Bonnet paintwork

[blueheaduk]

So I've hit approx 10k miles now in my GTI (Deep black pearl) and on close inspection today while washing I noticed a lot of very small white flecks. I thought at first it was dust but they wont wash off and seems very much like chipped paint! The more I look for them the more I'm finding, particularly on the front of the vehicle.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is this normal for a VW/GTI!? Seems like the paint is super thin and delicate! For only 10,000 miles I wouldn't expect to see this much - if it keeps up my bonnet will be one big white blob in a few years time!

-Greg

[caprigreen]

So I've hit approx 10k miles now in my GTI (Deep black pearl) and on close inspection today while washing I noticed a lot of very small white flecks. I thought at first it was dust but they wont wash off and seems very much like chipped paint! The more I look for them the more I'm finding, particularly on the front of the vehicle.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is this normal for a VW/GTI!? Seems like the paint is super thin and delicate! For only 10,000 miles I wouldn't expect to see this much - if it keeps up my bonnet will be one big white blob in a few years time!

-Greg

I have heard that the paint seems to chip easily, that's why I ordered white as I intend keeping the car for a while and will not show the chips as much.

[mcmaddy]

White doesn't hide the chips any better as the undercoat is grey on the bodywork and black on plastic parts. Nothing will stop stone chips unfortunately and no car is better or worse.

[Booth11]

So I've hit approx 10k miles now in my GTI (Deep black pearl) and on close inspection today while washing I noticed a lot of very small white flecks. I thought at first it was dust but they wont wash off and seems very much like chipped paint! The more I look for them the more I'm finding, particularly on the front of the vehicle.

Has anyone else had this problem? Is this normal for a VW/GTI!? Seems like the paint is super thin and delicate! For only 10,000 miles I wouldn't expect to see this much - if it keeps up my bonnet will be one big white blob in a few years time!

-Greg

Are you sure they're paint chips?  I only ask as a few weeks ago I noticed the same as you describe on my mk6 DBP, mainly on bonnet but also in other areas.  They were tiny white flecks a couple mm long.  But, though apparently bonded to the paintwork, some came off when flicked with a fingernail.  In the end I decontaminated with tar and iron remover, clayed and polished the car and they've gone. 

[caprigreen]

White doesn't hide the chips any better as the undercoat is grey on the bodywork and black on plastic parts. Nothing will stop stone chips unfortunately and no car is better or worse.

I would say that the contrast is more noticeable on darker colours but no colour hides then , agreed .

[mcmaddy]

It looks like dead flies/insects on white until you come to wash it and then realise you're down to the undercoat.

[virginVWman]

I also have DBP effect and its awesome when its immaculate! But my bonnet after 14k miles in 10 months is f*cked!!!!! It annoys me to no end

[fredgroves]

I've got loads on mine too, so have everyone else I know with a Mk7 - doesn't matter what colour it seems, none of the paint colours seem any harder or less likely to chip.

Have to say I've never noticed this many chips so quickly on a new car - I've done 5k in mine and it looks like someone has fired a shot gun at it

[JoeGTI]

White doesn't hide the chips any better as the undercoat is grey on the bodywork and black on plastic parts. Nothing will stop stone chips unfortunately and no car is better or worse.

Not sure about that. Mine is white and with almost 10k miles there isn't a single stone chip on the bonnet or the bumper. I've picked up a couple of pin-prick sized ones on the front wings but they're barely visible against the surrounding white. My MK6 was also white and I also found it very resilient. Previous cars I owned were all dark metallics and were a nightmare.

[JoeGTI]

White doesn't hide the chips any better as the undercoat is grey on the bodywork and black on plastic parts. Nothing will stop stone chips unfortunately and no car is better or worse.

Not sure about that. Mine is white and with almost 10k miles there isn't a single stone chip on the bonnet or the bumper. I've picked up just a couple of pin-prick sized ones on the front wings but they're barely visible against the surrounding white. My MK6 was also white and I also found it very resilient. Previous cars I owned were all dark metallics and were a nightmare.