Paint problem

[Jeremy]

My Emira is at a Lotus dealer waiting for wrapping and ceramic coating, the dealer and the person applying the ceramic coating has said that they are not happy with the paint on the front of the car, anyone else had this problem, awaiting a response from Lotus!

 

[VL3X]

My Emira is at a Lotus dealer waiting for wrapping and ceramic coating, the dealer and the person applying the ceramic coating has said that they are not happy with the paint on the front of the car, anyone else had this problem, awaiting a response from Lotus!

Welcome to the forum @Jeremy!

There have been quite a few reports of the factory paint being extremely soft resulting in light scratches and swirls right away. A few have reported bubbling in some areas as well, typically when kept under a cover that's gotten wet for some time.

 

[Johnson]

What does “not happy” mean? Poor finish? Thickness? Bubbling?

 

[dgrace]

This is like all the "I hear a funny noise" posts that don't include a video so we can hear it. Cmon people!

 

[lion shf]

Just get a Re spray on the parts that need it easy peasy. Easy to match cause the car is brand new

 

[SlavaUkraini]

Just get a Re spray on the parts that need it easy peasy. Easy to match cause the car is brand new

There goes the cars value! And on whose dime?

 

[lion shf]

There goes the cars value! And on whose dime?

If they do a good job should be non issue

 

[Evotion]

It is a real head scratcher. Some cars seen worse/better than others despite them all running through the same process. The lacquer applied after the paint seemed a bit dubious. Before I had mine PPF'd and ceramic coated the paint did look flawed and already had two little chips and a scratch.

Other cars seem fine though but perhaps until an owner takes their car to a detailer they might not actually spot any issues.

As mentioned, one could let the blemishes build up and then rectify rather than forking out on expensive protection.

 

[RO62GER]

I picked my Emira up this week, on collection it had quite a few light scratches on the bonnet and wings. The dealer said they will polish out easily, which he proceeded to do, but it has left faint swirl marks on the polished area that are visible in sunlight. So the paint does appear to be very soft. The paint is very new at the moment and I'm wondering if owners who have had their cars a few month have noticed if the paint hardens as it cures. From what I've read about the painting process, it can take upto 3 month for paint to fully cure, so its recommended that specialist coatings are not applied until the paint is 3 months old. Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

[Nick in Sydney]

Just get a Re spray on the parts that need it easy peasy. Easy to match cause the car is brand new

No. These complex colours like Nimbus are not going to be easy to match at all.

 

[Sebbie]

The paint is very thin, i had min fully wrapped and coated, they removed the Stock PPF at the back and some paint went off, tho it was under the car and not visible, thankfully, poooor paintjob tbh

 

[brightoncorgi]

Paint adds weight. If you can save a liter of paint, the car will handle better.

 

[Briggo]

I have Nimbus/Black pack and paint quality on mine is fine. I have had the car PPF'd and ceramic coated and have had it for 3m's and all good so far....

 

[VL3X]

I have Nimbus/Black pack and paint quality on mine is fine. I have had the car PPF'd and ceramic coated and have had it for 3m's and all good so far....

How are the black pack bits holding up? Any noticeable swirling?

 

[Briggo]

How are the black pack bits holding up? Any noticeable swirling?

Not so far. The side skirts have PPF as do the front pillars and small front section of roof. I am being extra carefull with cleaning the roof and think I may get the roof fully PPF'd at t some point but so far so good!