How does paint correction work?
When certain vehicles enter our car storage facility in Northamptonshire, they need a little TLC. And it’s usually nothing major, for these are cars which are deeply loved by their owners and treated to the best possible care, but we’re happy to help, regardless.
One of the most common maintenance tasks we undertake is paint correction. But what is paint correction? Is it worth investing in? Does it turn an old car into something that is showroom-ready? Are there any nasty side effects?
Welcome to our mini guide to paint correction!
What is paint correction?
Paint correction is s term used by car detailers and enthusiasts all over the planet, and describes the process of rejuvenating and restoring paintwork by eliminating imperfections on the surface.
A car in need of paint correction is usually fairly easy to spot - if you know what to look for. The surface imperfections will make themselves known by dulling, oxidising or hazing the surface, causing light to reflect off in different directions. This detracts from a true, clean, sharp reflection.
If you’ve ever spotted prominent swirl marks, buffer trails or fine scratches on your car, you’ll know what we’re referring to.
In every day use, such imperfections won’t exactly get in the way of your enjoyment of a car, but to enthusiasts, their very presence is a constant blot on the ownership experience.
Paint correction isn’t about covering up imperfections
The term ‘paint correction’ should only be used if the imperfections are completely removed. Merely covering up fine scratches or swirl marks doesn’t constitute paint correction, nor can you pop down to your local Halfords store in order to buy a kit that will help you do it yourself.
Paint correction works by removing a small amount of clear coat paint from the car’s surface with an abrasive polish that’s applied and worked in with a polishing machine built specifically for the job. This ensures the surface is levelled out, but also proves that it isn’t a job for the feint of heart or inexperienced.
Preparing your car for paint correction
Before any paint correction can take place, it’s vital that the car’s bodywork is prepared. That means a thorough wash and decontamination to ensure that all loose dirt is removed and debris cleared. Following that, an even deeper clean is performed, thanks to the use of a specialist automotive ‘clay bar’ which removes any contaminants that are bonded to the surface.
This preparation stage is vital, as it ensures no further damage to the bodywork can take place once the paint correction process begins, and ensures an almost perfectly level surface to play with.
The polishing process
The main part of the paint correction process revolves around multi-stage polishing, where different grades of polish are used - ranging from heavy cutting compounds to finer products.
Paint correction is a delicate process, and one that must be approached in stages. So fine are the margins, in fact, that it isn’t uncommon for engineers to use paint depth gauges to check their work as they go along.
Some scratches and imperfections are simply too deep to fully repair, and in such instances, clever machine polishing techniques are used to minimise their impact on the finished surface.
Following correction, each panel is thoroughly wiped down to remove any lingering oil from the polishing process. This reveals the true finish and any areas that require additional work. Once completely finished, the bodywork should produce incredible, mirror-like reflections due to the absence of scratches and imperfections.
Does my car need paint correcting?
This is a question only you can answer. Some imperfections are so bad they’re clear for all to see, but more often than not, you’ve really got to look hard to find the hairline scratches and swirl marks on the bodywork of a car.
If you find yourself doing that on a regular basis, or if you simply want to rest safe in the knowledge that your beloved motor is as clear from imperfections as possible, paint correction is a brilliant, affordable way to bring it back to its best.
Image credit
