Preparation & Paint Correction2 min read

Fisheyes in Refinished Paint: A Detailing Inspection Guide

Small crater-like defects on a repainted panel should be distinguished from mineral deposits and surface contamination. Detailing can reveal the finish clearly, but it cannot establish the original spraying cause by appearance alone.

Updated · NANOLAB Knowledge

Inspect without concealing the evidence

Start with a gentle, compatible clean and dry inspection. Record whether the craters are distributed across the repaired area or concentrated around a local boundary. Do not apply glaze, wax or a coating before documenting the pattern: these can complicate the subsequent assessment of the untreated finish.

Why the repair history matters

Axalta describes fisheyes as crater-like openings and identifies several possible contamination sources. That does not mean a detailer can name a specific contaminant from a photograph. Ask what paint process was used, whether the marks were visible at delivery and which treatments were applied afterwards.

Keep contamination control practical

Separate dressing application from the preparation and paint-repair environment. Keep towels and applicators assigned to their tasks, close product containers, and avoid transferring oily residues onto a prepared panel. A silicone-free claim on one bottle does not establish that the entire workspace is uncontaminated.

Agree the repair boundary

Refer the cratered finish to the bodyshop rather than chasing it with stronger compound. Ask the repairer what correction, if any, is appropriate for that specific finish. If unaffected areas are being polished, protect the suspect area and preserve a clear record of where machine work stopped.

Frequently asked question

Should every small crater be called a fisheye?

No. Similar appearances can have different causes. Describe what is visible and obtain the refinisher’s diagnosis before assigning a cause or choosing a repair.

Technical reference