Paint Correction

PAINT CORRECTION

What Does Paint Correction Do?

Does this scenario ring a bell? You just spent an hour hand washing your car – using the most expensive car shampoo, soft Korean microfiber, and air drying the ride. You step back to enjoy that shiny paint finish and notice what looks like tiny spider webs in your car’s paint. Instantly a look of frustration appears on your face – as you realize paint correction or polishing your ride is the only solution.


If you’re an average car enthusiast, it’s quite possible you feel comfortable washing your car, even applying a spray on coating or hand waxing. But when it comes to polishing or buffing a car in the process of correct paint correction – many of us instantly hesitate. And there is a good reason for this feeling of concern. Paint correction is a term that is now commonly used by both professional car detailers and car cleaning enthusiasts worldwide to describe the process of restoring and rejuvenating the paintwork of a vehicle, mostly through the elimination of surface imperfections, that dull, oxidize, or haze the surface by reflecting light off in various directions, therefore detracting from a true and proper, clean, sharp, reflection. These imperfections include things like swirl marks & fine scratches, bird dropping etching & acid rain etching, hologramming & buffer trails, and random isolated deep scratches (or RIDS).


Let’s take some time to bust some myths about polishing a vehicle. In the information below, we’ll explore a few of the facts about paint correction. What does it accomplish, when do you need it, why is it needed, and once it’s done – how do you protect your vehicle paint from damage in the future?

What is Paint Correction?

Paint correction is the process of removing minor scratches and imperfections found in the vehicles clear coat. Using an electric polisher, a microfiber buffing pad, and a special cutting compound, the detailer will cut into the clear coat of a vehicle’s paint until the scratches are leveled or removed.


When completed correctly and taking your time – there is no need to stress. However, if you try to rush the job, it is possible to damage the clear coating past the point of repair. That all said, paint correcting a car’s paintjob is a recommended step if you plan on applying a nano ceramic or graphene coating


Paint correction can be broken down into multiple stages – based mainly on the damage to the clear coating.

Why is Paint Correction Completed?

At the source, machine polishing is intended to remove imperfections on the vehicle’s painted surface. It’s a service that is completed typically to prep a vehicle for a protective coating or film. The process is always customized based on the type of paint, surface imperfections, and the request of the customer.


The detailer will polish a vehicle to remove a few individual imperfections including: 

  • Removing fine scratches
  • Remove swirl marks
  • Get rid of stains left by animal waste (bird droppings and bug splatters)
  • Remove calcium deposits (water spots)
  • Damage or high / low spots by poor installation of DIY protective solutions
  • Removing wax, paint sealants, or ceramic coatings from paintwork

 

There is some liquid, chemical products that can be used to remove existing ceramic coatings. However, the risk of using these products is similar with being too aggressive with polishing  as it can damage the clear coat of the vehicle’s paint.

Does Paint Correction Remove Some Clear Coat?

Essentially – YES. The process of polishing involves using a gritty substance called a cutting compound. When you activate the electric polisher, the polish liquid or paste is spread evenly on the vehicle’s painted surface, creating friction to cut through the clear coat of your paintwork. The polishers are made in multiple grit levels, some of them are intended to fill a scratch – while others are designed to remove the clear until the scratch is removed.


This introduces that potential risk we spoke about above.


If the scratch is deeply cut into the clear coat, it is better to consult with a professional detailer or auto body repair company prior to starting to remove the damaged. If you cut the clear too thin, then protective coatings will have a hard time bonding to the surface. Additionally, the paint will not “pop” or shine as well as you’d hope.

Is Polishing Needed Prior to Application of a Coating?

It really depends on the condition of the car’s paint and IF the client determines they are willing to pay for the additional service. When you apply a ceramic coating regardless of the different formulation or application method, the coating’s job is to bond directly to the surface, harden, and provide a protective layer. When the coating hardens, it is transparent – making it act like glass. This amplifies the paint underneath.


So, a gloss finish will appear ‘more-glossy’ while a matte finish will provide more depth. Any tiny or hard to see scratches will be amplified or enhanced. Any swirl marks will stand out – not be covered up. This is one of the biggest myths about DIY ceramic coatings and other paint protection coats – that they fill scratches and improve the condition of paint.


Unfortunately, that’s only possible through paint correction. As such, if you have ANY imperfections in the vehicle’s paint surface, it’s highly recommended to have a professional detailer polish or buff the paint as part of the prep work.

2 Stage Paint Correction (Before & After)

2014 Audi Q7 S Line

DISCLAIMER! Please note that wet-sanding and paint correction will not remove ALL scratches as it is dependent on the depth of the already existing damage or level of existent clear coat. The finish is also dependent of the stages selected by the customer. We do not compromise our customer's level of clear coat by completing risky practices; therefore, we will inform the customer of the maximum stage allowed.

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