Paint Correction
What is Paint Correction?
Paint correction is a process that removes the minimum safe amount of clear coat or paint from your vehicle. It is very important that this process is done properly to ensure the longevity of the paint. Most factory clear coats are thinner than a sticky note. This is why we measure the clear coat and paint on your vehicle before we even start the process. This determines how much of the paint surface can be safely removed. In most cases it is only necessary to remove 1 or 2 microns from the surface to achieve the desired results. We never use any fillers in our paint correction processes and all imperfections are removed permantly and safely.
How do I know if my vehicle needs paint correction?
Do you ever look at your car in the sunlight and see what appears to be spider webs all over it? These are actually scratches in the paint which are typicallly caused by improper washing techniques. These fine scratches are usually in the top layer of clear coat and this why they appear much more pronounced when your vehicle is clean, and out in the sun.
What is the paint correction process?
The first step in the correction process is to thoroughly clean and dry the vehicle. Then the surface needs to be checked for contaminants. This is because although the surface looks clean it will usually have some degree of contamination remaining. These particles are bonded with the paint and therefore require the use of a clay bar to remove them. This is an important step because if these contaminants are left on the paints surface they could be ground into the paint during the compounding and polishing steps causing damage to the paint. After the process of claying the vehicle the paint should be perfectly smooth.
The next step is to measure the paint thickness to determine how much can be safely removed without affecting the protective properties of the clear coat such as UV protection. After this is completed then the compounding and polishing can begin. There are a number of factors that determine how many stages of polishing are necessary, as well as what types of machines, pads, and polishes will be used. These factors include the severity of imperfections, the type and amount fo clear coat, and whether it is single stage or base/clear paint.
The last step is to apply a wax, sealant, or paint coating. This is important because this is what is going to protect the finish after correction. There are two types of waxes. Polymer based synthetic waxes and plant based carnuaba waxes. Synthetic waxes are longer lasting and more durable. Carnuaba waxes provide a warm, rich gloss and a deeper shine but do not last as long. We also offer multiple types of semi-permanent paint coatings. The most popular being nano ceramic glass coatings. These typically last 2 or more years depending on which coating is used.