Paint Quality / Chips & Flaws

[rhskinny]

I was wondering if anyone else has noticed how easy their paint is chipping on these new trucks. I have about 2700 km ( 1600 miles ) on mine and there are about 6 chips in the paint. I would understand if the chips were showing up on the rocker panels or behind the wheels, but my chips are in places that should not have been directly hit by a stone, such as above tail light ( on side ), the fuel door etc. I talked to my service manager and he has yet to hear of this complaint or seen any bulletins regarding this issue. I know my paint will eventually show wear and tear over time, but am concerned how many chips there are at such low milage. Is there a way the paint can be tested to see if it is the correct thickness etc ? Unfortuneately I think GM only warranties their paint for corrosion. I am hoping to take the truck over to the dealer tommorrow to let them take a look at it.

[acfirst05]

The paint is the one thing I am not very happy with on my new truck, but it isn't just GM, most car companies have bad paint these days. Due to EPA standards, car companies don't use the same paint or paint processes they used to. Everything is water-based now and it seems it is done in fewer layers.

 

I had similar problems with paint chips on my front end (couple of big ones, lots of smaller ones) which is why I bought some Dr. ColorChip, fixed the rock chips and got the 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection film installed on the front end. I am very happy with it so far.

[acfirst05]

Not going to argue, but it isn't just GM. Whatever the reason, many of the other American and Japanese auto makers have horrible paint these days too. My 91 BMW has better paint (and still original) than anything sitting on the car lots today.

[MikeNH]

Everything I've had since my 03 Silvy has had crap paint. The Tacoma was the worst, the Subaru was barely better and the 2011 is the best of the three but that says very little.

[Wysilverado]

The EPA has everything to do with paint quality and have continued to make the manufacturers take the solids out of paint and has resulted in less durable paint. They've steered everyone towards waterborne and although it lasts much longer without fading, its thin and prone to chipping. Not just a GM issue for sure.

[Cmillerjr]

This is totally false! EPA has nothing to do with GM using cheaper "water based" paint on the 2014 1500 crew cabs.

 

Agreed, the EPA regs has nothing to do with the chips. The EPA regulates the paint, the clear is still the same, and it's over the paint.

 

I also agree that the quality is horrible, I have 5-6 chips in my hood too. Maybe they are spreading the clear too thin, not as many coats to cut costs.

 

I used the Dr. colorchip stuff too. It worked pretty good, had to do a few coats to get the depth to not just cover but fill in the chips. I'm putting a ventshades aero skin deflector on to keep the rocks and salt off the hood.

[Wysilverado]

Paint and Clear are both strictly regulated .I've been in the Autobody industry for 25yrs. The EPA is constantly making Paint Manufacturers reduce harsh chemical contents at the cost of durability. GM's paint from Factory to Factory is the same ..... Victory Red from Lordstown is the same as from the Mexico truck plant. I can only go from experience and information we get from PPG/Dupont.All I can say is get used to chipping paint because Waterborne is here to stay from the Factory. Our PPG/Dupont Urethane Clears/paint is much more durable than Factory Waterborne but still less durable than 5-10 years ago.

[Wysilverado]

i wouldn't have a clue where to find it. Just know what trickles down the line from our Paint Reps and constant changes in product from Regulations. Also know that since some Manufacturing has moved to Mexico the paint on the trucks have been equally as poor on each side of the border and our Reps claim the Paint supplied to the GM Truck plants are the same. Thats all I got for you! Sorry !

[Wysilverado]

I agree, there are many parts painted in different factories for the same vehicles...... I've asked the question many times and they always claim the paint supplied is the same.

[TxTruckMan]

No problem. People are always throwing out the "EPA requires it" urban legend when it is strictly a cost cutting decision to use cheap paint on imported vehicles by GM. EPA regs cover domestic manufacturing and has no jurisdiction in Mexico.

IT'S THE SAME PAINT AT ALL FACTORIES!!!! Do you really think that GM is going to let the Mexico plant mix/buy their own paints to circumvent the EPA specs on 1 line? GM ships them the same identical paint, just like all the other parts.

[Aaron1085]

2014 Sierra SLT in Summit White color and noticed a ton of orange "rust" on my tailgate.

 

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[music]

All you will ever care to know: http://www.slideshare.net/joelchirima/automotive-paints-and-coatings

 

Environmental regulations have resulted in a huge drop in VOC content for commercial paints (Fig 1.8). GM doesn't manufacture paint, so blaming them is a bit silly. I've been lucky, I guess, since my '08 has fewer chips @ 58k miles than my '99 did. In fact, our Toyota Sienna has the worse paint of any car we've had, w/ regard to chipping. Although my old Accord had harder paint, it sure didn't hold up very well (clear fogged and peeled). Even the clear on my '99 GMC bubbled a little near the edges of the roof. I'll take a few chips, if the color holds.