Attached is two pics of this abomination to the front of my car! I am lost as to what has caused this? Any ideas?

Andrew

Why do you find it so difficult to think of something? I mean it's right at the front bumper where it could have met virtually anything while travelling...

Once though I remember doing this to my old Saxo, at almost that very same point, when I approached more close than I should with the high pression water hose!

Been one or two incidents of paint lifting off front bumpers that I've seen on the Forum and our previous Fabia II had the bonnet resprayed under warranty, after the top paint layer started to lift and flake in patches exposing the base coats.

TP

Looks like paint problem, there's no way it should come off in a patch like that unless it's had something on the bumper while being sprayed? Bit of oil residue from something in the factory

get advice from your local body shop befour you go to the dealer.

bill

I am hoping it isn't a paint problem, but it does look like it has just flaked off!! Didn't happen when last pressure washed and don't think stones etc. have caused it. Will consult a body shop for some advice.

Yep looks like a paint problem IMO , so don't need a dink to start the peeling problem once its starts its unlikely to stoop take it in, also pop into a spray shop for second opinion

It's poor paint adhesion,caused by a fault in the painting process at the factory.(More likely to happen on plastic,like here,than metal.)

It's a warranty claim for certain,bumper should be totally repainted.Don't let the dealer fob you off with it not being warranty.

Press down in the centre of paintless patch and see if you can get your fingernail under any of the edges. If you can it's a paint adhesion problem.

I have seen something similar known to be caused by a towbar in a supermarket car park riding up over the bumper.

Press down in the centre of paintless patch and see if you can get your fingernail under any of the edges. If you can it's a paint adhesion problem.

I have seen something similar known to be caused by a towbar in a supermarket car park riding up over the bumper.

Tried that. I wasn't able to get my fingernail under the paint exactly, but could peel more paint off, if that's what you meant? Obviously didn't try too much at the risk of making it worse.

Tried that. I wasn't able to get my fingernail under the paint exactly, but could peel more paint off, if that's what you meant? Obviously didn't try too much at the risk of making it worse.

Yes. You've confirmed it was a defect in the paint and this will be covered by warranty. Go to the dealer and do the same in front of them.

How old is the car?

How old is the car?

It's a 61 plate, registered in September 11. I bought it in June.

It's a 61 plate, registered in September 11. I bought it in June.

That is to say I bought it in June this year 2012.

No reason for paint to fail THAT early!

No reason for paint to fail THAT early!

You would think! I guess I don't know for sure what has caused it, but can't think of anything that would make the paint flake like that. There is no sign of any impact on the bumper.

I had to have a new wheel arch on my Monte because the paint started to peel away from the edges, all done under warranty at about 9 months old. Would have been done sooner but I couldn't let them have the car for 2 days during the winter months to allow sufficient time for the adhesive to bond, I waited until it was warmer :-)

A few Octavia owners have suffered from this too, all fixed under warranty, they were white as well...

Attached is two pics of this abomination to the front of my car! I am lost as to what has caused this? Any ideas?

Andrew

I'm not an expert but I'm led to believe plastic bumpers are coated with a two part catalysed lacquer for better adhesion while the steel body is usually finished in nitro cellulose or some other chemistry and that's why you might just be able to spot a small colour variation sometimes. It is just possible the bumper may have been painted with the same body paint in which case it will need to be completely stripped back to plastic or the problem will pop up again. If under guarantee ask what method they will use as no good without a cat lacquer on plastic! A half decent body shop will either confirm or deny what I say but pretty sure it goes something like that. Good luck whatever though.

Thanks for all the replies. Some useful info to go on.

Talk to a Traditional & Professional Body shop before your visit to the dealership would be my advice.

(I was a Car Sprayer)

Just to confirm what you already know & the Dealerships Workshop Manager should,

faulty Preparation or Products.

It is a Warranty Job, & not a quick touch up.

Replace the Part with new, full Preparation and match,

or

a quality 'stripping of the Finish on the parts fitted now & full Preparation & Finish.

(Get the Paint Finish Properly Checked on the rear bumper.)

Not needing a 'Chips Away' or Magic Repair of the Effected Area Only!!

Full Paint Shop Job required. IMO.

There should be no Cellulose on your car unless it was given a Repair after its original build.

That should not be at the factory but can be after its Arrival from 'Transit' into the UK, or before Delivery to you..

They do not use 'VOC's' (Volatile Organic Compounds) anymore to Spray cars from New. Not VAG anyway.

I do still use Cellulose or Traditional Two Pack to Respray/refinish or repair, as i am not a fan of 'Water Based Two Pack.'

george

PS, i had paint damage in almost the same area, just not long after i had repaired stone damage.

that was done on mine by someone with a bike or shopping trolley.

It did not go through to my primer which i applied & is now Grey, but was originally White from the factory on a Red vRS.

Just an update on this, if anyone's interested...

Heard back from Skoda yesterday and a fix under warranty has been approved. They're going to strip the bumper and re-spray.

So good news!

They,

as in Skoda to the standard factory finish or some Car re-finisher' and SKODA are paying..

It should probably get a better finish at some Spray Shop.

If you find it does not last well after being 'stripped, prepared and resprayed'.

Just demand that Skoda Provide a new panel.

Infact, if you want,

demand they provide a brand new panel prepared to match your paint code which can be replaced and not require your vehicle going to some 'Refinisher',

just into a SKODA Dealership to be fitted.

1-2 hours and done.

Just do not accept any messing about,

get a courtesy car provided and the car should look as new at the front when returned.

No dust or over spray anyplace around the Engine bay.

Just a clean and polished/waxed front end in a perfect match.

george

The work is being carried out by a spray shop specializing in VAG cars.

I had a long chat with the dealer who was very helpful, he said that the bumper will be stripped down and then re-sprayed. All in all I am quite pleased with how the matter has been dealt with by Skoda and the dealer, but obviously will wait to see the finished result as that is main thing!

Dealer is providing me with a courtesy car. Hopefully an Octy vRS Not likely :(

So, it took them 2 whole months to approve? WOW!

Good luck with it, I hope the finished result meets or (better still) exceeds your expectations.