Paint Correction is the process of rejuvenating and restoring the exterior painted surfaces of a vehicle. This can be done by eliminating surface imperfections, that dull, oxidize, or haze the exterior paint by reflecting light off in various directions, therefore detracting from a true and proper, clean, sharp, reflection.
Imperfections can include swirl marks, fine scratches, bird dropping and acid rain etching, hologramming & buffer trails, and random isolated deep scratches. A great tool to have when paint correcting is an LED Swirl Finder. View what we carry here:
Types of buffing/polishing pads:
- Cutting: First step in paint correction. Pair a heavy cutting pad with a cutting or one step compound to remove deep swirl marks and scratches.
- Polishing: Second step in paint correction. Pair a polishing medium soft foam or wool pad with a polishing or one step compound to remove further swirl marks or imperfections.
- Finishing: Last step in paint correction. Pair finishing or soft ultra fine foam pad with a finishing or one step compound to further refine the paint work to a swirl, mar and hologram free finish.
Follow up with a paint sealant or wax to protect the paint. This is important to maintain the paint correction once you have finished the buffing process. If you are applying a ceramic coating, use a paint prep to remove any remaining compound or oils that were left behind on the paint.