Paint correction is a concept now widely used by both professional car detailers and car cleaning enthusiasts around the world to describe the process of restoring and rejuvenating a vehicle’s painting, mostly by removing surface imperfections that dull, oxidize or haze the surface by reflecting light in different directions, thereby detracting from a true and proper cl Such imperfections include items like swirl marks & fine scratches, bird dropping etching & acid rain etching, hologramming & buffer tracks, and odd, deep scratches (or RIDS) isolated.
The word paint repair should only be used if such imperfections are adequately removed and not simply covered up or obscured with products based on fillers. The actual correction method itself consists of a small quantity of clear coat or paint being removed from the surface using abrasive polishes to be applied and worked in with appropriate polishing machines to level the surface.
A thorough cleaning and decontamination of the body is done before any paint correction is undertaken. Paintwork is thoroughly washed and cleaned to avoid any loose dirt and debris, and then barred with a patented automotive clay bar after the washing process, which securely eliminates any bonded surface pollutants such as tar spots and chemical runoff.
It is vital that these pollutants are removed before the paint correction process because they could easily inflict damage on the surface very quickly if they were to be dislodged and caught up in a polishing machine’s base. It also helps to make the surface very smooth, which in turn allows the polishing machine to move freely over the surface, reducing the risk of hopping or sticking. Eventually, claying the paintwork lets you track the progress of the repair process better because you can see the surface’s true condition while you work.
Polishing is typically a multi-stage method as a variety of different types of polish are used, ranging from heavy cutting substances that remove the surface material to finer products that eliminate any marks that may have been left by heavier products and generally improve the finish. A paint depth scale is widely used during the paint correction process.
It monitors the thickness of the paint on the metal panel and is used to track how much material is being removed before, during and after the process and to ensure that excess is not removed which could make the paint too thin or even cause irreversible damage such as a hit through the paint. During the process, specialist halogen or LED lamps that mimic the effect of direct sunlight on the surface are also used to test the paintwork condition and to see how the surface scratches and imperfections are successfully removed.
In addition, certain scratches or imperfections may be too deep or extreme to remove safely without risking removing too much surface paint or clear coat, thereby minimizing and reducing them as best as possible by using machine polishing techniques and polishing items that round off the edges of the scratches and making them much less evident indirect light.
Following correction, the panels are wiped off with isopropyl alcohol which removes any oils that may have been left over from the polish and reveals the true finish, including any areas that may have been missing or may need a little more work. Once the paintwork has been finished, it will shine brightly and create incredible reflections as there are no cracks and imperfections to disperse and mirror the light rays in different directions.
Paint repair is a very labor-intensive procedure and is typically the most time-consuming aspect of automotive detailing. Accordingly, it demands high premiums from professional detailers & car cleaners, and amateurs or enthusiasts should only try to correct their own paintwork if they are fully confident or have sufficient experience to carry it out safely.
In conclusion, paint correction is the process of removing surface scratches and imperfections from the paintwork of automobiles, which requires the use of machine polishers and various polished items. A completely rectified vehicle will only show true reflections when viewed in direct sunlight and no swirling streaks, stains or blemishes will be visible to the naked eye.
At Apollo Auto Spa, we have one mission and one mission only: to protect your vehicle. Based in Walnut Creek, CA in a well-laid out 2000 sqft shop right off the 680 freeway. With great attention to detail, we protect your entire vehicle from bumper to bumper including the paint, plastics, glass, wheels, the interior and even the undercarriage. We have 3 distinct services: auto detailing and paint correction, paint coating and clear bra (PPF). The primary goals of our coatings is protection from the elements and reducing maintenance and time spent in making your vehicle look beautiful. Our clear bra (PPF) is an incredible solution for preventing rock chips and other larger debris. We are the best exterior car detailing service offering luxury services to all vehicles in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and the surrounding communities. Give us a call for our top certified ceramic pro services and you’ll be treated professionally and with our award-winning customer service.
