Which term describes surface defects that appear as small circular craters in a paint finish caused by surface contamination?

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Fisheyes occur when a surface contaminant is present before painting, causing the coating to wet poorly around the contaminant and form tiny crater-like pits in the film. The contaminant—often silicone, oil, wax, or greasy residue—hinders wetting, so the paint pulls away from the particle and creates a circular void as the film cures. This is why fisheyes look like little craters in the finished finish.

To prevent fisheyes, ensure thorough cleaning of the substrate before coating, using appropriate degreasers or wax-and-grease removers, and wipe with clean, lint-free cloths or tack cloths. Avoid silicone-containing products in the prep area, and confirm that tools, rags, and cleaners are free of contaminants.

The other options refer to things that are not defects in the paint film. A primer surfacer is a coating applied to hide imperfections, not a defect pattern in the finished film. Paint mixing room ventilation deals with air quality and fumes, not crater formation. Machine sanding is a preparation step that can introduce dust or scratches, but it does not describe crater-like defects caused by surface contamination.