Hello Everyone!!!
I have been viewing this forum for the past few years, and finally I joined (ok ,ok, I know…a few years late!)
Anyway, I just got around to starting the paint and bodywork on my Fiero, and I have noticed that there are little cracks (they look like spider webs) in the paint on the front fascia, and they don’t want to go away! I have washed the car with wax and grease remover, scuffed the whole car and washed again with wax and grease remover again. I am using Sherwin-Williams brand Base/Clear in a charcoal gray. Primer, paint and prep chemicals are all from the same manufacturer and in the same paint system. I have been able to hide the lines, but if I touch the panel, they instantly re-appear in the new paint. Has anyone ever had to deal with this problem?

I have the same problem with the front and rear.

if you used the search, you would find all the cars get this. it is not a rare thing.
your only fix is to sand off all the paint and old prime down to the plastic, reprime with the correct primer and repaint.

I think there are a few threads on the correct primers to use for the fascias.

I use automotive paint on my models ( yes I make models for a living...no seriously someone pays me to make models of stuff). All I can say is on any surface that shows cracks either from wear, age, or crazing the ONLY way to get rid of it is to sand it down to the orignal surface under the primer and start over. In paint there are not sort cuts. It is either right or wrong, and when your wrong it shows. So sand away folks. Also don't use a DA on the facia unless you enjoy having it faceted like a diamond.

Welcome to the forum.When I had my car painted,they told me that the fine spider cracks in the front and rear bumper should be repaired or they will come back when painted.I agree with tjm4fun to strip the paint off.Just remember that paint can change color over the years (darker) and you'll have new paint and older paint.
http://www.autobody101.com/

Yep, you must sand it completely down to raw urathane or it will always come back. Also possible when you get there, you might have to fill some spots with thin layer of FLEXIBLE filler (made for urathane bumpers). Then primer and paint and you should be fine.

welcome too Curlrup, another newbie that knows something. I would say the same thing " ( Also don't use a DA on the facia unless you enjoy having it faceted like a diamond. ) " I showed a girl how to sand it on a GT and only took her 3 hours to get ALL the paint off handsanding it.
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Owner / Operator Custom Paint and Body...
specializing in Corvette & Higher End Autos for 40+ years Ferrari, Mercedes and Porsche Approved

[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 04-04-2007).]

I was afraid of this…but I can’t say that I didn’t see it coming. Thanks guys!

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: Yep, you must sand it completely down to raw urathane or it will always come back.....

The reason for doing this is that your new paint is only as good as the surface you are painting over. If you have a damaged old surface, you'll have a shiny damaged new surface. What you are doing is to remove any damaged paint ( cracked ) and starting over with your paint. When you have the paint all stripped off, you'll need to check carefully to make sure that you don't have any fractures in the cover itself as any cracks or fractures will again show through the new paint. Using the flexible filler as Roger suggested will repair those cracks ( after you groove them out and prep properly ) so your paint is sprayed on a smooth surface.

Drop us a few pics and if you need any other help, let us know.

Mark the paint guy
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[This message has been edited by Firefox (edited 04-04-2007).]