Paint Correction
Erase swirls, revive gloss, and fix that “chalky in the sun” look.
If your paint looks tired, swirled, or cloudy – even after it’s washed – this is the fix. Paint correction removes
swirls, light scratches, and oxidation so the color actually pops again. This is the foundation for any serious ceramic coating.
Built for coastal vehicles
Perfect prep for 5 & 10 year coatings
How to Know You Need Paint Correction
If you only ever see your car in the shade, you’re missing the truth. Step into the sun and look honestly.
Faded or chalky clear coat
Washed but never “glossy”
Pre-coating prep
- You see spiderweb swirls when the sun hits the paint.
- The color looks flat or hazy, especially on darker vehicles.
- Automatic car washes have done their damage over the years.
- You want ceramic coating, but the paint doesn’t look coating-worthy yet.
Correction is not “waxing harder.” It’s using the right pads, machines, and compounds to actually level the clear coat
in a controlled way so defects are removed, not just filled.
I’m not chasing perfection on every job just to brag online; I’m chasing the right balance of improvement, clear coat safety,
and long-term results for how you actually use the vehicle. We’ll talk honestly about what makes sense before we start.
Paint Correction Levels & Pricing
Every vehicle is different, but most fall into one of these three levels. Final pricing is confirmed after an in-person inspection.
Level 1 – Enhancement Polish
Light Swirls & Haze
- Single-stage machine polish
- Removes light wash marring & haze
- Boosts depth, clarity & gloss
- Great prep for 1–5 year coatings
Level 2 – Correction
Daily Driver Rescue
- Cut + polish (2-step) on most panels
- Targets moderate swirls & defects
- Big jump in clarity & depth
- Ideal prep for 5-year coatings
Level 3 – Multi-Stage Correction
Heavily Neglected or Dark Paint
- Multi-stage correction tailored panel by panel
- Chases deep clarity & reflection
- Perfect prep for 5- or 10-year coatings
- Best suited for long-term keepers
What’s Included With Paint Correction
The polishing isn’t the whole story. The prep makes it work, the protection makes it last.
- Thorough Wash: Foam pre-wash, hand wash, wheels, tires, jambs.
- Chemical Decon: Iron remover / fallout remover where needed.
- Mechanical Decon: Clay or mitt to remove bonded contaminants.
- Paint Inspection: Identify repainted panels, thin areas, realistic goals.
- Machine Polishing: Level 1, 2 or 3 correction based on package.
- Panel Wipe: Removes polishing oils so protection bonds properly.
- Protection Layer: Sealant or entry-level ceramic (full coatings priced separately).
Popular Add-Ons
Stack correction with the upgrades that make the most difference for real-world driving.
- 5-Year Ceramic Coating
- 10-Year Ceramic Coating
- Wheel & caliper protection
- Glass coating for better wet-weather visibility
- Headlight restoration
- Engine bay cleaning
If you’re already investing in correction, it often makes sense to protect the new finish properly
instead of just throwing wax on it. We’ll talk through options based on your budget and how you use the vehicle.
After Correction: Protect It or Let It Fade Again
Once the paint is corrected, you’ve got two choices: lock it in with ceramic, or slowly let the elements eat it again.
5- & 10-Year Ceramic Coatings
The best follow-up move after correction if you’re serious about long-term results.
- 5-Year Coating – built for coastal daily drivers
- 10-Year Coating – for keeper cars & high-value builds
- Both start with proper paint prep & correction
Dial In the Rest of the Vehicle
Correction pairs nicely with a full detail and specialty services so the whole car matches the paint.
- Full Interior & Exterior Detail
- Severe pet hair removal – $100/hr
- Headlight restore, engine bay, interior protection
What a Correction Appointment Looks Like
No mystery. Here’s what actually happens when you drop the car off.
Inspection & Test Spot
We walk the vehicle, talk about goals, and choose a level. I’ll do a test spot on one panel so you can see the real difference
before we commit to the whole car.
Wash, Decon & Correction
The car gets fully cleaned and decontaminated, then corrected panel by panel. High-risk areas get extra caution;
flat, safe panels get more aggressive work where it makes sense.
Protection & Aftercare
Once we hit the agreed correction level, I apply protection and walk you through how to wash and maintain it – or we line up a coating.
Paint Correction FAQ
Will paint correction remove every single scratch?
No. Some defects are too deep or unsafe to chase without compromising clear coat. The goal is a huge improvement
in overall clarity and gloss, not sanding the paint into oblivion.
Do you measure paint thickness?
Yes, where needed. I approach correction with the long game in mind – you want enough clear coat left to correct again
in the future if life happens.
How long does paint correction take?
Level 1 is usually a day job. Level 2 and Level 3 can run into 1.5–2+ days depending on size and condition.
Do I have to get a ceramic coating after correction?
No, but it’s strongly recommended if you want the results to last. At minimum, we’ll apply a quality sealant.
Coatings just take it much further, for much longer.
Will correction fix rock chips and deep gouges?
Correction improves the surrounding paint and can reduce the visual impact, but it doesn’t fill in missing paint.
Touch-up, PPF, or repaint options can be discussed if needed.
Is this safe for brand new vehicles?
Yes – in fact, brand new cars often arrive with dealer-installed swirls. A light correction is the perfect start before a coating.
Book Your Paint Correction
Use the booking form below to choose a time for your correction appointment or inspection.
We’ll confirm the level, price, and schedule before anything gets buffed.
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If you’re tired of seeing your paint look tired every time the sun comes out, correction is the move.
Fix it once the right way, then decide how far you want to take protection from there.