Paint correction is a precision machine polishing process used to reduce or remove visible defects from your vehicle's clear coat. It can restore clarity, depth, gloss and reflection by correcting swirl marks, light scratches, haze, oxidation and other surface imperfections.

Paint correction can improve swirl marks, wash marring, light scratches, oxidation, haze, water spot etching and other defects contained within the upper layers of the clear coat. The amount of improvement depends on the depth of the defect and the condition of the paint.

No. Light scratches and surface defects can often be greatly reduced or removed, but deeper scratches that extend through the clear coat may not be safe to completely correct. The goal is to achieve the best possible improvement without unnecessarily compromising the paint.

The number of polishing stages depends on your paint condition and the level of correction you want. Lighter defects may respond well to a single polishing stage, while heavier swirling, haze and more noticeable imperfections may require a more intensive multi-stage correction process.

New vehicles can still have light swirl marks, dealership wash marks, transportation defects and other imperfections. A light paint correction can refine the finish and create a cleaner, glossier surface before ceramic coating or another form of paint protection is applied.

Proper preparation begins with a thorough exterior wash followed by chemical and mechanical decontamination to remove bonded contaminants. The paint is then inspected so the appropriate polishing combination and correction process can be selected for your vehicle.

Pricing depends on the size of the vehicle, paint condition, severity of the defects and the amount of correction required. Vehicles needing heavier defect removal or multiple polishing stages generally require more time than finishes needing only light refinement.

Service time depends on the vehicle's size, paint condition and the level of correction being performed. A light polishing service can take considerably less time than a multi-stage correction on a vehicle with heavy swirling, oxidation or more extensive paint defects.

Paint correction works by carefully polishing a very small amount of the clear coat to level the surface around visible defects. This is why proper inspection, technique and product selection are important when correcting paint safely and effectively.

Paint correction permanently removes the defects that are successfully polished away, but new swirl marks and scratches can develop over time. Proper washing, drying and maintenance techniques are important for preserving the corrected finish and preventing new damage.

Paint correction is an ideal preparation step before ceramic coating because it improves the finish before protection is applied. Ceramic coating can then help preserve the corrected surface while adding gloss, hydrophobic performance and protection from environmental contamination.

Use proper hand washing techniques, clean wash media and soft microfiber drying towels. Avoid harsh automatic tunnel washes and aggressive cleaning methods that can introduce new swirl marks. Adding ceramic coating, sealant or another paint protection product can also help preserve the corrected finish.