1. Identify the Cause:
Before you start, try to figure out *why* you have fish eye. Common culprits include:
* Silicone: This is the most frequent cause. It can come from various sources like polishes, waxes, tire shine, or even certain degreasers. It's extremely difficult to remove completely.
* Oil: Oil residue from fingerprints, improper cleaning, or leaking seals can also cause fish eye.
* Other Contaminants: Things like dust, insect repellent, or release agents can also interfere with adhesion.
2. Preparation is Key (This is the most crucial step):
* Thorough Cleaning: Wash the affected area meticulously with a high-quality car wash soap. Use a degreasing agent *specifically designed for automotive use* if you suspect oil or silicone contamination. Pay close attention to detail.
* Degreaser: After washing, use a dedicated automotive degreaser following its instructions. Let it dwell for the recommended time. Rinse thoroughly. Consider using a solvent-based degreaser designed to remove silicones, but be cautious and follow safety precautions. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
* Solvent Wipe Down: Once degreased, wipe down the surface with a tack cloth or a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with a suitable solvent like wax and grease remover. This will remove any remaining residue.
3. Repainting:
If the fish eye is minor and only in a small area, you *might* be able to sand it smooth (very lightly with very fine grit sandpaper – 2000 grit or higher) and then reapply a light coat of clear coat. However, this is only a temporary fix and might not work if the underlying issue (silicone contamination) persists.
For more significant fish eye, or if the light sanding/clear coat fix fails, you'll likely need to:
* Remove the affected paint: This may require sanding the area down to bare metal or primer, depending on the severity of the fish eye. This is best done with progressively finer grits of sandpaper.
* Properly prepare the surface: After sanding, use a suitable automotive primer, ensuring the surface is clean and free from dust.
* Repaint: Apply several thin coats of base coat and clear coat, allowing each coat to dry and flash off completely before applying the next.
4. Professional Help:
If you're not comfortable with any of these steps, especially the sanding and repainting, it's highly recommended to take your car to a professional auto body shop. They have the experience and equipment to properly address fish eye and achieve a professional-looking finish. Attempting a DIY repair without the necessary skill and tools may result in a worse outcome.
Important Considerations:
* Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a respirator, safety glasses, and gloves when working with solvents, sanding, and paint.
* Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area.
* Test Areas: Always test any cleaning solutions or products in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility and avoid damage.
Fish eye is a frustrating problem, but with careful attention to detail and preparation, you can often resolve it. Remember, prevention is better than cure; always ensure your paint surfaces are meticulously clean before applying any paint or clear coat.
