Orange Peel on Car Paint | Causes and How to Fix Paint Orange Peel

Orange peel paint is a common flaw in a car’s finish where the surface looks bumpy, much like the skin of an orange. The orange peel paint texture happens when the paint doesn’t spread evenly during application, creating tiny waves that catch light unevenly. You might notice it on your car’s hood or doors under bright sunlight, making the finish look less than perfect.

How to Spot Orange Peel on Your Car

Look closely at your car’s paint in direct light or under a garage lamp. If the surface seems to ripple or show uneven reflections, you’re likely seeing orange peel. It’s most common on repainted panels, like a fender after a repair, but even new cars from the factory can have this issue.

What Causes Orange Peel in Car Paint?

Several mistakes during painting can lead to orange peel on the car paint. Here are some of the main causes of orange peel in automotive paint:

1. Improper Spray Gun Settings: If the spray gun’s pressure is too low or the nozzle is wrong, paint sprays unevenly, leaving a bumpy finish.
2. Thick Paint Mix: Paint that’s too thick or viscous doesn’t flow smoothly, causing ripples as it dries.
3. Wrong Thinner or Hardener: Using a thinner or hardener that doesn’t match the room’s temperature can make paint dry too fast or too slow.
4. Rushed Drying Time: If earlier paint layers aren’t fully dry before adding more, the surface stays uneven.
5. Too Much Paint: Spraying too much paint at once, or holding the gun too far, creates a heavy, wavy coat.
6. Poor Surface Prep: Skipping sanding or cleaning before painting leaves dust or scratches that show through.

Why Factory and Repainted Cars Are Prone to Orange Peel

Factory-painted cars, like a new Toyota or BMW, sometimes have orange peel because automated spray systems prioritize speed over perfection. High-end brands like Ferrari or Rolls-Royce, with hand-painted finishes, can also show orange peel if painters rush the job. 

Repainted panels, such as a door fixed after a scrape, often have orange peel if the body shop uses outdated techniques or skips important steps.

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How to Fix Orange Peel Paint: Step-by-Step Guide

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To smooth out orange peel, gather the following items:

•  P1500 and P3000 grit wet sandpaper, 
• a spray bottle with water, 
• a microfiber cloth,
• Degreaser,
• a dual-action polisher, 
• quick-cut polish, and a nano coating for protection. 

Step-by-Step Repair Process

Follow these steps to fix orange peel paint, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a detailer:

1. Sand the Affected Area with P1500 Grit: Wet the sandpaper and the car’s surface, like the hood or fender, with water. Sand lightly in circular motions to smooth the bumpy texture. Stop when the surface feels even, usually after 2-3 minutes.
2. Refine with P3000 Grit Sandpaper: Switch to finer P3000 grit to remove any scratches from the coarser sandpaper. Sand gently for 1-2 minutes, keeping the surface wet. This step ensures a smooth base for polishing.
3. Clean and Degrease the Surface: Wipe away sanding dust with a microfiber cloth and degreaser, like isopropyl alcohol. A clean surface prevents scratches during polishing. Check for remaining bumps before moving on.
4. Polish with a Dual-Action Polisher: Apply quick-cut polish to a foam pad on your polisher. Work in small sections, like a 2x2-foot area, using steady pressure for 1-2 minutes. 
5. Apply a Protective Coating: Finish with a nano coating, wiped on with a clean cloth, to seal the smooth finish. This coating hides minor flaws and protects against UV rays. Let it cure for 24 hours before driving.

When to Repaint Instead of Polishing

If the orange peel is too deep, affecting the color layer beneath the clear coat, polishing won’t help. In this case, sand the area to bare metal, apply primer, and repaint with a high-quality automotive paint, like PPG or Axalta. 

As a professional, I recommend getting it done by a skilled auto body shop to avoid repeating the orange peel mistake.

Can You Prevent Orange Peel Paint?

To avoid orange peel, painters should use the right spray gun settings, like 30-40 PSI for most automotive paints, and a 1.3mm nozzle for even flow. Mix paint with the correct thinner ratio, typically 2:1, and apply in thin, even coats. 

Always paint in a clean, temperature-controlled shop, around 70°F, to ensure proper drying.

DIY vs. Professional Orange Peel Correction

Pros and Cons of DIY Fixes

Fixing orange peel at home saves money, with materials costing $50-$100. You control the process, perfect for small areas like a door panel. However, without experience, you risk scratching the paint or thinning the clear coat too much.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Detailer

Professional detailers have years of experience and tools like high-speed polishers for faster, safer results. Professionals also offer warranties, ensuring lasting results.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Services

DIY repairs cost $50-$100 for supplies, plus your time, roughly 4-6 hours for a panel. Professional correction ranges from $200-$800 per panel, depending on the car’s size and damage. For severe cases or high-value cars, the investment in a pro often outweighs DIY risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Peel Paint

Is orange peel normal on the car?

Mild orange peel is common on many cars, especially mass-produced models like Ford or Nissan, due to automated painting processes. It’s a minor flaw that doesn’t affect performance but can be noticeable under bright lights. High-end cars, like Porsche, may have less due to careful hand-finishing.

Can orange peel be fixed?

Yes, orange peel can be fixed with polishing for minor cases or wet sanding for deeper flaws.  Severe cases may need a full repaint to restore a flawless finish.

Can too much pressure cause orange peel?

Using too much pressure with a spray gun can disrupt the paint’s flow, leading to uneven drying and orange peel texture. Proper settings, like 30-40 PSI, ensure a smooth coat. 

Incorrect pressure is one of the most common mistakes in rushed body shop jobs.

Is the orange peel texture permanent?

Orange peel texture isn’t permanent and can be corrected with the right techniques, like sanding and polishing. Without treatment, it stays visible, catching dust or road grit over time.

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