Correction

Paint Correction is a term used to define a wide range of processes that fix or improve surface imperfections of car paint or clear coat. Defects such as swirl marks, fine scratches, deep scratches, water spots, and other paint damage.

Causes of paint imperfections can range from bird droppings to automatic car washes and wash marring. Not to mention car park carelessness or vandalism.

The purpose of car paint correction is not just to remove defects, however. It can also be used for restoring gloss to dull paint or preparing the car’s clear coat for a protection product such as a wax or ceramic coating.

Many professional detailers offer paint correction services, including multi-stage polishing designed to transform the look of your vehicle’s paint or clear coat. Crystal clarity can be achieved with the right equipment and detailing products, along with an advanced paint correction process.

Hand Polishing

Many do not have the expensive equipment or necessary covered space to properly machine polish their own car. So, their only options are to hand polish.

Although not as effective as machine polishing, good results can still be achieved from hand polishing. There are many compounds and polishes out there that will work by hand, with a simple foam or microfibre applicator.

Light scratches and swirl marks can be reduced, or sometimes removed, but deeper scratches may not be possible by hand.

Machine Polishing

Machine Polishing is a process in which rotary, dual-action, force rotation, or nano/mini polishers are used to remove scratches and swirls from a vehicle’s clear coat or painted surface.

Rotary Machine Polishers are capable of removing paint defects faster than any other machine, but they can also cause more damage if not used properly, generally used by the professional detailer or skilled enthusiast. Rotary polishers work on a rotational motion of the head.

Dual Action (DA) Polishers are designed to be easy to use, making them suitable for professionals or enthusiasts. DA polishers oscillate which greatly helps heat dissipation, reducing the risk of paint or clear coat damage.

Force Rotation Machine Polishers are a kind of hybrid. They benefit from less stalling compared to a DA and can also remove scratches and swirls faster, like a rotary. Force rotation machines rotate and oscillate using a positive drive action.

Nano/Mini Polishers can be either Rotary or Dual Action, some can be both. They are designed for getting in all the tight areas of a vehicle, like wheels, door handles, or body panel creases.

Polishing Pads

Using a machine to perform paint correction on a vehicle requires one or more polish pads. These can be made from foam, microfibre, or wool.

There are many different types on the market, and choosing one can be difficult. The most common type of polishing pad is a medium-cut foam pad. These pads have an open-cell foam structure that contains air pockets, this helps break down polish compounds with ease while it reduces heat buildup.

Compound and Polish

Paint correction involves the use of abrasive products generally referred to as compound or polish.

These abrasives are used to remove paint defects. They can be fine-cut or medium-cut or heavy-cut, and come in varying degrees of abrasiveness.

Fine-cut polishes are used on vehicles with light paint defects, they have a mild cutting power that removes light swirl marks, spider webbing, holograms, oxidation, water spots, etc., but they will not remove deeper scratches.

Medium-cut polishes are used on vehicles with moderate paint defects. They remove light to medium swirl marks, scratches, and surface imperfections from the vehicle clear coat.

Heavy-cut polishes are used to remove deep swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and so on. They also have more abrasive power than fine or medium-cutting polishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost for paint correction?

The price varies depending on the size of the vehicle, the amount of clear coat damage it has, and how much time is needed to correct the defects.

Is paint correction worth it?

Yes, it is worth it to get paint correction done. Removing or reducing imperfections can improve the shine of your vehicle’s paint giving it a new finish. It will also improve the effect and longevity of any LSP (Last Step Protection) used.

Do you have to do paint correction before applying ceramic coatings?

For various reasons, cars should not be coated before getting paint correction. Ceramic coatings are semi-permanent so will seal in scratches and swirls into the vehicle’s finish.

How do you remove swirl marks?

Swirl marks are removed by precision machine polishing the vehicle’s clear coat. Hand polishing can also help reduce swirls but not as easily.