Keeping your vehicle’s paint looking good can be challenging, especially with daily wear and tear. From minor scratches to swirl marks and oxidation, your car’s exterior is constantly under attack. But there’s a solution: paint correction.

What is Paint Correction

Paint correction is a meticulous process aimed at removing imperfections from a vehicle’s paintwork. These imperfections include swirl marks, fine scratches, water spots, oxidation, and other blemishes that blemish the surface. The goal is to restore the paint to its original, flawless condition, often resulting in a glossy, mirror-like finish. This is achieved through a combination of polishing techniques that remove a thin layer of the clear coat, effectively leveling out the surface and eliminating the defects.

Common Paint Imperfections

Over time, your car’s paint can suffer from various imperfections, including:

• Swirl Marks: Fine, circular scratches often caused by improper washing and drying techniques.
• Scratches: Deeper than swirl marks, these can be caused by contact with sharp objects, automatic car washes, or even brushing against the car with rough materials.
• Oxidation: This occurs when the clear coat begins to break down due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and the elements, leading to a dull and faded appearance.
• Water Spots: Mineral deposits left behind by evaporated water can etch into the clear coat, causing unsightly spots.

The Paint Correction Process

Before any correction can begin, the car must be meticulously cleaned to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants. This includes:

• Washing: Using a pH-balanced car shampoo to ensure a clean surface.
• Decontamination: Removing bonded contaminants with a clay bar or chemical decontaminants to ensure a smooth surface.

Once the paint correction is complete, it’s crucial to protect the newly restored surface. This involves applying:

• Ceramic Coatings: Advanced protective coatings that offer long-term protection against environmental contaminants, UV rays, and minor scratches.

Levels of Paint Correction

1 Stage Paint Correction

Our 1 stage paint correction removes moderate paint imperfections and restores gloss and clarity. This service is best suited for new cars with minor imperfections, vehicles that have been well cared for, and used vehicles being prepared for sale. This service is an excellent option for clients looking to get “bang for their buck.” The process includes:

• Col’s ultimate wash
• Clay bar treatment
• One stage machine polish
• Paint sealant application
• Tyres glossed
• Extras available
• Custom package available

Price: From $690.00 (quoted for small vehicles only). All prices include GST.*

2 Stage Paint Correction

Our 2-stage paint correction service is designed to remove more serious imperfections such as light water spotting, holograms/swirl marks, and light to medium scratches. While some deeper scratches may remain, this service is designed for darker-colored and high gloss finishes and, on most vehicles, will result in a near-flawless finish. The process includes:

• Col’s ultimate wash
• Clay bar treatment
• Two stage machine polish
• Paint sealant application
• Tyres glossed
• Extras available
• Custom package available

Price: From $990.00 (quoted for small vehicles only). All prices include GST.*

3 Stage Paint Correction

Our 3-stage paint correction service is suited for vehicles that have been neglected and are in poor condition with faded paintwork, heavy paint swirl marks, and deep scratches. This labor-intensive process involves:

• A heavy cutting polish
• A secondary abrasive polish
• A final finishing polish to enhance the vehicle’s paintwork

The process also includes:

• Col’s ultimate wash
• Clay bar treatment
• Three stage machine polish
• Paint sealant application
• Tyres glossed
• Extras available
• Custom package available

Price: From $1590.00 (quoted for small vehicles only). All prices include GST.*

Benefits of Paint Correction

Restores Vehicle Appearance: Paint correction significantly improves the visual appeal of your vehicle by eliminating imperfections and restoring the paint to a smooth, glossy finish. This process can make an old car look brand new, revealing its true color and depth, and enhancing its overall aesthetic.

Increases Resale Value: A well-maintained exterior can significantly boost your vehicle’s resale value. Potential buyers are more likely to pay a premium for a car that looks immaculate. Paint correction demonstrates that you have taken excellent care of your vehicle, making it a more attractive option in the used car market.

Protects Against Further Damage: By removing contaminants and imperfections, paint correction helps protect the underlying layers of your car’s paint. This process, combined with the application ceramic coating, provides a protective barrier against future damage from UV rays, environmental pollutants, and minor scratches.

Enhances Overall Driving Satisfaction: Driving a car that looks its best brings a sense of pride and satisfaction. A flawless paint finish not only boosts your car’s aesthetic appeal but also enhances your overall driving experience. Knowing your vehicle looks great can increase your confidence and enjoyment on the road.

Common Misconceptions About Paint Correction

There are several misconceptions about paint correction that can lead to confusion or unrealistic expectations. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. “Paint Correction is Just a Fancy Term for Waxing”: Waxing is a protective measure that adds a layer on top of the paint, while paint correction involves removing a part of the clear coat to eliminate defects. They serve different purposes and deliver different results.
2. “It Damages the Paint”: When performed correctly by a skilled technician, paint correction is safe and actually beneficial to the vehicle’s paint. The process removes imperfections without compromising the integrity of the paint layer.
3. “Any Detailer Can Do Paint Correction”: Not all detailers are equipped or trained to perform paint correction. It requires specialised knowledge, tools, and experience to achieve the desired outcome without causing additional damage.
4. “It’s a One-Time Fix”: While paint correction can significantly enhance the appearance of your vehicle, maintaining that finish requires ongoing care. Regular washing, waxing, and proper storage conditions are necessary to keep the paint looking its best.
5. “Paint Correction Fixes All Paint Problems”: While highly effective, paint correction has its limits. It can address many surface-level defects, but deeper issues like chips, severe scratches, or defects in the base coat may require additional repair methods.

DIY vs. Professional Paint Correction

While DIY paint correction can be tempting, professional services offer unmatched expertise, advanced tools, and guaranteed results that ensure a superior finish and long-term protection for your vehicle. Trusting professionals not only saves time and effort but also provides peace of mind with a flawless and safe restoration.

Choose Col’s Body Shop for expert paint correction services, where our experienced technicians use advanced tools and premium products to restore your vehicle’s pristine appearance. Contact Col’s Body Shop today for top-notch paint correction services.