What Is Lacquer Peel, And How Is It Repaired?

You’re washing your car on a sunny Saturday, and you notice that the glossy shine isn’t so glossy anymore; small patches of the clear layer are flaking or peeling away. That, right there, could well be lacquer peel, and it’s more common than many realise.  

At A.T. Launder Coachworks, we see this type of damage quite often, and we’re here to explain exactly how to fix lacquer peel on a car, why it happens, and when you should trust the experts (that’s us) to restore your paintwork.  

If you’re worried about peeling clear coat, please give us a call on 0208 464 9399 or email . We’re ready to help. 

What Is Lacquer Peel? 

Lacquer peel, also known as apparent coat failure, refers to the process where the topmost transparent protective layer of a car’s paintwork begins to lift, flake, or craze away from the coloured base coat underneath. Instead of a smooth, glossy finish, you may see small cracks, blistering, or patches where the lacquer has separated. 

This clear coat layer protects your paint from UV rays, road grime, chemical exposure, and minor scratches. When it fails, not only does your car lose its sheen, but the exposed base coat (or even bare metal) becomes vulnerable. Over time, that can lead to rust or more serious paint degradation. 

Why Does Lacquer Peel Happen? 

Understanding the causes helps you prevent them in the first place: 

1. Sun & UV exposure – Prolonged sunlight gradually breaks down the clear coat, making it brittle. 
2. Poor maintenance – Harsh detergents, automatic car washes with abrasive brushes, or neglecting wax/sealant can weaken the lacquer. 
3. Low-quality previous paint jobs – If the clear coat was applied poorly (using the wrong thinner, too thick, or incompatible materials), it may not adhere correctly. 
4. Environmental stress – Bird droppings, road salt, and chemical contaminants can wear away at the clear coat’s bond. 
5. Temperature or application defects – When lacquer is sprayed too thickly or drying conditions are poor (too hot, too cold, or improper gun pressure), it may not cure correctly and can peel later. 

How To Fix Lacquer Peel On A Car: The Professional Repair Process

Here at A.T. Launder Coachworks, we follow a careful, multi-stage process to restore panels affected by lacquer peel. If you’d like to get this done properly, here’s what happens: 

1. Assessment & Preparation

• We inspect the damaged area closely to determine the extent of the peeling, whether it’s just a surface clear coat or if the base coat is compromised. 

• Surrounding parts are precisely masked off to prevent overspray. 

2. Sanding The Damaged Area

• Using progressively finer grit sandpapers (for example, 320 grit, then up to 800 or more), we gently remove all the peeling lacquer until the panel is smooth. 

• The edges of the peeling are feathered to avoid a harsh “step” where the old clear meets the sound paint. 

3. Cleaning & Degreasing

• After sanding, we thoroughly clean the area using degreasers or panel wipes to remove any contaminants. This ensures good adhesion for the new layers. 

4. Applying Primer (If Necessary)

• If the base coat or even bare metal is exposed, we may apply a thin primer to protect the surface and promote adhesion. 

5. Re-PaintingTheColour Coat

• Once primed (if needed), we reapply the base colour (matched precisely to your car), using fine, controlled spray techniques for a seamless finish. 

6. Clear Coat Application

• We spray several thin coats of high-quality clear lacquer, allowing proper flash times between each layer. 

• The finish is carefully built to match the factory spec and maintain durability. 

7. Curing & Polishing

• After the new clear has cured, we wet-sand with wonderful grit (e.g., 1500–2000), then polish to restore the smooth gloss. 

• The final inspection ensures that the repaired area blends seamlessly with the surrounding panels. 

How Can You Fix Lacquer Peel On A Car Yourself?

• DIY kits (like touch-up or aerosol lacquer) can work for minor spots. 

• However, you must carefully sand, clean, mask, and apply lacquer evenly; otherwise, results can look patchy, and there’s a risk of further damage. As noted by car-care guides, doing it incorrectly may require you to return to a professional later. 

• For larger or more severe peeling, it’s much safer and more reliable to trust a body shop like ours. 

Preventing Lacquer Peel In Future

To avoid ending up with this problem again, consider these proactive steps: 

• Regular washing & waxing – Wash with gentle, pH-balanced car shampoo and wax every few months to maintain your clear coat’s protection. 

• Safe parking – Park in shade or use a car cover to reduce UV exposure. 

• Use high-quality products – avoid harsh chemicals; opt for cleaners and polishes designed explicitly for automotive finishes. 

• Early touch-ups – If you spot a scratch or chip, address it promptly before peeling begins. 

Why Trust A.T. Launder Coachworks With Your Lacquer Peel Repair?

• We have 50+ years of car body repair experience in Bromley and Kent, delivering precise, high-quality work. 

• Our technicians use factory-trained skills and advanced tools, ensuring a durable and flawless finish. 

• We offer insurance-approved repairs and provide a free, no-obligation estimate so you know exactly what to expect (both work and cost). 

• We care about long-term results: the restored lacquer is professionally cured and polished to match the original factory gloss. 

Conclusion :

Lacquer peel might not be the most glamorous car issue, but it’s one we know how to tackle, thoroughly restoring both shine and protection. At A.T. Launder Coachworks, our experienced team can assess, repair, and refinish your car to make it look as good as new. Don’t let peeling lacquer spoil your vehicle’s appearance (or its value).  

Call us on 0208 464 9399 or email us at  for your free estimate.