In the last few years, the term and service of paint correction have gained incredible recognition and respect.
There are a few contributing factors to this trend, including technological advancements in diminishing abrasives, the introduction of specialized machines that are currently undergoing extensive R&D, and YouTube videos showing how to learn the process.
What does Paint Correction Mean?
In paint correction, imperfections are removed from a vehicle’s finish and it is then restored to be as good as new.
The imperfections include but are not limited to swirl marks, marring caused by automated car washes, fine scratches, water spots, and holograms caused by bird droppings that were not properly cleaned.
In full paint correction, various polishes and graded pads are used with machine polishers. A vehicle that has been properly corrected in direct sunlight will only reflect the sun’s rays and will have no swirl marks, scratches, or blemishes visible.
Multiple polishing stages are often necessary to achieve full correction. This is the most abrasive and the final polish is very fine.
In the first stage of polishing, deep scratches are removed, followed by the removal of lighter surface abrasions caused by the harsher polish.
How Paint Correction Works
It is necessary to level the surface of the paint to remove scratches and defects. It is a common misconception that scratches in your paint can be magically removed. That is simply not true.
For a scratch to be removed, the surrounding paint must be removed until it is level with the scratch’s lowest point. Therefore, you’re not working on the scratch itself; you’re just focusing on the area around it.
This concept can be frightening to some people. The paint is being stripped off. It’s just in very small amounts, even microscopic amounts. It is possible to remove an average light scratch without removing much paint. Before deciding whether to remove deep scratches, the pros and cons must be weighed.
Steps of Paint Correction
The full paint correction process can be divided into multiple steps based primarily on the amount of damage to the coating.
Step 1:
There is no need to explain this one. A pad and a cutting compound (or liquid polish) are used for the single-step polishing process. Small marring and swirl marks are removed with a single-stage paint correction.
Step 2:
For this step, you will use two different pad combinations and polishes. In most cases, it begins by polishing the surface with a coarser compound, then progressing to a finer compound to remove any scratches left by the first step.
Step 3:
If you reach this point, it is wise to research carefully and perhaps consult with a professional. There are three steps involved in this program, which are for cars with heavy swirl marks, marring, or other defects.
A machine polisher, along with a polishing pad, is used in the first step to dig through the paint damage. As the grit decreases, the second step gradually smoothes out the damage, followed by a light polishing compound.
How Long is a Paint Correction Effective?
Although you now know why auto paint correction is so expensive, you must still decide whether it is worth it for you.
Many people are concerned about how long the results will last. In contrast to covering scratches with a glaze or wax, a paint correction removes them.
Once the job is done, they don’t hide or cover-up – they’re gone. It is the actual question of how long it will take you to rescratch your car. How long your full paint correction will last depends on three factors:
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What you consider “long lasting”
Most people’s perceptions of the condition of a paint job are subjective. They might consider a clean, glossy surface perfect. While others pay much closer attention to details, scrutinizing every scratch and scuff.
If you are one of these two people, your auto paint correction will last. The paint on your home might not look exactly like it did 5 years ago if you expect it to.
It’s not always possible to control the conditions under which vehicles operate in the world. When people walk by, they will come into contact with them.
There might not be enough time for you to scold your friend before they lean against your bumper. You might not notice a bird bomb hidden on the passenger side of the car for a few days.
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How well you treat it
Those who see their cars as nothing more than functional machines may not be satisfied with the results. It may be better to avoid an auto paint correction altogether.
There is no need to remove them if you don’t mind your vehicle being scratched. In a few weeks, another batch will be ready.
You can expect a paint correction to last a long time if you take good care of your car. The best way to protect your paint is to use safe cleaning methods and stay away from all the weird ways you can scratch it.
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How well you protect it
After the paint has been corrected, your detailer will discuss your options for protecting it. To ensure those results last as long as possible within your budget, lock them in for as long as possible.
When it comes to scratch resistance, the paint protection film is the best option. Some people choose to wrap their entire car in this to protect it from stone chips, but this is usually used on the front of the vehicle.
The best way to protect freshly corrected paint is with a ceramic coating. Your detailer is likely to have more than one brand that they are familiar with and prefer to use.
What Paint Correction Can’t Fix
Paint corrections may not fix every problem with the paint on your vehicle. Stone chips and dents will not be fixed. The car’s body panels will not change color as a result of fixing paintwork that isn’t matching.
In addition, full paint correction cannot fix scratches and gouges that are extremely deep. Body shops handle these things.
Where to Get Paint Corrected in Florida
After deciding if paint correction is what you need, you’ll need a place to get it done.
Luckily, it’s one of our specialties!
There are tons of ways that paint can be incorrectly fixed, so we recommend letting a professional handle it.
Contact us today at 941-306-9659 for a quote on paint correction.