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Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive by Ron Joseph July, 2004 Solving Fish-Eye (Cratering) Paint Problems Q. I was wondering if you could might help me with a auto paint problem. Me and my partner have a new paint and body shop and we are having a fish eye problem. I understand the basics of "fish eye" but thought you might could enlighten me a bit. Thank you for your e-mail. Unfortunately, the problem of fish-eyes or cratering can be extremely difficult to identify and solve. Usually, it is caused by silicone which might be present in the form of very finely atomized particles in the air. If you are experiencing extensive fish-eyes (not just one or two, but several) then you need to do a thorough investigation to find out where the silicone or other grease particles are coming from. Look out for the hand lotions that your employees use, hair sprays, under arm deodorants, non friction lubricants, and anything else that might contain silicone. If you work in an industrial area it is possible that the contamination can come from a neighboring factory and unfortunately it might be impossible for you to identify the source. Surface preparation is always the first approach to attack this problem but if silicone is present it is very difficult to remove, because most of the degreasers and solvents that we use don't dissolve this chemical. If your problem is only mild then your paint company might supply you with a fish-eye killer, but be aware that you must not add too much to the paint or you will make the problem even worse. This is a terribly difficult problem to solve and I wish you all the best in getting to the bottom of it. Best wishes,
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