Orange peel paint on a new car

[MK09]

Well now this has been mentioned, having taken a close inspection, my Onyx Black XC90 does seem to have this, to a degree at least, although not to the extent of the pictures in the original post. On the basis that I’d never even noticed it before, I won’t be stressing about it.

Now I’m aware of it, I took a look at 3 nearly new dark coloured or black Audi, BMW and Mercs when out for a stroll earlier. All had the same effect in their paintwork to some degree.

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by techwatcher

Yep, both my XC60s have had 'orange peel'.

I did some reading on the subject and perceived wisdom seems to be that the US forum was right and that all cars have 'orange peel' to some extent.

Apparently it can be lessened by sanding between paint coats but that is only done with high-end cars, and Volvos don't come into the high end category.

Have a look at this article: https://newoldcars.com/orange-peel-w...y-look-so-bad/

It's lengthy and quite in-depth but worth the read.

Very interesting link!

[AB-UK]

I don't want to rub salt in the wound so to speak, but this article shows what car paintwork could/should look like :-

https://www.heart.co.uk/photos/peopl...invisible-car/

[Goatherder]

Ironically, trying to take photos of OP in the 1st post, was actually super difficult....because all I got was my ugly mug taking the photo. I actually thought I had the phone camera in selfie mode !!. So, yes, the paintwork DOES look like that at certain angles, and the article actually explains that very well.
Yep...I too have wandered round like a car weirdo, looking at paintwork think "man, more cars have this than I realized", but they are not my £50k new car but defintiely see it MORE on new dark coloured Volvos, hence the post. Sorry, now that folks are peeking at theirs and going "oh yeah, mine too"...that was not the intent, but did wonder how widescale it was and to what level

Let's actually see how good Volvo customer service is.

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by Goatherder

Ironically, trying to take photos of OP in the 1st post, was actually super difficult....because all I got was my ugly mug taking the photo. I actually thought I had the phone camera in selfie mode !!. So, yes, the paintwork DOES look like that at certain angles, and the article actually explains that very well.
Yep...I too have wandered round like a car weirdo, looking at paintwork think "man, more cars have this than I realized", but they are not my £50k new car but defintiely see it MORE on new dark coloured Volvos, hence the post. Sorry, now that folks are peeking at theirs and going "oh yeah, mine too"...that was not the intent, but did wonder how widescale it was and to what level

Let's actually see how good Volvo customer service is.

I must say now you have pointed it out it is very clear. However it is not something that concerns me (ok my car is now 9yo so I am happy when I see an undated panel!).

But even on your car I would not be concerned.

I don’t expect Volvo will make any offers to rectify and I don’t think it needs to be corrected etc.

[Kenp8257]

Originally Posted by Goatherder

Ironically, trying to take photos of OP in the 1st post, was actually super difficult....because all I got was my ugly mug taking the photo. I actually thought I had the phone camera in selfie mode !!. So, yes, the paintwork DOES look like that at certain angles, and the article actually explains that very well.
Yep...I too have wandered round like a car weirdo, looking at paintwork think "man, more cars have this than I realized", but they are not my £50k new car but defintiely see it MORE on new dark coloured Volvos, hence the post. Sorry, now that folks are peeking at theirs and going "oh yeah, mine too"...that was not the intent, but did wonder how widescale it was and to what level

Let's actually see how good Volvo customer service is.

I've had a look at mine (MY17 S90 R-Design, Black) and relieved to say, no OP anywhere.

Personally I don't think its acceptable at all. A paint finsish is meant to be super smooth etc.

What next - clear coat paint runs (for example) being treated as acceptable?

Of course it wouldn't and, IMO, neither should OP on a new car.