Paint chipping
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Nice looking car but ceramic coating does nothing for the chipping the OP is referring to. It happens because two body panels are literally rubbing against each other.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 750
Likes: 137
From: Texas
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
It’s most likely the common fitment issues of the C7s . I doubt it but it may have been painted before. Check the color match or the texture of the clear coat of different body panels just in case. Check for rough edges on body panels, I’m a painter so maybe a couple things to look for to see if it’s been painted.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 569
From: MSP
Everyone loves to point out how the corvette punches in above its price class. This is how.
Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 15,266
Likes: 4,207
From: Northern Illinois
2023 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
I think a lot has to do with water based paints these days can't offend the EPA or environment so we get crappy paints
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 569
From: MSP
automotive paint hasn't really gone anywhere at a basic level since some 30 years ago. it's a multi-component ordeal that uses toxic solvents to speed curing. sure we have low VOC, but the only real meaningful impact there beyond environment damage is the cure time. high VOC paints aren't intrinsically more durable to a level worth mentioning.
regardless, even back in the good old days of lead based paint, if you rub two panels together on a pivot such as between the hood and the bumper, the paint is gonna chip. doesn't really have anything to do with modern paints, it's more of an issue of panel gaps being measured in millimeters these days instead of thumbs.
Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 15,266
Likes: 4,207
From: Northern Illinois
2023 Corvette of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
St. Jude Donor '18 thru '25
I would thinking the prep beneath would be important no matter what paint. In terms of the headlight area and a few others I agree no paint can survive poorly gapped surfaces... rubbing is racing but rubbing is also chipping lol
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 569
From: MSP
certainly, surface prep is widely regarded as "most of the work" when it comes to painting, how is that relevant to water-based paints or the EPA though?