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Paint Correction

Paint correction is a highly skilled process that removes surface imperfections in the paint, such as swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and hazing caused by poor washing techniques, UV exposure, and general wear and tear. At Detaileur, we treat every paint correction job as a precision restoration — not a quick polish.

This service is ideal for those seeking Factory-level shine or preparing a car for ceramic coating or resale.

What is Paint Correction?

Paint correction is the use of machine polishing tools and professional compounds to remove a small layer of the clear coat, thereby eliminating defects that dull the surface and hinder reflectivity.

Paint correction is not a cover-up — it’s a permanent improvement to the paint’s surface clarity when done correctly.

Why Paint Correction Is Worth It?

  • Restores lost clarity, gloss, and depth of colour

  • Removes years of damage like swirl marks and buffer trails

  • Prepares the paint perfectly for ceramic coating

  • Increases resale value with a like-new finish

  • Enhances hydrophobic and reflective properties

Paint Correction process at Detaileur

Step 1: Pre-Inspection & Paint Condition Report

We assess:

  • Paint thickness using a paint depth gauge (to ensure safe correction)

  • Type and severity of defects (swirls, RIDS – random isolated deep scratches, oxidation, water spots, bird etching)

  • Paint type (soft, medium, or hard clear coat)

  • Refinish areas or previous body repairs

✅ Based on this, we recommend:

  • Single Stage (Enhancement) – Minor correction with polish and gloss

  • Two Stage Correction – Cut and refine

  • Three Stage Correction – For heavy defects and high-end finish

Step 2: Thorough Decontamination & Prep

  • Before any polishing, the paint surface must be completely clean and bare. This includes:

  • Pre-rinse & Snow Foam to break down dirt

  • Two-Bucket Hand Wash (using grit guards to avoid fresh swirls)

  • Iron Fallout & Tar Removal

  • Clay Bar Treatment – Removes bonded contaminants

  • Drying with Blower & Microfibre Towels

  • IPA Wipe Down – Strips any waxes, oils, or fillers that could mask defects

Step 3: Paint Correction (Machine Polishing Stages)

  • Begin machine polishing after wash, decontamination, and paint prep

    Choose between:

  • Single-stage correction – polish only (removes 40–60% of defects)

  • Two-stage correction – compound + polish (removes 70–90%)

  • Three-stage correction – heavy cut + polish + refining (for aged or severely damaged paint)

  • Perform a test spot to determine the ideal pad and compound combination

    Work panel by panel with:

  • Cutting pad & compound to remove deeper scratches, swirls, oxidation

  • Polishing pad & finishing polish to enhance depth and restore clarity

  • Use dual-action or rotary polishers based on paint hardness and defect type

    After each stage:

  • Wipe with IPA to remove oils and reveal true paint condition

  • Inspect under LED and colour-matched lights to ensure consistency

  • Adjust technique or product as needed to avoid holograms or hazing

  • Optional spot correction for remaining isolated defects

Step 4: Paint Refining / Finishing Polish

  • After defect removal, we refine the finish with a jeweling polish to enhance clarity, depth, and gloss — removing any haze from the cutting stages.

Step 5: Panel Wipe & Protection Application

  • Final IPA wipe-down ensures nothing is left on the surface

  • We then apply paint protection sealant (included) or

  • Ceramic/Graphene Coating (optional add-on for long-term protection)

Step 6: Final Inspection & Presentation

  • We perform a multi-angle, multi-light inspection to confirm evenness and quality. If required, a spot correction is done before handover.

Important Notes

🔸 Paint correction is labour-intensive and not a quick buff. Full correction takes anywhere between 6–18 hours depending on the car.
🔸 Not all scratches can be removed safely. Some deeper marks may remain to preserve clear coat integrity.
🔸 All correction services are preceded by an in-person inspection. Final quotes depend on paint condition, vehicle size, and the desired outcome.
🔸 Protection after correction is essential. We strongly recommend applying ceramic coating post-correction.

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