What Is Paint Correction All About and Is It Right for You?
Swirl marks, fine lines and scratches are imperfections that no car owner wants. Here's how paint correction can handle them all!
Did you know that 76% of used cars pre-pandemic sold under $25,000? Currently, used cars under $25,000 only make up 35% of the market! The auto industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and vehicle owners were finding that they were able to sell their used cars for more money than ever before.
One of the factors that play a role in your vehicle's price tag is its paint job. A simple paint correction can make a huge difference in how your car looks, boosting aesthetics and resale value.
Even if you aren't interested in selling your car, paint correction fixes blemishes, swirls, and scratches that can cause more damage and an entire paint job down the road. Luckily, we have a complete guide on what paint correction is and why visiting an auto detailer should be next up on your to-do list, so keep reading for more information!
What Is Paint Correction?
Paint correction entails using paint or coating to help eliminate swirls, fine lines, and scratches. Typically, it uses different polishers and graded pads that eliminate any visible blemishes.
Why would you need a paint correction? For most car owners, paint correction is an aesthetic correction. Although, fixing your car's paint is the first step before applying a paint protection film or ceramic coating. Paint jobs free of blemishes also help resale value and give your car paint that "fresh off the car lot" look.
Benefits of Professional Paint Correction
You could purchase identical paint colors and try and fix your paint imperfections without help. This will likely lead to obvious touch-up spots indicative of DIY work. Professional paint correction involves a series of steps, including:
- Cleaning or removing debris
- Wet sanding
- Leveling
- Waxing
- Polishing
- Sealing
A paint correction through an auto detailer is the only method of fixing swirl marks and scratches. Afterward, a sealant or ceramic coating helps reduce future paint damage.
1-Step or 2-Step Paint Correction?
When visiting an auto shop, you will likely have the option of picking between a 1-step or 2-step paint correction. The first option is your basic paint correction and is the most affordable. It is meant for light swirling and minor scratches.
Although, it is not the ideal choice if you have random intermittent deep scratches and you will need a 2-step paint correction. This process uses heavier compounds to remove more challenging or deeper swirls and scratches. If you have a dark-colored vehicle, this is a better choice since it removes more apparent signs of damage.
Besides swirls and scratches, these paint correction types also help with dust and dirt caked onto your vehicle.
Paint Correction vs. Paint Jobs
Paint correction is not the same as a full paint job. In some cases, you may need an entire paint job, especially if you have a customized color. Paint corrections are designed to fix minor imperfections.
Paint jobs by an auto detailer can cost thousands of dollars. If you want a standard paint job, you are looking at $1,00 to $4,500. Repainting your car entails sanding the old paint and removing rust before applying a new coat.
Showroom or customized paint jobs will cost much more. These paint jobs remove all rust and dents before applying up to 24 coats of paint! It can take weeks and cost $20,000 for some vehicles.
Paint Correction vs. Paint Protection Film
Paint correction is the first step before applying a paint protection film. If you have a new car, you can skip this step and head straight to a paint protection film (PPF) or clear bra.
PPF is a vehicle paint protectant that prevents blemishes, scratches, and oxidation. Ultimately, it saves you thousands in costly paint repairs down the road.
You cannot apply PPF when you have fine lines and scratches since it creates swirling marks and visual blemishes. After your qualified team has buffed and fixed any scratches, a PPF is placed over vulnerable vehicle parts, such as:
- Front hood
- Bumper
- Side mirrors
- Rocker panels
- Fenders
The benefit of PPF is is uses self-healing properties that fix minor damages under heat. If you have a small scratch, the PPF will mold and reshape when left under the sun. It also protects against UV rays, winter salt, road debris, and bird droppings.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating
Now that you know more about paint correction and the option of adding a PPF, it helps to learn more about the final sealant or coating on your vehicle. Opting for a ceramic coating will keep your paint job pristine for years to come, and it works with or without PPF.
The average timeframe a person owns their vehicle is approximately six years. Spending thousands on paint corrections and repairs eats into your budget while neglecting paint repairs could drop your resale value by hundreds or thousands.
Ceramic coating is a clear sealant that is more durable and better than simple wax jobs. It adds more protection and is longer-lasting than other sealants on the market. Here are a few other ceramic coating benefits:
- Prevents oxidation
- Hydrophobic
- Improves glossy finish
- Repels dirt and dust
It makes your car easier to clean, and you will require fewer car washes than before!
Fixing Your Car Paint
Have you wondered about how to fix your car paint and if paint correction works? Professional paint corrections are useful and can boost the value of your car. When you get a car paint correction, don't neglect a sealant or additional film.
PPF and ceramic coating are two excellent choices that will prevent future swirls, scratches, or faded paint. For help getting started with fixing your vehicle's paint, check out Ultimate Film Solutions.
We specialize in window tinting, PPF installations, ceramic coating, paint correction, and more! Give us a call to set an appointment today!
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