Paint correction and ceramic coating in Sydney

Why used cars need correcting before coating

A ceramic coating is clear. It doesn't hide swirls, holograms or light scratches; it locks them in for as long as the coating lasts. That's why we never coat used paint without assessing it first, and in most cases machine polishing it.

Paint correction levels the clear coat to remove the fine damage that builds up over years of washing, automatic car washes and daily use. Coating straight after correction seals that finish in, so you get both the gloss and the protection.

What paint correction removes

• Swirl marks from washing and drying with the wrong towels
• Holograms and buffer trails from previous polishing
• Light scratches that don't catch a fingernail
• Water spot etching and bird dropping marks
• Oxidation and dull, faded paint

Deeper scratches that have gone through the clear coat can be improved but not always removed. We'll show you which marks will come out before you commit.

One, two or three stages?

Every car is different, so the polishing is matched to the paint:

• One stage: a single polish for paint in fairly good condition. Removes light swirls and restores gloss.
• Two stages: a cut to remove heavier swirls and scratches, then a polish to refine the finish. This is where most used cars end up.
• Three stages: for neglected or heavily marked paint, dark colours, or owners who want the best possible finish.

Polishing removes a very thin layer of clear coat, so it should only be done by someone who knows how much is safe to take off. On older or resprayed cars we check the paint before deciding how far to go.

Why do it as one job?

• The coating protects the correction. Freshly polished paint is exposed. Coating it straight away keeps the finish from picking up new swirls.
• One preparation, not two. The wash, decontamination and panel wipe are done once.
• Less time without your car. Both stages happen at your home over about two days.
• Easier upkeep. Coated paint is slicker, so normal washing causes far fewer new swirls.

Paint correction on its own

If you're selling the car soon, or you only want the gloss back, correction on its own may make more sense. See our paint correction service, from $650, or a presale detail. We'll tell you which option suits your plans when we quote.

Cars that benefit most

• Dark colours, especially black, which show every swirl. See why black cars are hard to maintain
• Cars that have been through automatic car washes
• Second-hand cars you plan to keep for years
• Classic and enthusiast cars
• Cars parked outside under trees or near the coast

Getting a quote

Because the amount of correction depends on the paint, this package is quoted per car. Send a few photos in daylight, including close-ups of the worst panels, and tell us the make, model and colour. For the full detail on our coatings, see ceramic coating in Sydney. For brand-new cars, see new car paint protection.