When a Wash Isn’t Enough
You wash your vehicle, step back to admire it, and then the sunlight hits it just right. Suddenly, there they are — swirl marks, light scratches, water spots and a finish that just doesn’t have the shine it used to.
That’s where paint correction comes in.
What Is Paint Correction?
Paint correction is the process of removing or reducing imperfections in your vehicle’s clear coat to restore clarity, depth and shine to the paint.
Over time, your vehicle’s finish can pick up imperfections from everyday driving, automatic car washes, improper washing and drying, environmental exposure and normal wear and tear.
Some of the most common imperfections paint correction can address include:
- Swirl marks
- Light scratches
- Water spots
- Oxidation
- Hazy or dull paint
- Other minor clear coat imperfections
Rather than covering these imperfections up, paint correction carefully works the surface of the clear coat to reduce or remove them.
Not Every Vehicle Needs the Same Correction
Paint correction isn’t a one-size-fits-all service.
A newer, well-maintained vehicle may only need a light correction to bring back its shine. Another vehicle may have years of swirl marks, scratches and other imperfections that require significantly more work.
That’s why the process – and the cost – can vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Before recommending paint correction, our team can evaluate the condition of the paint and determine what level of correction makes sense for the vehicle and the result you’re looking for.
What Does Paint Correction Have to Do With Ceramic Coating?
This is where proper preparation becomes especially important.
Paint correction improves the surface. Ceramic coating protects it.
Ceramic coating creates a durable protective layer over your vehicle’s finish, but it doesn’t remove scratches, swirl marks or other existing paint imperfections.
If those imperfections are present before the coating is applied, they’re still going to be there afterward.
Correcting the paint first gives the ceramic coating a cleaner, properly prepared surface and allows you to get the best possible appearance before that finish is protected.
Think of it this way: if you’re going to protect your paint for years to come, you want it looking its best before you lock in that protection.
Does My Vehicle Need Paint Correction Before Ceramic Coating?
Not necessarily — and that’s exactly why we evaluate each vehicle individually.
The amount of correction recommended depends on the current condition of your paint, your expectations for the finished vehicle and the type of protection you’re considering.
Some vehicles may need minimal preparation. Others can benefit significantly from paint correction before ceramic coating is applied.
At The Repair Companies Shop, we can take a look at your vehicle, talk through your goals and recommend the services that make the most sense for it.
Protect What You’ve Corrected
Paint correction can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your vehicle, but keeping that finish protected is just as important.
Pairing proper paint preparation with ceramic coating can help maintain that freshly corrected finish while adding long-term protection to your vehicle’s exterior.
Curious what your paint is hiding?
Stop by The Repair Companies Shop or contact our team to have your vehicle evaluated. We’ll help you determine what level of paint correction — and protection — is right for your vehicle.
