Red Devil

I washed the car last week before putting it away and did it in the garage as it was a bit chilly outside and I had the dual halogen work lights on to light up the space. Anyone ever look down the side of the car with this amount of lighting? I was surprised to see so many imperfections in the paint from the factory. Is this common on late model C6's?

R&L's C6

Yep, it's pretty common. I think a lot has to do with the composite molded body panels.

red2012

My 2012 coupe had it, the driver door had ripples in it, my 2013 GS not so, perfect all the way around.

needcheese

I am guessing you mean the orange peel. If so, this is common on all cars. The manufacturer does not buff and polish out to a smooth finish.

ProfessorDeath

When I was younger, childless, and bringing in tons of dough I had a Black Ferrari 430. It had more orange peel than my 2007 Corvette.

FortMorganAl

Actually the paint is a lot better on a C6 than it was on earlier cars, IMHO. Factory paint is factory paint. It isn't show car paint.

blue max

Hameister

Like you said, it all depends on the lighting.
When looking at my fender and hood from one angle, the paint appears to be show quality.

Now look at the left quarter panel and the roof panel.
Concentrate on the edge of the shadow where it meets the light sky reflection.
That rippled edge is orange peel.
Mine is a 2013 C6, and I've never seen a Corvette without orange peel, if you look carefully enough.
Typical factory paint, but as Mr. Morgan pointed out, it's far improved from previous years.

Not So Fast

It seems sort of sad that Chevy cant do a better job on their FLAGSHIP SUPER CAR, they are not cheap by any means but I guess it comes down to dollars and cents.
My 11 GS has some orange peel I hate to admit, and if I knew how much clear was on it I would chance color sanding, wouldn't take much I don't think but I'm chicken
NSF

Hameister

Sometimes it's smart to be chicken....don't even try it!

Not So Fast

YEP, I aint
NSF

zero11

Orange peel is a common defect on all C6's,some show it more than others.A paint tech at one of the GM plants told me they put the time and finish on the parts that show the most,hood ,roof,back hatch.My friend bought the limited edition Laguna blue C7,pricey car loaded with orange peel,so he decided to wet sand and buff,he used to it for a profession.Came out fine but would not recommend doing it.The clear on vette's is hard but not very thick,that's where the Orange peel is.

owc6

Ya all should wander over into the C7 forum. This subject is hot and heavy 24/7.

Personally, I had none to speak of on my C6s, and very little on my Stingray.