What do finger imprints typically look like on a finished surface?

Finger imprints on a finished surface often appear as a series of waves due to the oils and moisture from the skin interacting with the paint or finish. When fingers make contact with a freshly painted or clear-coated surface, they can disturb the smoothness, causing the surface to lose its uniformity. This results in subtle distortions that mimic a wavy pattern, as the imprint is not just a pressing down but rather an effect created by the contact with an uneven, non-smooth layer.

In contrast, bubbles can occur due to improper application techniques or reactions in the paint, scratches typically arise from abrasive contact with sharp or rough materials, and pits are usually created from contaminants or improper surface preparation before painting. The wave pattern is a unique feature of the interaction between skin oils and the coated surface.