Is your car's paint looking dull, hazed, or filled with light surface scratches or swirl marks? If so, it might need more than just an exterior detail. Neglecting these issues can lead to more significant problems over time. Paint correction is a specialized service offered by professional detailers to restore and rejuvenate your vehicle's paint, making it look as good as new. At Wittmann Detailing, we pride ourselves on our expertise in paint correction and our commitment to customer satisfaction. In this guide, we will explain the process of paint correction, the products we use, and why it is essential to choose an experienced detailer for this crucial task.
The Difference Between Exterior Detail and Full Paint Correction: Many people often confuse an exterior detail with a full paint correction, but they are two completely different services. An exterior detail typically takes about 2 hours and includes prepping the car, decontaminating it, applying a 1-stage spot compound, a 1-stage polish, and a coat of wax. On the other hand, paint correction is a more intensive process that can take anywhere from 6 to 20 plus hours, involving multiple stages of compound and polish. Let's dive deeper into the products used and the steps involved in the paint correction process.
The Paint Correction Process:
Preparation: The initial step in the paint correction process involves thoroughly preparing the car. This includes washing the car with a PH neutral soap to neutralize the iron and sediments in the water and prevent any additional contaminants from adhering to the paint. A clean wash mitt is used to avoid introducing additional swirl marks to the paint.
Decontamination: In this step, the car is sprayed with an iron remover, which initiates a chemical reaction with the iron particles, dissolving them and allowing for their removal without dragging them across the paint and creating more surface scratches and swirl marks.
Clay Bar: A clay bar made of engineered resin is used to remove any remaining dirt and contaminants that a simple wash could not remove. It is crucial to use a lubricant during this step to avoid introducing more scratches and swirl marks to the car.
Determining Clear Coat Condition: Before proceeding to the compounding and polishing stages, it is necessary to assess the condition of the clear coat on the car. This involves measuring the thickness of the clear coat using a paint gauge and determining how many stages of compound and polish can be applied.
Compounding: The compounding stage involves using a liquid compound to remove moderate to deep defects in the car's paint. Microfiber cutting pads are used with a precision cut compound to level the surface and eliminate swirl marks and light surface scratches.
Polishing: During the polishing stage, a liquid polish is used to bring out the car's shine. A high-quality polish is used to ensure a superior finish without using products with heavy polymers or fillers that merely cover up the scratches.
Protection: The final step is to seal in the shine and provide protection to the paint. Three different options are available for protection: carnauba wax, sealant, or ceramic coating. Each option has its benefits, and the best one for your needs can be recommended by the detailer.
Questions to Ask Your Detailer:
How long does a paint correction take?
A paint correction can take anywhere from 6 to 20 plus hours, depending on the condition of the paint and the number of stages of compound and polish required.
Do any of the products used during paint correction contain polymers or fillers?
How long have you been detailing cars?
Do any of the products used during paint correction contain polymers or fillers?
Do I even need a paint correction?
Paint correction is a specialized service that requires expertise and experience. At Wittmann Detailing, we have been providing premium mobile auto detailing services, including paint correction, since 2021. We are committed to customer satisfaction and open communication throughout and after each service. If you are considering paint correction for your vehicle, contact us today for more information or to book a service. We serve Glendale, Peoria, North Phoenix, Cave Creek, El Mirage, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale.