Small bubbles on paint surface with rust beneath

I have a 2016 SR AC AT in MGM. I noticed several small imperfections on the lower passenger/driver side doors, and under closer examination unnoticed that they seem to be popping out from the paint, and they aren't small pieces of dirt/pebbles that stuck to it. I thought thats what it was at first and scraped the bubble off gently, and beneath was a small rust spot. I then noticed there are around six similar small rust spots on the passenger side, and an equal amount on the drivers side. Is this an issue with the paint or something? Or is this something that can happen from trailing? I have deep scratches from trailing that cut into the primer, and some are around two years old with no rusting happening on them, which is why these rust spots have me confused. They are hardly noticeable now and very small, but if more pop up and the exsisting ones get worse it's going to be awful. The first pic is a paint bubble that I hadn't scraped off. I'd appreciate any insight as to what they might be from. Thanks!

 

That looks like rail dust or an iron deposit. Try using a clay bar first, if not then something like Iron-X will get it off. If you do use Iron-X, it will strip any wax you have on though.

 

Interesting, I never would have thought of that. I will try that out, I've never tried a clay bar before. I was going to stop by a detailing shop in the morning and get their opinion, but I didn't want to look like an idiot if it isn't rust (like you suggested). Thanks!

 

My wife used to park under a structure that had exposed metal beams and she would get rail dust on her white car all the time; drove me crazy whenever I washed it.

Check out this link; gives good instructions on how to remove it and good luck!
https://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/how-to-remove-rail-dust-with-carpro-ironx-and-a-clay-bar/

 

I noticed the "bumps" underneath paint when I was looking at new '16 Tacomas several years ago. Recently when I was looking at '18s I noticed the same thing. I always thought it had to do with their finishing process. It always appeared on the lower 1/4 of the body panels. All of the trucks I looked at had this. (I don't live in a rust or coastal state).

 

My step rails have a rust patch I haven't addressed yet that I got from trailing, maybe the blows up and that is where the rail dust comes from. Great point, thank you for your input! At least my truck isn't the only one, I appreciate the input both of you

 

Looks like orange peel. Thicker paint to prevent rock chips. All Tacoma’s have this.

 

It's rocker guard a textured film spray that is very tough applied before the base coat (color). It protects against rocks . It won't protect from chips but won't chip through to the metal.Porsche uses it too.

 

I have this exact same problem on my 2017 MGM. I figured someone else would have this issue so I just googled "Tacoma world small rust spot door" and sure enough it brought me to someone experiencing the same issue in the same spot. I can't believe this paint is possibly this thin as to go down to the sheet metal.

 

It's there on purpose to protect more than the paint on the rest of the truck. It was there when it left the lot new.
But if you are worried, the trucks have a 10 year corrosion warranty, and they will fix any real issues if the truck is new enough.

 

Well I know the orange peel is there for a reason...to protect the truck. But like the OP picture, whatever is hitting the paint is getting thru the clear coat and all layers of paint. I’ve owned quite a few cars and I am very into detailing and using clay bars so I am often up close to the paint in proper lighting. I’ve never experienced or seen this on any of my other cars. I would have noticed for sure and I drive the Tacoma no differently.

 

Ahhh, yeah no. It's just rail dust. It'll clay right off.

 

Awesome. Hope you’re right. Too cold tonight to clay will report back this weekend

 

Meguiar's ultimate all wheel cleaner is good at getting rid of rail dust too, and it's safe for paint. They sell it everywhere (walmart) if you can't find iron-x. The other thing too is it has a gel consitency so it sticks where you spray it where iron-x is liquid and just flows off to quickly to work on door panels. Ultimate all wheel cleaner is great for brake dust, rail dust, industrial fallout, etc. it binds to it and it actually changes color with the iron so you can see it and it will wash right off.

 

I use this when I clay bar:

$50 Detail Juice Car Care Garry Dean's Infinite Use Concentrate Automotive Detailing Supplies Rinseless Wash, Waterless Wash, Water Softener, Detail Spray, Spray Wax (16 oz)

https://www.amazon.com/Garry-Deans-...=detail+juice&qid=1552011220&s=gateway&sr=8-1

It makes a ton, and is super versatile in the types of applications (detailer, clay lubricant, window cleaner, trim detailer).

 

I’ve noticed the same thing on my ‘15 this past winter. I think it’s salt bits sticking to paint since I’m in a northern state. They came off with some hand washing and waxing. Will ceramic coat when it gets a little warmer.

 

I’ve used the iron x on a previous truck (white) and littered with rail dust, actually was my fault when I was cutting up the rusted rockers with angle grinder. The iron x was a great product and yes it worked on vertical surfaces just fine , instantly seeing results. Find it on Amazon.

As far as meguiars goes, I never tried that product mentioned but have a current distrust with them and stopped buying. I used a safe for all wheel cleaner (consumer grade) and the calipers got hit and took the coating off or dulled it. Now I don’t want to seem like I’m bashing them entirely because I have apc and dressing (professional grade) and absolutely love them. So love hate

Edit: maybe it was the ultimate wheel cleaner that I used that took the nice coating on the calipers off… it’s dull and streaky now