What is the Car Paint Correction Procedure
Many people get confused by the different terminologies used in the car detailing industry, especially when it comes to services related to the car’s exterior paint such as wax, cut & polish, and finally paint correction.
Wax: Mainly know as Carnauba Wax or Brazilian Wax is a product extracted from the leaves of a certain type of palm trees in Brazil. This product was widely used as a protectant for the car’s paint due to the hydrophobic effects it leaves behind, helping vehicles to stay cleaner by preventing the dirt and dust to stick easily on the paint. Applying wax on your car’s paint will enhance its appearance and promote gloss and shine. Now due to all the technical advancement, the use of Wax became very limited and was widely replaced by ceramic sealants that can last up to 6 months on the paint instead of 3 weeks for the normal wax, and are much easier to apply (spray & wipe).
Cut & polish: Some detailers also use the name buff & polish, which indicates that this process involves the use of a buffing machine. Cut means buffing the paint with a cutting pad and a cutting compound. The process is called cutting because it actually takes (cuts) layers of the paint out in order to reveal the fresher layer underneath. The polish is simply the layer of glossy protection that is normally applied after cutting, which can be wax, ceramic sealant, or even ceramic coating.
Paint Correction: Over time and due to various reasons like incorrect washing procedure or simply neglect, your car’s paint acquires a lot of light scratches and swirl marks (sometimes known as wash marks). It might be true that most of those marks or lines will only be visible under certain lighting and angle, but as a result the car’s paint starts looking dull. To restore the shine, we need to remove that scratched top layer. Now why is this procedure called paint correction instead of cut & polish, simply because it involves multiple cutting or buffing stages to reach the required depth in the paint. In short, it is a more detailed procedure, mainly used as a preparation stage for ceramic coating.
Is Paint Correction Essential Prior To Ceramic Coating
The paint correction procedure is not essential for the application of ceramic coating, even though most detailers will advise to do at least 1 stage of paint correction before the application.
For the ceramic coating to bond with your car’s paint, it needs to be perfectly clean. So a thorough washing, clay bar treatment, and paint decontamination is required prior to applying the ceramic layer. The reason why you are always advised opt for paint correction is simple, if you are going to seal it, then it better be perfect. When applying a good quality ceramic coating, you are sealing your car’s paint for the next 5 or 10 years, then why not have it in the best possible shape? However you can still choose to apply ceramic coating without any paint correction stage, if you are happy with the current appearance of your car.
Paint Correction Cost
The Paint Correction procedure can vary in price, depending on the level of correction being done. A single stage paint correction can cost you anywhere from $250 to $350, 2 stages from $500 to $600, and 3 stages from $600 to $800.
The cost might be considered a bit high for paint correction, however, it requires skills and experience to properly handle the buffing machine, the different cutting pads and cutting compounds, in a way to prevent any permanent paint damage or paint burn.
Unfortunately this service cannot be booked online as it has to be priced on case to case basis, and may be advised to be followed by a ceramic coating job since most of the hard work is already done.
Main Mobile Car Detailing Services
Exterior Washing & Detailing
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Foam Cannon Wash
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Hand Wash & Dry
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Light Machine Polish
Paint Protection (Ceramic Coating)
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5 or 9 years warranty
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Protection against elements
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Gtechniq Accredited
Interior Cleaning & Detailing
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Thorough Vacuum
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Carpet & Seats Shampooing
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Dash & trims cleaning
Engine Bay Detailing
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Degreasing & Brushing
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Pressure Water Rinse
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Plastic Trims Dressing
Paint Correction Procedure
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Clay Bar Treatment
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1, 2 or 3 stage cut (buffing)
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Reduction of Swirl Marks
Headlights Restorations
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Light Sanding
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Machine polish
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Final Wipe & Clean
Interior Car Detailing
Clean and protect your interior car parts and smell a good fresh air while driving your vehicle. Includes shampooing of seats & floor carpet
Exterior Car Detailing
Clean and protect your paint by choosing this service and be proud of your car every time you hit the road. Includes a machine cut & polish with a protection layer
Full Car Detailing
With this service your car will be fully cleaned and washed inside & out. The interior will be deep cleaned while ensuring a shiny and clear exterior look
What Makes Hot Ride So Special
We Care
We are car enthusiasts, so we care about your car as much as you do, and maybe more...
We Know
We are professionals, so we know what it needs to deliver a perfect job
We Inform
We inform you about the steps, the price, and the time to get the job done, so there will be no surprises
Payment options as diverse as our skills. Your car, your currency.
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