What does fisheye refer to in paint defects?

• A. Small craters in paint caused by contamination
• B. A type of orange peel texture
• C. A uniform, wrinkle-free finish
• D. A glossy, smooth application

Answer: (A)

Fisheye describes small crater‑like pits in the paint that form when the surface isn’t wetted properly due to contamination. If a contaminant such as silicone, oil, wax, or residue remains on the substrate, the paint film cannot flow evenly and pulls away around the spot, creating round holes. You’ll often see a circular crater with a clear center where the film didn’t adhere. The fix is to ensure a completely clean, contaminant‑free surface before painting—degrea se the area, remove wax or silicone residues, use silicone‑free cleaners, and wipe with a tack cloth to verify it’s clean and dry.

Orange peel, by contrast, is a textured surface like an orange rind, not holes. A uniform, wrinkle‑free finish and a glossy, smooth application describe an ideal result or an absence of defects, not fisheye.