As per title: any tips for recognising a panel that has a very thin/deteriorating layer of lacquer? I have suspicions about my bonnet after it was resprayed a few months ago...

I know, I know, eventually I will buy a PTG but right now I can't justify the outlay of ~£200.

Cheers

Finding yourself going through to base-coat when polishing?

I don't think there are any other symptoms as such. It will look the same with 5 microns or 50 microns I imagine.

Um, no, haven't gone through to the base coat.

The main things I've noticed are just that the "depth" of shine seems to be very limited. The shine also seems to be a bit ... "textured" under bright lights, if that makes sense at all

The textured finish sounds like classic orange peel - a sign of poorly applied lacquer. In theory a damn good cutting back with an intensive machine polish should get to the better lacquer underneath. Probably been applied a bit thick - thats what can cause the peel look. This happens often when lacquer is applied with a rattle can, rather than a spray gun due to the poorer atomisation of the lacquer particles. There are other factors like not painting in warm conditions. I think it needs to be at least mid 20s for optimal paint application, hence why most body shops have heated spray booths.

If you're planning to cut it back hard, then wait for the paint to be at least 6 weeks old.

This happens often when lacquer is applied with a rattle can, rather than a spray gun due to the poorer atomisation of the lacquer particles.

its actually the other way around, more likely to get orange peel when using a spray gun

it is down to the clearcoat being mixed too thick/not enough thinners, some bodyshops do it on purpose because it cuts down on the chance of runs, you can put it on in slightly colder temperatures and you can put it on thicker to wet sand and buff out

As per title: any tips for recognising a panel that has a very thin/deteriorating layer of lacquer? I have suspicions about my bonnet after it was resprayed a few months ago...

I know, I know, eventually I will buy a PTG but right now I can't justify the outlay of ~£200.

Cheers

I would have thought if you asked around on Detailing World within your area someone would check for you with a PTG, FOC, if your ever around nearby your welcome to come and use mine..........

I would have thought if you asked around on Detailing World within your area someone would check for you with a PTG, FOC, if your ever around nearby your welcome to come and use mine..........

Ah thank you I shall have a look