regular maintenance checks for your car

The world of automotive detailing contains a variety of terms and techniques that may be unfamiliar. If you've never done much more than wash and wax your car, you may be surprised at just how deep this rabbit hole can go. Paint correction is one term you will inevitably cross as you continue on your automotive detailing journey.

While you can do quite a bit to make your car shine by removing dirt and applying protectants, you will eventually find your results limited by the underlying condition of the paint. Paint correction techniques help to provide a better base for other detailing methods, but they can be frightening for a novice. Keep reading to discover why you shouldn't be afraid of abrasive paint correction treatments.

What is Paint Correction?

It's easy to obsess over a noticeable scratch or dent, but your paint picks up many tiny imperfections through regular use. Even washing your car can result in nearly imperceptible scratches that will dull your paint as they accumulate. These effects can be especially prominent on vehicles with black or very dark paint, but lighter paint is not immune.

Since these small scratches are not very deep, it's possible to remove them without performing significant paintwork. Like exfoliating your skin, abrasive paint correction works by removing exceptionally thin layers of clear coat. Removing very fine amounts of material levels the paint surface and effectively removes minor scratches.

How is Paint Correction Performed?

Most paint correction techniques work by using liquid products with varying levels of abrasiveness. Highly abrasive products remove more substantial scratches, while less harsh products polish out minor imperfections. In most cases, detailers will begin with a rougher treatment to perform heavy paint correction and finish with progressively less intense products to polish the surface.

While you can apply these products by hand, most professional detailers will opt for machine polishers instead. Machine polishing techniques allow for much faster, more even application. Since most polishers are variable speed, professionals can adjust the level of intensity for the amount of paint correction required for the current job.

Why Shouldn't You Be Afraid of Paint Correction?

When performed by a professional, paint correction removes only the smallest amount of paint possible. Although it's not a service that you should perform every month, paint correction once every few years will not meaningfully reduce the thickness of your clear coat. As with any technique that directly affects your car's paint, it's always best to have paint correction performed by a professional.

For more information on abrasive paint correction, reach out to an auto detailing professional near you.