Make your paint Pop!

“How?” You might ask. With Paint Correction, of course!

What is Paint Correction?

Paint correction is the process of leveling the clear coat on your vehicle in order to remove swirl marks, scratches, and scuffs. This is accomplished through a complex and nuanced process that usually involves two-steps - compounding and polishing. Paint correction involves a great deal of concentration, experience, and knowledge. We use a variety of compounds, polishes, pads, machines, and coatings to ensure your vehicle is show car ready.

What is compounding? - Compounding is the process of using a mildly abrasive compound with a foam, wool, or microfiber pad for the purpose of targeting and removing medium or severe defects in the paint.

What is polishing? - Polishing is the softer version of compounding. Polishing is done in order to remove light scratches and bring more clarity and depth to the paint. Generally, people will compound their car to remove medium and deep scratches then polish it to give it an amazing finish.

Do I need both? - Possibly. If your car’s paint is in good condition and only contains light scratching then a one-step polish is what you want in order to remove the scratches and give it that extra gloss. However, if you have deeper scratches on your car that you want to target then a two-step compound and polish is probably best for you.

Why do I need a Paint Correction?

Paint correction is entirely cosmetic, so there is no mechanical reason to have your paint corrected, but if you are tired of seeing scratches on your car, if your car’s paint looks dull and lifeless, or if you want to take your car’s shine to the next level you need paint correction or paint enhancement. The only way to achieve this level of repair is through compounding and polishing. This is not only for older cars but also new cars. It may seem unnecessary to correct new paint, but even a new paint job is not perfectly smooth, so it still needs care and attention in order to have the best possible shine.

Types of scratches

Scratches on your car can see to come from nowhere, but none the less they are still unsightly and frustrating. Regardless of the type of scratch, scratches will degrade the visual finish of your vehicle. With that being said, many people do not know the difference between various types of scratches and how to remove them. Below is more information.

Swirl Marks - These are the most superficial scratches and the easiest to remove. A one-step polish will remove all swirl marks since they have not yet gone deeper into the clear coat.

Isolated Scratches - These scratches are more difficult to remove, but can still be removed by first compounding or buffing the affected area, then finish with a one-step polish.

Deep Scratches - Deep scratches are more difficult to remove. If the scratch has gone through the base coat and into the primer or substrate you will first need to touch-up the area with color paint before a paint correction. If the scratch has not gone through the base coat then you will be able to wet sand the scratch and then complete with a two-step compound and polish. After those steps, the scratch may still be slightly visible, but its appearance will be drastically reduced.

Water Spot Etching - These are much like swirl marks in the fact they are not very deep into the clear coat and thus can be removed in the same way - with a one-step polish.

Holograms - These are left behind after the first stage of compounding or buffing a vehicle. Polish the vehicle with a DA polisher to remove holograms.

When is Paint correction not enough?

The results from a paint correction can be amazing, but it is not a miracle. Rarely, it is easier for the vehicle to be repainted. If the paint is severely oxidized, it will appear chalky. At this point, buffing will help, but it will be better to respray the paint since you will not be adding any protective clearcoat through paint correction. Cars have been painted using a layer of clear coat over the base color for approximately 25 years. If your car is older than that, a paint correction may not be able to produce the same results since the paint is not thick enough to have a large enough margin to safely remove scratches.

How Much does paint correction cost?

It is impossible to quote you an accurate price without seeing the condition of the car first. It all depends on the current condition of your vehicle, the size of your vehicle, and the level of service you desire. So if you want an accurate quote please contact me to discuss details.

How long does paint correction take

The length of time paint correction takes is dependent on the size of the vehicle, the type of paint, its current condition, and what condition you want it to be in. The exact time for paint correction must be determined on a car by car basis due to the numerous variables involved. We would be happy to provide an estimate and discuss the process with you if you reach out to us.

Where can I have my car compounded, or polished?

If you are interested in having your car’s paint transformed, Drive by Detail can help! We are a mobile detailing service that specializes in quality detailing, so we can tell you exactly what can be done to restore your car and give you an idea of what it will look like and what it will cost. We would love to help give your car the best finish and shine.

Our Process

We start with a thorough wash to remove surface-level dirt from the car. Next, we use a clay bar and iron remover to eliminate embedded contaminants. We then tape off areas that do not need to be polished (such as plastics or glass). The following steps will rely on what level of treatment you want. Typically, we will begin with an inspection of the paint then we complete a test-spot to see what process will bring the best results. Next, if a compounding step is required, we will compound the paint to remove medium to deep swirl marks. Then, we will polish the paint to ensure a clear and deep finish. After that, we will apply a long-lasting sealant or ceramic coating. Once we are done your car’s paint will shine like nothing you have seen before! The paint will be clear, deep, and glossy.