Paint Correction & Protection
Removes scratches, swirls and dullness with machine polishing and readies the paint for protection.
- Machine polishing
- Scratch, swirl and dullness removal
- Preparation before protection
Paint correction removes fine scratches, wash marks (swirls) and dullness from the clear coat with machine polishing. The aim is to bring the paint as close as possible to its factory gloss.
Paint thickness is measured first and decides how much correction is possible. Afterwards the paint can be protected with wax, sealant or a ceramic coating.
Scope and options
Single stage
For light swirls and dullness. Restores gloss; scratch removal is limited.
Two stage
Cutting and finishing stages for moderate scratches and swirls.
Multi-stage
For heavier defects. The result is limited by the clear coat that remains.
How it is done
- 01
Inspection under light
Defects show up under strong light and the stages needed are decided.
- 02
Wash and decontamination
The surface is cleaned first so that dirt particles do not scratch it.
- 03
Masking
Plastics, seals and edges are protected.
- 04
Polishing stages
With suitable compound and pad the scratches are removed under control and the surface is finished.
- 05
Check and protection
The result is checked and wax, sealant or a ceramic coating is suggested to protect the corrected paint.
Does paint correction fix every scratch?
No. Paint correction removes fine scratches, swirls and dullness in the clear coat. Deep scratches that cut through the clear coat into the colour or primer do not polish out completely and may need touch-up or localised paint.
That is why we inspect the car with you first and tell you up front which defects can be removed and where the limits are.
Quick glossary
- Clear coat
- The transparent protective layer over the colour. Polishing removes a very small amount of it.
- Swirl marks
- Fine circular scratches from washing and wiping that show in sunlight.
- Deep scratch
- A scratch that catches a fingernail may go through the clear coat and may not polish out fully.
- Paint thickness
- It limits how much polishing is possible. Repainted or thin panels are treated with care.
Aftercare
Wash correctly. Most scratches come from poor washing: use clean microfibre, two buckets and a neutral shampoo.
Protect the paint. Corrected paint left unprotected picks up swirls again quickly; a protective layer is recommended.
Avoid brush washes. Automatic brush washes create new swirls.
Questions about this service
Will every scratch come out?
No. Fine scratches in the clear coat come out; deep scratches through the clear coat may not polish out completely. We settle this together before starting.
Does polishing thin the paint?
A very small amount of clear coat is removed. Done in a controlled way and only as needed, it does not shorten paint life; thin or repainted panels are treated more cautiously.
How long does it take?
Between one and several days, depending on the size of the car and the amount of defects.
Do I need protection afterwards?
Not mandatory but recommended. Corrected paint left unprotected can pick up swirls again quickly; wax, sealant or a ceramic coating all work.
How often should it be done?
It is not something to repeat often. With correct washing and protection it is not needed again for a long time.