Paint Correction takes time, skill and precision.
Detailing is a trade with a low cost of entry. A dual action polisher, an array of polishing compounds, pads, towels, a plethora of cleaners and wash mitts can be had for $2k or maybe less. This is all it takes to be a "YouTube Certified" master detailer. This is not a good thing for consumers or our industry as a whole - someone who watches a few YouTube videos can claim to be masters of a trade that can take years to master.
Paint correction in particular is an area where a detailer can really do the wrong thing and potentially cause damage to a vehicle's finish. It's really important to be doing business with a company that can stand behind the work in case there is ever an issue that needs to be repaired. When do you need paint correction?
There are several reasons paint correction may be applicable. A black car, overspray, hard water spot removal or restoring original factory paint on your much loved car. This really depends on how scrupulous of a car owner you are. Brand new cars come with defects in the finish including sanding marks, debris in paint, clearcoat runs, machine swirls and much more. If you want your car in the best condition possible so you can maintain it's finish, a paint correction is for you. If you are not completely concerned about perfection and would like the car to look good but can live with some swirl marks and defects in the paint, then a standard single stage polish may be just what you're looking for. It's always best to schedule an estimate and have us take a look at your paint for the best way to proceed. A paint correction is a costly venture and probably not worth spending the extra money on if its not for you. If you have a newly acquired older car and want to see it's full potential, invest in a paint correction and a ceramic coating. It will open your eyes to how nice we can make the finish and also
enhance it's resale value. You can always tell when a car has been well cared for and those cars demand the most money when it comes time to sell.
There are two different approaches to paint correction.
Dual Action polishing versus Rotary, both can provide great results but there are caveats of both. A random orbital polisher can be learned very quickly and doesn't have to be mastered to get a decent result, however, as you can see by the images below, its movements are rather clumsy and not accurate. A dual action polisher does drag the polishing pad (to some extent) across the surface and can leave some haze in the finish. The Rotary polisher has a steeper learning curve, but it's a much more accurate machine, works faster where heavy paint correction is needed and finishes better. With either machine, you can cause damage without proper instructions and if you are using a wrong polishing compound and pad combination, it can leave a hazy or swirly finish. As a professional shop, we perform most of our paint correction services using a rotary polisher, saving time and money for our clients. It's important to not only have the right tools for the job but to know when to use what tool and how. This formula is developed with experience.
Multiple stages of polishing.
Polishing is much like sanding a wooden table - you start with an aggressive sandpaper, and work your way in stages to a lighter sandpaper until you have achieved the smooth finish you desire. Paint correction is very much the same, the different compounds and polishing pads work in stages from most aggressive to the least which creates the best finish possible. Using a rotary polisher, we will typically perform a 3-stage polish.
If you invest in correction, you should also invest in protection!
The heavy cut and medium cut stages of a paint correction alone will typically take about 8-12 hours to complete. During this time, we are removing a large amount of defects in your paint's finish. The best way to preserve a freshly paint corrected finish is proper protection and maintenance. Ceramic coatings will not only enhance the gloss and luster of the finish, but it will also protect it from environmental staining like bird droppings, insects, lye deposits and much more. Ceramic coatings will also make your hand washes much more easy and enjoyable as the hydrophobic performance shoots droplets of water off the finish at maximum velocity. Also, you won't have to spend the extra time hand waxing your car regularly as a Ceramic Coating can last on a vehicle for years. Just proper hand washing and decontaminating when needed will keep your vehicle looking excellent for years to come. We also set your vehicle up for reminders of when you may be due for service and we are always here to help answer any maintenance questions. To learn more about Ceramic Coatings read our blog: Ceramic Coatings. What do they do?
I hope this article helps you understand what true
Paint Correction
is and helps you decide on what's best for you and your vehicle. Don't be fooled by pillow talk, it's always important to know what steps are being taken to best care for your baby.
- John Kleven
