drawde

I had my hood repainted a few years back, and I had a recent rock chip (one of many) but this one is not like the others. It's right in the middle of my hood and immediately started peeling in all directions. I contacted the guy from the original body shop that painted it, was told if due to error or paint defect it is covered for life. Does that look like something that should fall under that category?

I stopped by in person and spoke with someone else (not the person i've emailed with) and they said it's normal and they can't guarantee that. He said eventually all the rock chips would peel like that. I'm no expert but I don't feel like that's right.

m a x i m u s

no, that's not right. I've had rock chips on cars for over a decade that never expanded. of course, I'm not a paint expert either, but it looks like improper surface prep to me. make them do it over.

Critter

Correct, improper surface prep, a lot of places wipe the car off and then spray. Poor adhesion between the surface and the fresh paint will no doubt blister like this.
Take a pressure washer to that spot and you will probably strip off that panel with ease ,
That paint shop is trying to BS you.

Mort

I agree that is a result of poor preparation. They should fix that under their warranty without question.

Diabolis

Paint should never peel off no matter what. As others have said, that's something that shold be covered under warranty.

rediesel

Definately a defect in the paint. I had my front bumper cover replaced on my E320 once, and drove it a few weeks during the winter. Everything that touched the bumper chipped it, and a trip to the car wash (to remove the salt) made the paint flake off. Dealer repainted the bumper and said there was something wrong with the primer.

Critter

Yes if the bumper was not painted with products that contain or have "flex agent" in them then the paint is too brittle. When the bumper is subjected to stone impact or movement then the paint will chip off.