What causes fisheye?

• A. Oil, grease, or silicone contamination
• B. Water contamination
• C. Temperature variance
• D. Inconsistent drying time

Answer: (A)

Fisheye happens when something on the painted surface prevents the coating from wetting evenly. Oil, grease, or silicone contamination creates tiny spots where the paint can’t spread, so the coating pulls away around those spots and forms circular craters. These contaminants lower the surface energy locally, causing the paint to retract rather than lay down smoothly. That’s why oil, grease, or silicone contamination is the best answer—the classic cause of fisheye in automotive finishes. Water contamination can cause other defects, and temperature variance or inconsistent drying time affect film formation in different ways but don’t produce the characteristic circular fisheye pattern around a contaminant. To prevent fisheye, thoroughly clean and wipe the surface with appropriate cleaners to remove oils, waxes, and silicones before painting.