Paint Correction Techniques
You just noticed a handful of scratches and scuffs on the body of your car, and they are an eyesore.
In addition to ruining your vehicle’s appearance, these issues pave the way for pricey rust issues down the road. And if you intend to resell your car in the future, you are ten times more worried. These nicks and marks can completely annihilate its resale value.
But no need to worry; a paint correction job can eliminate all those scratches. If done correctly, your automobile will look like it’s just been driven from a showroom. On that note, we’ll look at some existing paint correction techniques.
What Is Paint Correction?
Before we delve into the types, it’s important to cover the basics. So, paint correction is an auto detailing process to eliminate scratches, swirl marks, cracks, and any other blemishes on your car’s paint.
It uses sophisticated equipment and polishing compounds that remove the minutest layers of the paint’s clear coat. The clear coat is the topmost layer of the paint, and it serves to protect the base and primer coats.
3 Main Paint Correction Methods
The paint correction approach used by your car detailer will depend on the extent of the damage. Here are the three core levels of correction available:
Single Stage Paint Correction
Depending on where you come from, this may be known by other terms, such as 1-step or light paint correction.
This technique entails using a single polishing step to get rid of blemishes. In other words, the detailer uses one type of finishing polish and pad. With this in mind, it’s typically done on vehicles with minor imperfections or requiring light correction.
It’s not meant to remove any severe scratches or blemishes, as the tools used aren’t abrasive enough to fix any deep-rooted issues. Once the paint correction is done, an appropriate sealant or wax is applied to shield the paintwork from future damage.
Stage Two Paint Correction
This technique is intended for vehicles with moderate scratches and swirl marks. As the title implies, it involves using two finishing polish and pad combinations.
In the first stage, the detailer uses a cutting compound to remove the blemishes. The second step involves using a finishing pad for further refinement. So, any scratches or paint defects that remain after the first step are tackled in the second
Like the one-step procedure, stage two paint correction ends with wax or sealant application for reinforced protection.
Stage Three Paint Correction
This paint correction technique is designed to remove severe swirl marks, scratches, and other stubborn blemishes. In this case, the detailer uses three different combinations of the finishing polish and pad.
Some professionals go the extra mile of wet sanding - a process that works wonders on heavier scratches. Wet sanding entails sanding the target area with sandpaper soaked in water or a lubricant like WD-40. This not only helps to remove stubborn scratches, but it also leaves a smooth, even surface.
In terms of the procedure, the three steps involved are compounding, polishing, and finishing. Compounding is the most rigorous stage, as it aims to remove deep-seated blemishes. This involves using a machine polisher to apply a heavy cutting compound on the affected spots. This combo removes a paper-thin layer of the clear coat, leaving a smooth surface behind.
In the next step, the detailer applies medium-cutting compounds to remove minor scratches and swirl marks. It’s done using a less abrasive polish and a smoother polishing pad.
The purpose of this stage is to not only clear the remaining imperfections but also enhance the luster of the car’s paint. So, if your car’s paint has started to lose its vibrancy, expect that shiny appearance back.
The last stage is finishing or polishing. Here, the detailer applies an ultra-fine polishing compound to get rid of holograms and create a smooth, glossy finish. By the time the detailer is done, your car will have that stunning, showroom-like appearance it once had. Additionally, a sealant or waxing product will be applied to protect the paint job.
How to Get the Most From Car Paint Correction
Start With a Thorough Car Wash
Before the paint correction procedure, your car should be washed thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface. This way, the detailer has a smooth surface to work with to guarantee optimal results. The good thing is that most auto detailing shops offer this service before embarking on paint correction.
Choose the Correct Pad and Compound
You will also want to ensure that your detailer uses the correct tools. The cutting pads and compounds have varying abrasion levels. Some are designed to remove deep imperfections, while others are meant for surface-level correction. Using the right pad is essential to eliminate all blemishes without damaging the car’s paint further.
Work in Small Sections
If you’ve opted for a DIY approach, work in small sections at a time. Ideally, this area should not be bigger than 2x2 feet. This makes controlling the pressure you apply much easier. Plus, it ensures a more even coverage of the products being applied.
Finish with a Sealant or Wax
Although this step is optional, I highly recommend it. Finishing off with a sealant or wax creates a robust barrier that protects the paint from future damage. This way, you won’t have to do a paint correction service too frequently.
So, how often should you perform paint correction on your vehicle? Well, this depends on your vehicle’s condition and frequency of use. For most car owners, performing it every 2 to 3 years is adequate to maintain a glossy appearance.
Conclusion
Paint correction is a detailing procedure performed every couple of years to restore your car’s appearance to factory condition. With time, your car’s exterior can end up with many imperfections, such as scratches, swirl marks, oxidation marks, and water spots.
These blemishes not only ruin its aesthetic appeal but also lower its resale value. A paint correction service can restore the showroom-like look, enhancing its longevity. Also crucial to note is that there are different paint correction levels. Be sure to choose wisely to prevent further paint damage.
