Outsourcing [Cost Per Unit] programs are

common throughout Europe and America within the auto industry.

 

Not all vehicle flaws are associated with the paint itself, vehicle design and weathering will

impact the vehicle's finish.

 

It is our opinion that the automaker, auto dealer and consumer should not receive a vehicle painted

below the automaker's film thickness specifications of any of the four layers that comprise a vehicle's finish.

 

We have analyzed the film thickness data of over 11,000 vehicles and

have found that the measurements are below the automakers' specifications.

 

Low film thickness will cause paint failures.

 

Investigation summarized in press releases:

Billions Discovered for Recovery by Automakers

and

New Books Reveal Vehicle Paint Quality Flaws Associated with Outsourcing

 

A quick internet search for the following:

 

Toyota Paint Problems, Toyota Paint Peeling

Ford Paint Problems, Ford Paint Peeling

GM Paint Problems, GM Paint Peeling

Chrysler Paint Problems, Chrysler Paint Peeling

Honda Paint Problems, Honda Paint Peeling

Nissan Paint Problems, Nissan Paint Peeling

 

will return results back in the millions.

 

Public Interest best served by a "Truth in Finish Disclosure"

with the purchase of any vehicle.

 

The automakers trust their suppliers.

 

Automakers, Auto Dealers and Consumers should receive a finish painted to their specifications....

[2010 Sport Blue SEL]

I had a minor paint problem with my 2010 Fusion SEL. The bottoms of all four doors were not painted with the blue top coat, only primed and clear coated. The greenish tinted primer was clearly evident. It was painted and clear coated under warranty.

[DJE]

I see you are in FLA. You could have problems with sun, heat and salty air. Keeping a good coat of wax, like you do will help, but if you park at the beach, your gonna have salt problems. Sometime worse than salted roads up north.

[akirby]

It's also possible that someone detailed the car with a power buffer and took off the clearcoat. Especially if it's on a corner area where two panels meet. Very common. Factory paint problems are usually in hard to reach areas like door bottoms or cover large areas, not small spots. It's certainly possible but with a used car you just don't know what was done previously.