Xeralic in car paint: causes of appearance and solutions

Term "xeralik" (from English xerallik or dry spray) is often found in discussions among professional painters, but remains a mystery to most car owners. If, after painting the body, you notice that the surface has become rough, as if covered with fine “dust” or “sand,” and dull spots appear in the sun, most likely this is it. The defect not only spoils the appearance, but also signals violations in the technology of applying paint and varnish.

Xeralic is dry spray paint, when particles of paint and varnish material do not have time to spread over the surface, but “dry up” in the air before reaching the body. As a result, instead of a smooth layer, a microrelief is formed, reminiscent of an orange peel, but with a more chaotic structure. The effect is especially noticeable on dark colors and metallics, where light is refracted unevenly, creating visual “noise.”

Many people confuse Xeralic with shagreen (standard paint texture) or dust (excess layer), but it has key differences: with dry spraying, the defect appears immediately after drying, does not depend on the thickness of the layer and more often occurs when working with acrylic enamels and HS/MS varnishes. Next, we’ll look at why this happens and how to return the body to its ideal shine.

What is xeralik: definition and mechanism of formation

Xeralic is paint defectcaused by improper paint spraying. Unlike the classic “orange peel” (which is associated with the viscosity of the material and application technique), dry spraying occurs at the stage of transfer of particles from the spray gun to the surface. The mechanism is simple:

1. The paint leaves the spray gun nozzle in the form of a fine mist.

2. If the settings (pressure, distance, temperature) are incorrect, particles lose solvent still in the air and begin to “seize”.

3. Semi-dry drops fall on the body and cannot merge into an even layer.

As a result, the surface becomes matte-rough, and upon closer examination it is clear that the paint is not in a continuous layer, but as if “powdered” with small granules. The effect increases with use quick-drying varnishes (for example, PPG D8115 or Sikkens Autoclear LV) and when working in low humidity conditions.

✅ How to distinguish Xeralic from other defects?

• 🔍 Visually: The surface looks “dusty”, without a clear texture (unlike shagreen).
• 🖐️ To the touch: When you rub your hand, you feel a slight roughness, like sandpaper. P1500.
• 💡 Under the light: The shine is uneven, with “cloudy” areas, especially on dark colors.

Reasons for the appearance of xeralik: painter mistakes and painting conditions

A defect never occurs “by itself” - it is always a consequence of a technology violation. The main reasons can be divided into 3 groups: equipment errors, incorrect materials and external factors.

🔧 1. Spray gun settings

The most common reason is incorrect air pressure or unsuitable nozzle. For example:

• 🔫 Blood pressure is higher 2.5–3 bar (for HVLP guns) leads to overspray and rapid evaporation of the solvent.
• 🎯 The nozzle is too small (e.g. 1.2 mm for base paint) - the paint is crushed into too small particles.
• 📏 The distance from the gun to the surface is more 20–25 cm (optimally 15–20 cm).

🧪 2. Problems with paints and varnishes

Not all paints and varnishes are equally forgiving of mistakes. Xeralic most often appears when working with:

• 🔥 Quick-drying varnishes (for example, Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC 480 or Standox VOC Clearcoat).
• 🌡️ Incorrectly thinned paint (too much hardener or not enough solvent).
• 🕒 Expired materials — over time, the viscosity and volatility of solvents change.

🌤️ 3. External conditions

Even ideal gun settings and the right materials will not save you if:

• 🌡️ The temperature in the box is higher 25°C (solvent evaporates too quickly).
• 💨 Humidity is lower 50% - the air “pulls” moisture out of the paint.
• 🌀 Strong drafts or drafts (for example, from open gates or ventilation).

How to remove Xeralik: methods for eliminating the defect

If the defect has already appeared, it can be corrected three ways: polishing, repainting or local correction. The choice of method depends on the degree of damage and the type of paintwork.

🔄 1. Polishing (for light cases)

If the xeralik is shallow and does not involve the base layer, it can be eliminated abrasive polishing:

• 🧽 Use a gritty paste P2000–P3000 (for example, 3M Perfect-It III or Menzerna PO203S).
• 🌀 Polish at low speed (800-1200 rpm) with plenty of moisture.
• 🔍 After polishing, apply protective wax or ceramic (e.g. Ceramic Pro 9H).

⚠️ Attention: Polishing will not help if the Xeralic has penetrated into the base coat or the paint is applied too thin. In this case, you risk rubbing the coating down to the ground.

🎨 2. Local repainting (medium degree of defect)

If the defect is noticeable only in certain areas (for example, on the hood or roof), you can repaint them without completely dismantling the parts:

1. 🧴 Matte the damaged area with sandpaper P800–P1000.
2. 🖌️ Apply 1-2 coats of base paint with the correct gun settings (pressure 2.0–2.2 bar, nozzle 1.3–1.4 mm).
3. 🔴 Let dry for 15-20 minutes and cover with varnish in 1.5-2 layers.

🚗 3. Complete repainting (severe cases)

If Xeralik has covered a large area or penetrated into deep layers, you will have to remove old coating and repaint. What's important here is:

• 🔨 Remove old paint to metal (sandblast or sander with a flap wheel).
• 🟠 Apply primer (for example, PPG DP40/DP40LF) and maintain the drying time.
• 🎨 Paint in 3 thin layers with interlayer drying for 10–15 minutes.

Remove old coating down to metal/primer|

Check the humidity and temperature in the box|

Set up the spray gun (pressure 2.0–2.2 bar, nozzle 1.3–1.4 mm)|

Use fresh materials with proper dilution|

Apply the paint in a cross-shaped motion at a distance of 15–20 cm-->

How to avoid Xeralic: prevention when painting

Treating a defect is always more difficult than preventing it. To prevent Xeralik from appearing, follow 5 key rules:

🔧 1. Correct spray gun settings

For most acrylic paints and varnishes, the optimal parameters are:

• 📊 Pressure: 2.0–2.5 bar (for HVLP guns).
• 🎯 Nozzle: 1.3–1.4 mm for the base, 1.4–1.6 mm for varnish.
• 📏 Distance to surface: 15–20 cm.

🧪 2. Material control

Always check:

• 📅 Expiration date of paint and varnish (expired materials lose elasticity).
• 🧪 Paint/solvent/hardener ratio (follow manufacturer's instructions).
• 🌡️ Temperature of materials (they should be at room temperature, 20–25°C).

🌤️ 3. Optimal conditions in the spray booth

Ideal parameters for painting:

Parameter	Optimal value	What happens if there is a violation?
Temperature	20–23°C	At >25°C - accelerated evaporation of the solvent → xeralic
Humidity	50–70%	At <50% - the air “dries” the paint in flight
Air speed	0.2–0.5 m/s	In drafts - uneven spraying
Lighting	Shadowless, 500–1000 lux	In poor light - omissions or over-dusting

👨‍🔧 4. Application technique

Experienced painters recommend:

• 🖌️ Hold a gun perpendicular surface (angle 90°).
• ➡️ Move your hand at a constant speed (about 30–40 cm/s).
• 🔄 Apply paint crosswise: first horizontally, then vertically.

⚠️ Attention: Never start painting with a dry gun! Before work blow it out it for 10-15 seconds to remove condensation and dust.

📋 5. Test spray

Before painting the main part, do test shot on a test panel (for example, a piece of metal or plastic). This will help:

• 🎯 Check the spray texture.
• 🔍 Make sure there are no “dry” particles.
• 🎨 Choose the optimal speed of hand movement.

Xeralic on different types of paints: acrylic, metallic, mother-of-pearl

Not all paint materials are equally susceptible to dry spraying. Let's look at the features for each type:

🔴 1. Acrylic enamels (1K/2K)

The most forgiving paints, but they can also produce xerallic if:

• 🔥Use quick-drying hardeners (for example, PPG D8115 with accelerator).
• 🌡️ Painting in hot conditions (above 28°C).
• 💨 Excessive air pressure (>3 bar).

✅ How to avoid: Use slow solvents (for example, PPG DT870) and reduce the pressure to 1.8–2.2 bar.

🌈 2. Metallics and pearls

These paints are particularly sensitive to dry spraying as they contain aluminum pigments, which “stand up like a house” if applied incorrectly. Xeralic on metallic appears as:

• 🔍 “Faded” spots (the pigment lies unevenly).
• 🖼️ Loss of “depth” of color (paint looks flat).

✅ How to avoid:

• 🎨 Apply base in 2–3 thin layers with interlayer drying for 5–10 minutes.
• 🌀 Use the nozzle 1.3 mm and pressure 1.8–2.0 bar.
• 🌬️ Paint in damp conditions 60–70%.

🛡️ 3. Varnishes (HS, MS, UHS)

Varnishes are most susceptible to xerallic due to their high solvent content. Particularly risky:

• 🔥 UHS varnishes (ultra-fast drying, for example, Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC 480).
• 🌡️ Lucky with low volatile matter content (MS), which require strict adherence to conditions.

✅ How to avoid:

• 📉 Reduce pressure to 1.5–1.8 bar.
• 🕒 Increase the distance to the surface to 20–25 cm.
• 💧 Use evaporation retarder (for example, PPG DX330).

Why does Xeralic appear more often on dark colors?

On dark paints (black, blue, green) the defect is more noticeable due to the contrast: the light is reflected chaotically, emphasizing the roughness. On light colors (white, silver), xeralic may not be visually noticeable, but will appear after polishing as “cloudy” spots.

Xeralic vs other defects: how not to confuse them

Newbies often confuse dry spraying with other paintwork problems. Let's look at the key differences:

🍊 1. Xeralic vs “orange peel”

Orange peel is the texture that appears due to incorrect paint viscosity or thick layer. It is uniform and “wavy”, while Xeralic looks like chaotic roughness.

🌫️ 2. Xeralic vs quail

Re-dusted - This is an excess layer of paint that “drips” or forms sagging. Xeralic, on the contrary, is associated with lack of material on the surface.

💨 3. Xeralic vs dust in paint

If visible on the surface individual particles (like tubercles), this is dust. Xeralic manifests itself as solid matte, without clear inclusions.

🔍 4. Xeralic vs uneven shine

Uneven shine (for example, after polishing) is associated with different varnish layer thicknesses. Xeralic gives solid dullness, which does not disappear after polishing.

Defect	Appearance	Reason	How to fix
Xeralic	Solid roughness, “dusty” effect	Dry spray paint	Polishing or repainting
Orange peel	Wavy texture, like citrus	High viscosity or thick layer	Polishing or grinding
Re-dusted	Sagging, smudges, thick layers	Too much paint or slow gun movement	Sanding and repainting
Dust in the paint	Individual tubercles or points	Contaminated area or materials	Sanding and polishing

Frequently asked questions about Xeralic (FAQ)

Is it possible to remove Xeralik without repainting?

Yes, but only if the defect is superficial and does not affect the base layer. In this case it will help multi-stage polishing:

1. 🧽 Sanding with sandpaper P2000–P2500 with water.
2. 🌀 Polishing with abrasive paste (for example, Menzerna PO106FA).
3. 🔴 Final polishing with a non-abrasive paste (for example, Sonax Perfect Finish).

If after polishing the dullness remains, you will have to repaint it.

Why does Xeralic appear only on some parts?

This is due to uneven painting conditions. For example:

• 🔥 The temperature on the hood is higher (it heats up from the engine) → the solvent evaporates faster.
• 💨 There may be a draft on the doors from ventilation.
• 📏 Different distances to the gun (on the roof, the painter often holds the gun further away).

Solution: paint all parts under the same conditions or use infrared dryers for even heating.

How to check if a car has Xeralic when purchasing?

Inspect the car at bright oblique light (for example, under the sun or lamp):

• 👀 Look at the reflection - if it is “blurry” or with “noise”, this is a sign of xeralism.
• 🖐️ Run your hand over the surface - it should be perfectly smooth.
• 🔍 Use a magnifying glass: with xeralics, microscopic “bumps” are visible.

Check dark and metallic cars especially carefully - the defect is more noticeable on them.

Can Xeralic appear after polishing?

No, Xeralic is paint application defectrather than polishing. However, after polishing it may become more visible, if:

• 🧴 Too abrasive paste was used (removes the top layer of varnish, exposing the defect).
• 🔥 Polishing was carried out at high speed (overheating of the varnish increases the dullness).

If roughness appears after polishing, this is most likely micro scratches, not Xeralic.

Which spray guns are least prone to xerallic?

To minimize the risk of dry spraying, select guns with:

• 🔄 HVLP technology (low pressure, high air volume).
• 🎯Adjustable spray fan (for example, Satajet 5000 B or Iwata W-400).
• 🌡️ Built-in air heating (prevents condensation).

Among the budget models, it has proven itself well DeVilbiss GTI Pro Lite.