Asking whether or not paint correction can remove scratches is a bit of a loaded question, since the answer is both yes and no. While obviously deeply embedded scrapes will need a bit more than just a touch-up, the truth of the matter is several nicks can be addressed with ease. Particularly if top shelf compounds are used, even medium sized scratches can be eliminated. The reason finer substances are more effective is because they are better equipped to bond the paint. The more a paint job has bonded, the less noticeable imperfections are. So how does paint correction remove scratches?

“Paint correction can last up to ten steps, depending how extensive your car needs help, but it is generally accepted that in 3 stages scrape removal is complete. After a vehicle has undergone an extensive rinsing, a heavy correcting compound is applied via a soft pad and buffing machine”

Seeking A Proper Reflection

Scrapes on a car’s exterior destroy its beautiful finish, but beyond just the feel of it on our fingertips, what exactly is taking place? A paint’s appearance relies heavily on the reflection from light. This is why brand new cars appear mirror-like and wet. Glossy cars are no accident, and necessitate a lot of maintenance to keep up to par. Scratches cause light to scatter in an unpleasant way. Since reflective properties are being bounced inconsistently, it is easier to see dust and dirt when the body has been nicked by rocks or sand. With paint correction, the reflective properties of a finish are restored to generate a level of consistency.

How Are The Scratches Treated?

Paint correction can last up to ten steps, depending how extensive your car needs help, but it is generally accepted that in 3 stages scrape removal is complete. After a vehicle has undergone an extensive rinsing, a heavy correcting compound is applied via a soft pad and buffing machine. The purpose of this initial layer is to dispense powerful bonding agents within deep scratches. When paint bonds it becomes smooth, which in turn creates a uniform reflection that you see on freshly minted vehicles at a dealership. Second, a correcting polish is distributed throughout the hood and side paneling. Polish brings a renewed sparkle, but is only efficient at bonding surface level scratching. Lastly, a finishing polish preps the entire vehicle for a waxing. What this means is that if done correctly, the affected areas have been treated with binding polymers that now need to be held in place with a sealant.

A Word Of Caution

Even though paint correction can be a very fruitful process to have done, it is not something that should ever be relied on to ‘fix’ dents and damage. It is prudent to think of the task as something that can aid in restoration, not entirely resolve it. If you have gone through a correction service and scratches still appear, it may mean that you are in line for a new coat of paint altogether.

Conclusion

Assuming your car has sustained a reasonable amount of damage, correction carried out by expert detailers is a smart decision because it will save you thousands of dollars in the future. A total repainting is typically twice the price of spot check restoration, if not more so. Undergoing paint correction puts you ahead of the curve and wards off fresh scratching and oxidation.