What is the Purpose of Paint Correction?
Many people have heard of paint correction but may not know what it actually consists of. In essence, it’s a detailed polishing job that removes surface scratches and imperfections.
The automotive paint system consists of a primer coat, base coat and clear coat. The purpose of paint correction is to restore the clear coat layer, which will help to protect your vehicle’s color.
Removing Scratches
Scratches, swirl marks, oxidation and other imperfections in the paint cause your vehicle to lose its luster. Paint correction is the process of removing these flaws to restore your car’s shine and brightness. It involves using specialized tools and techniques to remove surface contamination from the paint. It can also include a ceramic coating or paint protection film application to protect your vehicle from future damage.
The first step in paint correction is a decontamination procedure that strips off any dirt, bugs, sap or other contaminants from the car’s surface. This step is critical because it ensures that the product you are applying to your paint will bond well to the surface.
After the decontamination process is complete, you can begin the polishing process. We use a machine and specialized pads to remove any blemishes in the finish. This includes sanding scratches and swirl marks.
This is a multi-stage process that can include multiple levels of cutting compounds and pads, followed by several rounds of buffing and polishing to eliminate surface imperfections. The goal is to achieve the highest level of defect removal possible without causing any damage to the clear coat.
It is important to note that if your paint is heavily damaged, it may be necessary to repaint the entire vehicle. This can be costly, and it is often best to take the time to properly correct the paint job before trying to sell it.
Swirl marks (holograms) are tiny scratches that occur when abrasive materials glide over the paint. These could be sandpaper, abrasive pads or even dry towels. Washing a car improperly can also create swirl marks, as the cloth or towel you are using might feel soft to your touch but is actually abrasive. Paint correction can remove these swirl marks and leave you with a smooth, mirrored finish.
We use a specific method of washing and drying to prevent placing any more swirls or holograms on the car. By working in small sections and using a microfiber towel, we can avoid any potential damage to the finish. This is a crucial step in any car care program, and it will drastically reduce your chance of creating additional imperfections. It’s also a great way to increase the longevity of any protection you have on your vehicle.
Restoring Color Clarity
While a car may look beautiful out of the factory, as it ages, the luster will gradually lose its shine. While there are topical treatments that can help restore a bit of that initial sheen, to truly get your vehicle looking showroom fresh, you will need the multi step polishing process of paint correction.
Paint correction is not only used for removing scratches, it can also be utilized to remove swirl marks and other surface imperfections. Often times these types of blemishes are caused by improper washing techniques or environmental damage. Environmental damage includes bird droppings and acidic water etching. Etching can cause a speckled pattern in the clear coat that is very difficult to remove without paint correction.
This is where a professional detailer can really shine, as they are able to correct the etching and restore a flawless surface. Paint Correction Clearwater will utilize multiple polishing stages with a range of different products to ensure that all impurities are removed. The first stage is typically the compounding stage, where a liquid/paste-like product is used with an aggressive pad to shave away thin layers of the clear coat. This can be incredibly effective for removing deep scratches, but it is also very invasive and will often leave behind light marring known as haze. The final polishing stage uses a much milder product and a soft foam pad to remove any haze left behind from the compounding phase and generally refine the finish.
Upon completing the last polishing stage, many professionals will then re-protect the finish with either a wax or ceramic coating. This will not only add a nice sheen to the paint, but it will also provide an extra layer of protection against environmental factors and make future washings easier and faster.
Some people will argue that paint correction isn’t worth the investment if they plan on selling the car anyway, but this mindset ignores the fact that having your vehicle looking showroom fresh can actually increase its resale value. Not to mention that it can make a huge difference in how happy you are driving your vehicle.
Protecting the Clear Coat
The clear coat is vital to the longevity of your paint system. It protects the base coat from UV rays, road grime, chemical contaminants, water spots and bird droppings. It also helps reflect light and create a glossy, smooth appearance to the painted surface. However, a vehicle’s clear coat can be compromised by poor washing techniques or the use of harsh chemicals and abrasives. This can lead to a build-up of contaminants or etching in the clear coat. This can cause the clear coat to thin and fail, resulting in a dull or faded look. Paint correction is a multi-step polishing process that shaves away the thin layer of clear coat, removing imperfections and restoring clarity to your car’s finish.
During the first step of the process, your detailer or you will use an electric polisher paired with a microfiber buffing pad and special cutting compound to cut into the clear coat and level out minor scratches. These tiny, fine scratches are commonly known as swirl marks or spider webbing and can be tough to spot. They are usually caused by improper washing and drying of a vehicle. If left unchecked, they can eventually eat through the clear coat, exposing the base coat and causing a dingy or dull appearance to your vehicle’s paint.
This first stage is a very invasive and time consuming process, often taking hours to complete. It is important to be very careful and manage the heat of the machine properly to prevent burn through of the clear coat. This is especially crucial on the edges of the body and panels as they tend to be thinner than the rest of the panel.
Once the clear coat has been corrected, it is recommended to apply a ceramic coating or a wax/sealant. This will help protect the clear coat from future damage and keep it looking beautiful. It is best to do the paint correction and decontamination prior to applying any type of protection as it gives the product the best bond with the surface.
It is important to understand that paint correction should only be done by a professional, with the right training and equipment. Many products sold in auto parts stores and online are advertised as paint correction but do not provide a true solution to the problem. Many of these products contain fillers that will mask the imperfections instead of removing them. This will only harm your clear coat and lead to long-term damage to the paint system.
Increasing Resale Value
If you have ever seen a used car that looks brand new, chances are the vehicle underwent paint correction before going on sale. Whether you want to boost your car’s resale value or simply enjoy the feeling of riding in a visually stunning automobile, paint correction is worth the investment.
Paint Correction is a process that can be done by yourself or by a professional detailing company. It involves a machine polisher and a special compound to cut into the clear coat and remove scratches, swirl marks, water spots, and other defects. If done incorrectly, you could ruin the entire clear coat layer, so it’s important to trust a highly-trained specialist.
There are a number of variables that affect how long it takes to complete a paint correction service, including the severity of imperfections, vehicle type, and even the detailer’s experience. The goal of paint correction is to achieve the desired appearance in the least amount of time while removing as little clear coat as possible. Those that are experienced with this process can quickly test a combination of machine, pad, and product to maximize defect removal and create a beautiful finish.
After the paint is smoothed, it’s recommended to protect your investment with a high-quality wax or sealant. These products provide an added layer of protection that keeps your finish looking shiny and new for a few months or more. You can also consider a ceramic coating, which provides an incredibly durable layer of protection that lasts 3-5 times longer than traditional waxes and can be applied by hand or machine.
If you decide to go with a ceramic coating, your expert will discuss different levels of protection that are available for the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. They may recommend a paint protection film (PPF) or a full-body ceramic coating. These options will add a level of longevity to your paint job that could reduce the need for future paint corrections.
The key to preserving your paint job is regular washing and protection with a quality wax or sealant. The expert you choose to perform your paint correction will be able to advise you on the best options for maintaining the look of your vehicle that you’ve come to love.
Many people have heard of paint correction but may not know what it actually consists of. In essence, it’s a detailed polishing job that removes surface scratches and imperfections. The automotive paint system consists of a primer coat, base coat and clear coat. The purpose of paint correction is to restore the clear coat layer,…