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Fisheye & Crater Defects in Paint

Fisheyes are a painter's nightmare. Identify the contamination source and eliminate it for good.

Emergency: (877) 489-3727Start Diagnosis

What You're Experiencing

Small circular craters (fisheyes) are forming in the wet paint film, exposing the underlying surface. These defects occur because the paint is being...

Visual Signs:

  • Small circular depressions in wet paint (1-6mm diameter)
  • Craters that expose the primer or substrate
  • Ring-like appearance around each defect
  • Multiple fisheyes clustered in certain areas
  • Defects appearing shortly after paint application
  • Pattern may follow air movement or spray pattern

Safety Risks — Read Before Proceeding

medium(NFPA 33)

Solvent-based cleaning products in enclosed booth

Action: When using solvents to remove contamination, ensure proper ventilation and follow safety protocols.

Immediate Steps to Take

  1. 1

    Stop painting immediately - fisheyes will continue until contamination is removed

  2. 2

    Identify if defects appear everywhere or in specific areas

  3. 3

    Check compressed air quality - spray through a white cloth or paper

  4. 4

    Review what was used to clean/prep the surface

  5. 5

    Consider what silicone/oil products are used in your shop

  6. 6

    Check if mixing equipment and spray guns are clean

  7. 7

    Test paint on a clean test panel to rule out material contamination

Common Causes

Here are the most likely reasons you're experiencing this problem, ranked by how often we see them.

Silicone Contamination

common

Silicone from waxes, polishes, mold releases, or lubricants has contaminated the surface or spray environment. Silicone is the most common cause of fisheyes.

Oil Contamination

common

Oils from compressed air, hands, lubricants, or machinery have contaminated the surface being painted.

Contaminated Compressed Air

common

The compressed air supply contains oil or water that is being sprayed with the paint.

Surface Preparation Failure

occasional

Residual wax, polish, or cleaning products remain on the surface after prep, or incorrect solvent was used.

Cross-Contamination from Shop

occasional

Silicone or oil-based products used elsewhere in the shop are being carried into the paint booth on clothing, tools, or air.

Paint Material Contamination

rare

The paint itself or hardener/reducer is contaminated. May be from dirty mixing equipment or contaminated containers.

Interactive Diagnostic Tool

Fisheye Contamination Source Diagnostic

Step 1 of 5

Do fisheyes appear on every panel/vehicle you paint?

If unsafe at any point: For persistent fisheye problems, call WERCS at (877) 489-3727 for booth contamination assessment and decontamination service.

When to Call WERCS

While some issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, these situations require professional service:

  • Fisheyes persist after surface prep improvements
  • You cannot identify the contamination source
  • Compressed air system needs professional service
  • Booth may need decontamination cleaning
  • Problem is causing significant rework/warranty costs
  • Need recommendations for contamination prevention

Priority Service Available

(877) 489-3727

Expert technicians nationwide

Fisheye & Crater Defects in Paint FAQ

Common questions about this issue

Fisheyes are caused by surface contamination that repels the paint, usually silicone or oil. Common sources include: contaminated compressed air, silicone-based waxes and polishes not fully removed during prep, oil from hands or machinery, silicone spray lubricants used in the shop, and cross-contamination on clothing or tools. The paint literally cannot wet the contaminated spot.
Fisheye eliminator additives can mask minor contamination by lowering the paint's surface tension, but they do not address the root cause. Relying on eliminators allows contamination to build up and eventually overwhelm the additive. Fix the contamination source first, then use eliminator only as a safety net if needed.
Silicone contamination is very difficult to remove. For surfaces, use a strong wax and grease remover followed by a second wipe with clean solvent. For booth walls and equipment, thorough cleaning with appropriate solvents is required. In severe cases, WERCS can provide professional booth decontamination services.
Intermittent fisheyes typically indicate surface contamination rather than environmental. Vehicles that were recently waxed, detailed, or treated with protectant products are most susceptible. Improve your surface prep - multiple wipes with wax/grease remover, and pay attention to edges and crevices where contamination hides.

Have a question not answered here?

Call us at (877) 489-3727

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