Paint Correction

Paint correction is the process of removing defects from your paint, such as swirl marks, light scratches, water spots and oxidation. We use machine polishers, compounds and pads to level the clear coat, which brings back clarity, depth and gloss.

It depends on the size of the vehicle, how deep the defects go and how many correction stages the paint needs. We inspect the paint first, then quote the level of work that will actually get the result you want, so you do not pay for more than you need.

It can remove or greatly reduce light to moderate scratches that sit in the clear coat. A scratch deep enough to catch your fingernail has usually gone through the clear coat and may need touch-up or body repair instead.

They are related. Polishing is the tool and the final refining step. Paint correction is the full process of assessing the paint, removing defects with a cutting stage if needed, and then polishing to a high gloss.

Look at the paint in direct sunlight. Fine circular swirl marks, hazy or dull areas, water spot rings, faded patches or a rough feel after washing are all signs. If the paint no longer looks as glossy as it should, correction will likely help.

You can, but it takes the right machine, pads, compounds and plenty of practice. Without experience it is easy to burn through clear coat, leave holograms or add new scratches. A professional can measure the paint and work safely within what it can handle.

From several hours for a light single-stage polish to a day or more for a multi-stage correction on a larger vehicle or heavily damaged paint. We will give you a time estimate when we inspect the car.

Yes. Swirl marks are shallow defects in the clear coat, and polishing levels the surface so they disappear. How much work it takes depends on how deep and widespread they are.

Only when the paint needs it. Correction removes a thin layer of clear coat, so it should not be repeated unnecessarily. With good washing habits and a coating or film to protect the finish, many cars need it just once.

It fixes swirl marks from improper washing, water spot etching, light scratches in the clear coat, buffer trails from a previous poor polish and early oxidation. It does not fix deep scratches that go through the clear coat, stone chips or dents. Those need body repair first. We will tell you honestly what correction can and cannot do for your paint.

Single-stage correction is one compound and pad combination, usually a finishing polish. It suits paint with light swirling and otherwise good condition. Multi-stage correction starts with a more aggressive cut to remove deeper defects, then follows with one or more finishing stages to refine the surface to full gloss. We check the paint thickness and inspect it under proper lighting before we recommend a level.

When the defect calls for it. Machine polishing handles most clear coat problems, but deep scratches, heavy orange peel, runs from a previous respray or severe water spot etching can need wet sanding first. It removes more clear coat, so we use it selectively and only when polishing alone will not solve the problem.

Light etching often polishes out. Moderate etching may need a more aggressive correction. Etching that has gone through the clear coat can't be polished away and needs spot refinishing. The only way to know for sure is an in-person inspection under good lighting.