In order to understand what paint correction is, it must be differentiated from a total paint job itself. The latter is a complete overhaul of the car, painting the exterior as if it were going to be delivered to a dealership. Correction on the other hand is more spot check driven, but that does not mean it isn’t occasionally extensive. Paint correction is the process of solving a myriad of problems on the finish. It can cost a bundle, but almost always isn’t as pricey as a complete paint job unless the highest quality compounds are used. But what does this exercise encompass?

“Foreign agents and the sun’s UV rays are the cause of most oxidation. Paint correction’s role in eliminating this issue is through various compounds that attempt to bring back its natural appearance”

Removing Oxidized Spotting

Restoring paint frequently includes treating patches on the car that have experienced oxidation. These areas look brown or gray and are essentially the ‘death’ of the paint. Foreign agents and the sun’s UV rays are the cause of most oxidation. Paint correction’s role in eliminating this issue is through various compounds that attempt to bring back its natural appearance. It should be mentioned however that advanced stages of oxidation will require more than standard correction.

Eliminating Buffing Mistakes

Paint correction is also a fancy way of performing touch ups on the hood and body that ‘hide’ mistakes in buffing and polishing from someone that was inexperienced. These swipe lines are called ‘swirl marks’ and make the car appear as if it has gone through a car wash but never got fully rinsed. Before it is properly buffed out by an orbital device, the swirls look like smudge marks and uneven lines.

Correcting ‘Dry’ Wiping

If you have ever rubbed your car with a dry, rough surface, you have likely been directly responsible for scratching the clear coat. This is particularly a problem when moisture-free buffing pads are moving at high speeds, disrupting the paint and sometimes leaving deep scrapes. Through paint restoration, these tiny crevices are filled in and sealed over to make a seamless finish. You can tell if your paint could use some correcting if on your fingertips the body of the car does not feel glossy. Dry wipes also make the car look dirtier since dust inhabits the small slivers.

Removing Contaminants

Impurities are stubborn and frustrating because they hurt a car’s aesthetic while also changing the integrity of the paint. Paint correcting services use a clay bar to get deeply penetrated particles that can cause moisture problems, and eventually, rust. Applying polishing compounds should not even be done unless contaminants have been eliminated entirely.

Conclusion

At its core, paint correction is a task that gives each car a facelift and promotes a healthy shine. Even more important than its outward sparkle is the fact that it is sealed and can ward off oxidation and debris in the future. The job itself is very rewarding, but only if conducted by professionals whose expertise lie in the application of specific chemical compounds. Not being knowledgeable in placing them on an automobile can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage, causing the whole paint surface needing to be redone from scratch.