Paint
Correction
What is Paint Correction
A Paint Correction is the process of removing scratches and imperfections found in the vehicles clear coat. Using an electric polisher, a microfiber or foam buffing pad, and a special cutting compound, we can cut into the clear coat of a vehicle's paint until the scratches are leveled or removed.
Here at Curbside Mobile Detailing we conduct a 1-Step, 2-Step, and in some rare cases 3-Step Paint Correction in order to remove as many defects as possible from the vehicles clear coat to reveal a mirror like finish. Wet Sanding may be optional depending on the serverity of the imperfection.
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Common Types of Paint Defects
There are many types of paint defects that can be corrected through polishing, including spider web swirls, marring, micro marring, buffer trails, holograms, bird droppings, bird drop etchings, water spots, road tar, tree sap, paint scuffs, paint overspray, bugs, paint oxidation, clear coat failure, among others. Let’s go over the main causes of common types of car paint defects.
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Swirl Marks
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The most common defects that you might encounter are known as swirl marks or swirl mark marring. Swirl marks are caused by improper wiping of your automobile when washing your car, using a dirty towel, automatic car washes, dirty covers, among other reasons. The reflection of light hitting a slice in your vehicle's paint will reveal the swirl marks as illustrated below.
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Deep Marring
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Another type of defect that can be addressed through car paint correction is deep marring. Deep marring is generally caused by improper sanding of your vehicle's paint or washing your car. Random deep marring will have varying patterns and frequency. Deep marring refers to damage that is not deep enough to feel but is deep enough to see.
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Watermarks
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Two more obvious paint defects are watermarks and acid etching. These imperfections are usually relatively large and easy to see. Watermarks occur as a result of hard water or mineral deposits on the outer surface of your paint. They are characterized by rough, circular, or semi-circular shapes.
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Acid Etching
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Acid etching is similar to a watermark, but it is considered to be a more detrimental stage of corrosion. Acid etching occurs when hard water or acid rain has penetrated the surface of your vehicle's paint. The minerals in the water eat into your paint, and the resulting damage can be more difficult to remove.
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Deep Scratching
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Paint scratches are common in the detailing industry. There are many types of car paint scratches that can be treated with professional paint correction. Paint scratches can be caused by automatic car washes, road debris, accidents, or intentional.
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Buffer Marks
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The last type of paint defect that you may encounter is not common, but it is equally frustrating. This defect is referred to as a buffer mark hologram or a buffer trail. Holograms form as the result of poor polishing attempts. They can be caused by improper buffer usage or the use of the wrong pad and polish.
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Benefits of Paint Correction
The most obvious benefit of paint correction is an improved look to your vehicle. A professional paint correction treatment will get rid of nasty imperfections and leave your car looking new. Not only will it remove scratches and marring, but a paint correction can also restore your car's clear coat, which gives your car that perfect shine.
Paint correction can also improve the longevity of your vehicle's paint job. The correction process and wax sealant will extend your factory paint's life and help fight the elements. When good maintenance practices follow up a professional car paint correction, your paint job will last even longer.
Protecting Your Car's Paint
While professional paint correction is an excellent way to restore your car to its former glory, it will not last forever. The wax sealant will wear over time, and your vehicle will again be at the mercy of the weather. Fortunately, you can take some extra steps to keep your vehicle looking great.
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One of the best options to protect your vehicle is to apply a ceramic coating. Ceramic coating is made from a clear polymer that bonds with your vehicle's surface at a molecular level. This bond means that the ceramic coating will last for years.
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Ceramic coating guards against scratches, chemical etching, extreme heat, UV light, and corrosion. Ceramic coating even makes your vehicle hydrophobic, which means that water will bead off of your vehicle.
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