PAINT CORRECTION

COMMON PAINT CORRECTION QUESTIONS

• What is paint correction and how does it differ from waxing?

  Paint correction physically removes clear coat defects through machine polishing. The polishing compound contains microscopic abrasives that cut a small, even layer off the top of the clear coat, leveling the surface and removing the defects that scatter light and make paint look dull. Wax and sealants sit on top of the clear coat, adding shine and protection but not removing defects. Applying wax to a swirled, scratched paint surface makes it slightly shinier but the defects are still there. Paint correction removes them. After correction, applying wax or a ceramic coating protects the corrected surface.

• Will paint correction remove all scratches?

  Paint correction removes defects confined to the clear coat layer: swirl marks, light scratches, water spot etching, and surface oxidation. Scratches that have broken through the clear coat into the base coat or primer won't be fully removed by polishing. We can improve their appearance and minimize their visibility, but full removal requires touch-up paint or body repair. Before we start, we assess the depth of the defects under inspection lighting to give you an accurate picture of what correction will and won't achieve on your specific vehicle.

• How is paint correction different from paint protection film (PPF)?

  Paint correction and PPF serve completely different purposes. Paint correction removes existing defects from the clear coat through polishing, improving the current condition of your paint. PPF (paint protection film) is a clear urethane film applied over the paint to prevent future rock chips, scratches, and UV damage. It protects going forward. They're often used together: correct the paint first to get it looking its best, then apply PPF to keep it that way. PPF installation is handled through our Exterior services. It's a separate process from detailing. We'll help you figure out which one, or which combination, makes sense for your situation.

• How long does paint correction take?

  A single-stage polish on a vehicle in good condition takes 4 to 6 hours. A two-stage correction (compound followed by finishing polish) takes 6 to 8 hours or more depending on the vehicle's size and paint condition. Heavily oxidized paint, multiple defect types, or vehicles with delicate or thin clear coats require extra care and more time. We give you a time estimate after we inspect the paint. For ceramic coating application after correction, plan on leaving the vehicle for a full day.

• Can I do paint correction myself at home?

  You can, but the results depend heavily on your equipment and experience. A dual-action polisher with a finishing polish can remove light swirl marks and minor surface haze, and it's a reasonable starting point for someone new to machine polishing. Where DIY correction gets risky is with heavier defects. Aggressive compounds and rotary polishers remove more material faster, and without experience reading the paint's response, it's easy to thin the clear coat, create new defects, or leave high spots that look worse under direct light than what you started with. If your paint has light surface marks and you want to try it yourself, we're happy to point you toward the right products when you're in the store. If the defects are significant or the paint is older with less clear coat to work with, professional correction is the safer call. We'll give you an honest assessment either way.