How to spot when your car needs paint correction
Your car is a valuable investment, so we understand that keeping it in the best possible condition is a top priority. Daily driving can really take its toll over time, leaving your vehicle’s exterior dull and faded. This is where paint correction can save the day by returning its aesthetic back to when you first bought it. Even better, this little-known remedial service helps protect its value. But how do you spot when it needs some TLC? Here we walk through the signs to look out for, the benefits of doing it promptly, and why it’s crucial for maintaining the value and aesthetic of your car.
Understanding paint correction
Paint correction is a meticulous but transformative process that restores your car’s exterior to pristine condition by removing common imperfections such as swirl marks, oxidation and light scratches. Whilst simple polishing will temporarily hide these flaws, paint correction permanently removes them. This not only preserves the integrity of the paint, but it can also enhance your car's value. It also restores gloss and shine by removing damaged paint layers and preventing further deterioration.
There are four main steps to the paint correction process; washing, claying, polishing and sealing. First, your car will be thoroughly washed to remove the dirt and debris to prevent further scratching during the correction process. A clay bar is then used to remove the bonded contaminants and keep the surface nice and smooth - ready for polishing. Various grades of polish and pads will then be used to remove imperfections, depending on the severity of the damage. The final stage involves sealing the corrected paint with wax, sealant or a ceramic coating to protect it for the future.
Sealing is a crucial step as overly frequent polishing or paint correction can reduce the paintwork depth each time, and as the paint is finite this can cause further issues. But when a ceramic coating is applied after a paint correction, you’re prolonging the life of your car's aesthetic – so it’s a no-brainer to invest in this cost effective treatment. Furthermore, the coatings are harder than the paint and as a result they’re much less likely to scratch, so will need less frequent polishes saving you more time and effort.
Common signs your car needs paint correction
Now you know what paint correction is, but you also need to be aware of the right time to invest in it to save you from extensive repairs further down the line. Here are some common issues to look out for which could mean it’s time for a paint correction:
Water spots and etching
These are mostly caused by hard water drying on the surface of cars, leaving mineral deposits, and etching can be caused by tree sap, bird droppings or acid rain which has not been rinsed off in good time (or at all).
Swirl marks and minor scratches
These are often caused accidently by incorrect washing routines - most likely when you use a sponge that’s too abrasive or has grit in the sponge. Swirl marks can really dull the shine of your vehicle, especially as they usually come in multiples.
Fading and oxidation
The weather can really take a toll on your car's appearance, with UV exposure causing fading and a chalky appearance over time.
Holograms and buffer trails
If you use incorrect machine polishing, marks can be left which are often not fully visible to the naked eye but can be seen properly under specific lights. These make your paint look streaky and unevenly finished.
Assessing the severity of paint imperfections
Motorists have two choices when they first notice a persistent issue with their paintwork. You can assess the severity of the damage either through DIY methods or by seeking advice from a professional. A self-assessment is a good first step even if you’re planning on seeking expert advice – but make sure you’re reviewing your car's appearance in direct sunlight or at the very least bright LEDs to make it easy to spot imperfections. You can also invest in LED inspection lights or paint thickness gauges to help you make a more informed decision on the severity of the damage.
For extra reassurance and expert knowledge, speaking to a professional can give you more peace of mind. They will use advanced tools and processes to give you a detailed plan and cost estimate for the damage. The cost of professional paint correction in the UK can vary significantly depending on the extent of damage, level of condition needed, size of the vehicle and the expertise of the professional servicing the car. As a rough guide, a single-stage paint correction ranges from £300 - £500, which involves one round of polishing and is suitable for minor damage. Two-stage, which includes two rounds of polishing and more severe imperfection restoration with a higher level of gloss ranges from £500 to £800. Multi-stage correction can start from £800 for more severe cases of damage. There are optional (but recommended) additional remedial services which can be carried out at the same time to further protect the lifespan of your car including PPF, interior detailing, alloy wheel refurbishment and ceramic coating.
Why should I invest in timely paint correction and what are the benefits?
We always recommend timely investment in paint correction for many reasons - but ultimately, they all ensure your car stays in top condition. In some cases, paint correction can be the difference between keeping or getting rid of a vehicle or being able to claim its full resale value. And as paintwork issues tend to get worse if left to their own devices early intervention is often key.
Most importantly, paint correction enhances the aesthetic of your car’s exterior elements, keeping it looking brand new and restoring its original gloss and shine with a showroom-quality finish. It also maintains the vehicle's value - potential buyers will be more attracted to flawless paint work as it’s usually the first thing they see, and first impressions count. Vehicles with visible marks are often perceived as neglected and this leads to a lower market price and resale value.
Investing in this service early will prevent further damage down the line. So the sooner you invest, the less likely there is to be long-term damage to the vehicle and stacking costs in the future. Minor issues are much easier and less expensive to correct than more severe damage, which can even require full repainting.
How to choose the right professional for paint correction?
Your car deserves the best care, and selecting the right team to bring it back to new is crucial. It can often feel overwhelming to know what to look for when selecting professionals and services that will be a good fit for you – so here are some of the key factors to consider when choosing a provider.
Research and reviews
This is a great place to start, as reading customer testimonials and reviews will help refine your search fairly quickly. Positive feedback from clients can give you insight into the customer service and experience you can expect to receive. Look for consistently favourable, impartial reviews specific to the service you need - transformation pictures are a bonus.
Understanding your specific needs
Its key that your dealer gives you the space and time to understand what your car needs, listens to you and discusses all of the available options with you. During your initial conversation, highlight and clarify your expectations as this will help you assess if the company can meet them. They should be able to give you bespoke advice and recommendations based on your unique requirements.
Asking the right questions
We recommend having a list of the questions you want to ask in advance, so that nothing gets missed mid-conversation. How long have they been detailing for? What techniques do they use? Keep an eye out for products like Gtechniq, CarPro or Gyeon as these are top-tier products. Do they offer any guarantees or warranties? Quality services will include a satisfaction guarantee. Insurance is crucial - are they fully insured to cover any potential damages during the service. Do they work indoors? For ceramic coatings and paint correction-controlled lighting and protection from the elements are needed to deliver the best results.
Building a strong professional relationship with your detailer is key, as you’re trusting them with something important to you. We’d always recommend going for a consultation first as this allows you to chat to them, look at the workspace and discuss your needs at length.
Ensuring your car’s longevity with paint correction
Understanding the needs of your car and addressing issues quickly is the best way to keep your investment in great condition and maintain its market value. Paint correction offers a showroom finish and long-term protection. And regularly seeking professional inspections will keep your car in pristine condition giving you both aesthetic and financial benefits.
For more advice on paint correction, chat to one of our friendly experts today.
