What are paint corrections and why your car needs it
There are few things more frustrating than driving your car into the sunlight, only to notice swirl marks and scratches across the paintwork. How did your glossy finish become blemished so quickly – and how can you fix this without extensive effort (and money) involved?
Whether you're dealing with scratches that come from daily wear and tear or those caused by improper washing, paint correction really is a game-changer for restoring your car’s pristine condition. In this blog, we share what paint correction is, why it’s essential for maintaining your car's aesthetics and how you can be proactive about keeping your vehicle looking as good as new long-term.
What is paint correction?
Paint correction is a professional process that removes any surface imperfections (most commonly scratches, swirl marks, oxidation and water spots) from your car’s protective clear coat. These issues can be caused by incorrect washing techniques, general wear and tear and environmental damage like UV exposure, acid rain, road debris, and bird droppings.
Paint correction provides a solution that fixes or removes the defects in the paint and, if maintained correctly, can improve the condition of your paint for longer. Due to the process of paint correction, this isn’t a temporary fix like using waxes or fillers to artificially restore your vehicle’s original finish and shine. The difference between this and other care methods is that it doesn’t just hide the imperfections under a layer of product – instead it removes a tiny layer of the clear coat, levelling the surface and erasing the irritating marks. This eliminates the issue completely and preserves the aesthetic and value of your vehicle.
The paint correction process
Paint correction is a comprehensive process that utilises a number of specialist tools and materials to give premium results. There are five main steps, and each step is essential. It’s important that the process is properly followed in the correct order with the right equipment, as skipping a step or using improper tools can cause further damage to your paintwork.
Washing
It’s important that the car is thoroughly washed before any work begins, to eradicate any loose dust, dirt, and product that could cause further scratches during the correction process. This deep-cleaning stage involves microfiber mitts and a two-bucket process with pH-neutral car shampoo.
Claying
A clay bar or mitt is used with a lubricant spray to strip any bonded contaminants like tree sap or tar that generic washing can’t remove easily. This makes sure the car’s surface is as smooth and clean as possible and is primed and ready for the more abrasive process.
Compounding
This is known as the cutting stage in a multi-stage paint correction project/job, where an abrasive component is worked on with a dual-action polisher to carefully correct the surface layer of the clear coat that houses the imperfections. This results in the removal of a very thin layer, which removes 90% of defects through levelling out the surface.
Polishing
This is the refining stage, which involves dual-action polisher, pads and less abrasive compounds, which bring back the deep gloss and prepare your vehicle’s exterior for the final sealing step. The paintwork will look a little bit blurry after compounding, so polishing the surface restores original shine and clarity.
Sealing
Protecting this new finish is essential to secure long-term results. At this stage we use a sealant, wax or ceramic coating to protect the surface from any future damage. This serves as a protective barrier between your paintwork and the abrasive environment helping to prevent issues further down the line, and makes the surface much easier to clean.
What are the benefits of paint correction?
The benefits of paint correction go far beyond just a cosmetic touch-up for your car - it’s a long-term investment in its value, protection and appearance and is an essential component of your car's maintenance schedule. There are four main benefits which come with investing in professional paint correction:
Aesthetics
The most obvious benefit of paint correction is the stunning aesthetic you can expect straight after a proper service. It restores the original gloss and depth of the colour of your paintwork and can last for years (far longer than fillers and wax that typically fade after a few months). It’s important to note, however, that proper maintenance of the paint correction is required. So, from now on, opt for safe wash processes if you want to avoid new defects.
Long-term damage protection
Over time your car’s paintwork will be exposed to many harmful contaminants like iron fallout, road debris, and pollutants that literally eat away at the clear coating, causing corrosion if left untreated. Correction both removes imperfections and protects them from degradation. Addressing issues early also prevents more significant and costly damage further down the line.
Higher resale value
Paint correction can have a significantly positive impact on the value of your car. First impressions matter with potential buyers, and having a flawless, glossy finish will always attract higher offers. It’s a visual indicator that the car has been looked after properly, and buyers tend to pay more to reputable sellers. The cost of professional corrections is often eclipsed by the added value gained through investing in it.
Longevity
As mentioned above, with proper maintenance, the impact of paint correction can last for years, provided it is maintained correctly. This means avoiding cheap car washes in favour of a professional service that knows how to properly care for paint correction. This maintenance is even more important when you consider that paint correction removes a small amount of your car's clear coat. As this is finite, if you keep damaging a paint correction and needing to ‘re do’ it, eventually, you’ll have no paint left to correct.
How do you spot when your car needs paint correction?
Your car might need paint correction if you notice any dullness, swirl marks, scratches or chalky oxidisation to the paintwork, which various factors can cause. We recommend paint correction every 1-2 years to stay on top of the condition of your car, but this can vary depending on how often your car is exposed to these harsh conditions and how well you care for it. You may only need a single-stage correction if your vehicle has minor defects, but we recommend multiple stages if it’s more severe. If you’d like to know more about how to spot when your car needs correction, see our previous blog here or chat with one of our experts today.
DIY vs. professional paint correction
There are distinct pros and cons to consider when deciding between DIY and professional paint correction.
DIY paint correction is an attractive solution, as it’s cost-effective and for car enthusiasts, it's an opportunity to learn and get satisfaction out of caring for your own vehicle. It’s not without significant risk though, especially for owners of prestige or high-value vehicles. Without the right tools and knowledge or proper lighting you can easily damage your paintwork further through trial and error – leaving holograms and scratches and burning through the clear coat, which may then require a costly re-paint. It can also be expensive to purchase everything you will need. This would include at a minimum;
£150 for the polishing machine
£15 per polishing pad (many jobs require multiple pads)
£40-£50 per bottle of polishing compound
Whilst it is more expensive in terms of upfront cost, professional paint correction offers peace of mind as expert detailers have the experience, specialist knowledge and advanced tools to guarantee a premium job. They can also assess the unique needs of your vehicle and use the right techniques to correct the damage, making it a worthwhile investment.
If you notice any defects in your paintwork, it could be time to consider professional paint correction. To get started, contact a professional detailer for advice and pricing. We offer free consultations to assess your car’s needs – fill out our contact form today to receive a call-back.
