What is Paint Correction

Paint correcting is a process that removes a micro-thin layer of clear coat paint bringing to appearance a new fresh looking layer of paint. There are aggressive and moderate steps that are taken in which are the result of analyzing your paintwork to see if you have moderate or neglected paint. Now there is a device to measure the depth of paint in which can be assessed if you can continue with the paint correcting process.

During my journey in car detailing in Houston, Tx I was able to learn and apply knowledge to be able to help car owners be able to treat and maintain their vehicle's presence. One of the much needed processes that I experienced that many needed was the correction of neglected paint. Here I want to explain what I have come across and this article may be able to help you maintain your vehicle.

How to do a paint correction process

First you want to wash and clay your vehicle's exterior. Before you choose the processes in which to take you to want to prepare a testing spot. Square off the space with a 4in by 4in grid using masking tape. Start with each process from less aggressive to more aggressive until you reach the desired appearance. Once you have found the proper step in which brings you the desired result you want to start from the most aggressive in which you have found to the least.

How to Compound a Car?

For neglected paint, you begin with a more aggressive step like compounding. Compounding removes more of the layer of paint than the others to get the deeper scratches. For this process,

you want to use an aggressive cut foam pad and a compounding product.

How to Polish a Car?

Polishing is a lighter approach than compounding in which removes a lighter layer for either the 2nd step in the process after compounding or the 1st step in correcting moderate paint. For the process, you will need a medium-cut foam pad and a polish product.

How to remove swirl marks?

During the previous processes, you create light swirls in which a swirl removing product needs to be used. In this process,

you will need a finishing foam pad and a swirl removing product.

How to prep car for paint correction?

In preparation for the paint correction, you want to ensure that your vehicle is properly washed and clayed. This preparation is to remove all contaminants that can be embedded into your buffing pad and further damaging your paint. Take masking tape and plastic bags and tape all of the areas besides the paint like black strips, grilles, windows, etc. This will protect the areas from getting the products that are in use transferred and then creating more unnecessary work.

The Different auto detailing buffers and polishers

Rotary buffer

The rotary buffer is for more aggressive buffing in which if used improperly can harm your paint. This buffer spins on only one axle in which you need to keep this buffer on the move never leaving it running in one spot which creates heat.

Orbital buffer

The orbital buffer is known as the finishing buffer and safer to use. This buffer rotates on two axles in which the pad doesn't sit in one place unless once again if used improperly.

How to use a buffer?

When using a buffer you want to first condition your pad with pad conditioner to help prevent heat all you need is a light mist. I prefer to use many pads unless you only have one pad as a result you have to keep cleaning the pad. Now apply 5 fingertip-sized dots of product onto the pad in different places. You want to work in a small area preferably a 2ft*2ft area. Spread the product on the surface with the buffer off to prevent sling. With the buffer on the surface turn it on at the slowest speed until you spread it on the area in which your working going in a side-to-side position then next pass up and down. Now that you have the product spread turn the buffer to the desired speed in which depends on the type of buffer and the type of buffer your using. You want to continue the up down side to side motions for about six passes. When complete buff off with a clean microfiber towel and inspect your work.

How to fix oxidized paint on car?

Having oxidation on car comes from your vehicle being exposed to harmful elements like uv rays and rain. Within the process of correcting your paint you may find that the beginning stage from basic clay bar treatment can remove the oxidation from the paint.

After Paint Correction

When auto detailers complete the paint correction process they ensure to protect their work by applying a sealant and/or wax.