Poll for Those with Paint Blistering / Bubbling Defect

[Nick in Sydney]

Has anyone done this and will it prevent future blistering of paint and any other issues?
Or will doing it make things worse trapping moisture, as well as create other issues. Or is it helpful to prevent the from sun baking the paint?

PPF won't prevent blistering because the moisture isn't entering the composite panels from the painted side.
There are two scenarios:

1. Water molecules are trapped inside the composite panels during manufacturing or storage.
2. Water molecules enter the composite panels because the unpainted side wasn't sealed properly.

 

[jp129]

I have not had any paint issues.
The car was received in October of 2024.
The car is at the shop ready for a full PPF and will be spending over $5,000 to get it done.
Has anyone done this and will it prevent future blistering of paint and any other issues?
Or will doing it make things worse trapping moisture, as well as create other issues. Or is it helpful to prevent the from sun baking the paint?

I don't have firsthand experience, but there have been forum members with full PPF with paint blistering. It doesn't appear that PPF will prevent this.

 

[Hethel Merman]

PPF won't prevent blistering because the moisture isn't entering the composite panels from the painted side.
There are two scenarios:

1. Water molecules are trapped inside the composite panels during manufacturing or storage.
2. Water molecules enter the composite panels because the unpainted side wasn't sealed properly.

Solution : get the inside of the panels PPFd.

 

[jp129]

I believe the challenge is that it's not well documented what's actually causing the issue. Lots of theories, from both owners and Lotus, but nothing that's been officially communicated - so preventative remedies is just a guess at this point.

 

[longdays]

Well I spoke to soon, washing the car today and noticed there’s also bubbling on the clamshell/ rear panel.

Only on one side at the moment, but I feel like it’s incredibly likely to happen on both.

My car is kept outside, previous owner kept it inside so maybe it’s age, but probably the likely culprit is not being garaged.

 

[Nick in Sydney]

View attachment 63000

Well I spoke to soon, washing the car today and noticed there’s also bubbling on the clamshell/ rear panel.

Only on one side at the moment, but I feel like it’s incredibly likely to happen on both.

My car is kept outside, previous owner kept it inside so maybe it’s age, but probably the likely culprit is not being garaged.

I'd keep a very close eye on your doors. Teijin Automotive made the doors, the rear quarters and the clamshell. You've already got blistering on 2 out of 3, so clearly there's an issue with the batch of composite panels used in your car.

 

[Tobiasz17azs]

View attachment 63000

Well I spoke to soon, washing the car today and noticed there’s also bubbling on the clamshell/ rear panel.

Only on one side at the moment, but I feel like it’s incredibly likely to happen on both.

My car is kept outside, previous owner kept it inside so maybe it’s age, but probably the likely culprit is not being garaged.

This is sad …!

 

[Lotus64]

I believe the challenge is that it's not well documented what's actually causing the issue. Lots of ctheories, from both owners and Lotus, but nothing that's been officially communicated - so preventative remedies is just a guess at this point.

The exact failure mode is unknown but exposure to moisture is a known noise factor influencing the failure mode.

 

[Man.v.Cars]

The exact failure mode is unknown but exposure to moisture is a known noise factor influencing the failure mode.

Which points to a problem in the manufacturing process ie garaging won't make a difference but may prolong the problem past warranty.

 

[Man.v.Cars]

View attachment 63000

Well I spoke to soon, washing the car today and noticed there’s also bubbling on the clamshell/ rear panel.

Only on one side at the moment, but I feel like it’s incredibly likely to happen on both.

My car is kept outside, previous owner kept it inside so maybe it’s age, but probably the likely culprit is not being garaged.

I've got that exact bubble about 8" away on the tailgate, dealer notified Lotus so waiting for a new one.