What to Do After Paint Correction
New vehicles look amazing, but after a few years they start to show their age. Scratches, swirl marks and spider webbing (caused by improper cleaning or drive-thru car washes) become noticeable.
Paint correction can restore that luster. It involves assessing the hardness of the clear coat, choosing the correct pad and compound and measuring the clear coat thickness to ensure there is enough protection left over the paint.
Clean the Paint
Paint correction is a process that can restore a car’s finish to its original showroom condition. It involves the use of a buffer and several different types of pads, as well as polishes and compounds to remove defects such as swirls and blemishes. However, it is important to understand that there is a fine line between correcting a vehicle’s paint and using products that are designed to mask and fill surface imperfections. Using an all-in-one product such as a wax or polymer sealant on a car after paint correction will simply mask the imperfections, and they will eventually wash away, revealing them again. This type of chasing perfection is dangerous, and it is not paint correction.
Before starting the car paint correction process, it is crucial to properly prep the vehicle for polishing. First, wash the vehicle with a high-quality automotive soap and microfiber mitt using the two-bucket method to minimize the risk of scratching during the washing process. Next, clay bar and lubricate the vehicle to remove any surface contaminants that could potentially damage the paint during the polishing process. This step is especially important if the vehicle has been contaminated by acid etching, which happens when hard water or road chemicals penetrate the clear coat and cause the paint to become dull and hazy.
Once the decontamination process is complete, begin the polishing process by using a soft-bristled rotary or dual-action buffing machine and a variety of foam and microfiber pads. Foam pads are available in a range of aggressiveness, from cutting to finishing, while microfiber pads have ultra-soft fibers that won’t scratch the surface of the paint. Work in small sections, around 2×2 feet, to maintain control and ensure even coverage. After each pad change, inspect the area and repeat as needed to achieve the desired results.
During the polishing process, it is also important to strike a balance between removing enough of the clear coat to eliminate paint defects and preserving as much of the clear coat as possible for future protection. A good way to monitor the clear coat thickness is to use a paint depth gauge. These devices can be purchased for as little as $20, and they are a must-have tool for anyone performing paint correction on their own or with a professional.
Wash the Car
Whether your car is brand new or a used daily driver that has lost some of its luster, everyone knows it looks better with less scratches and swirl marks. Paint correction is the process of removing these imperfections to return the shine and color of a factory-applied paint job. It is a safe and effective way to revitalize your vehicle without repainting, which is best left to professionals.
Before any paint correction is done, it is important to decontaminate the surface of the vehicle. This is done by washing the vehicle with a high-quality soap and using a two bucket method to minimize the risk of scratching. Once the vehicle is washed, a clay bar and lubricant are used to remove embedded dirt and contamination from the pores of the clear coat. This is a vital step because over time, brake dust, minerals, salts, chemicals, and overspray accumulate and dry into a solid that is bonded to the clear coat. These contaminants will dull the appearance of your paint and make it rough to the touch.
Once the vehicle is free of contaminant, it is ready for compounding and polishing. This is a very intensive process that should be completed by a professional. A good starting point is the hood, then the front fenders, A-pillars, roof, and door uppers. After the paint has been polished and compounded, a wax/sealant is applied to protect it from the elements.
It's also a good idea to perform an annual decontamination detail, which involves cleaning the paint with iron remover, tar remover, and clay bar. This will help reduce the need for frequent paint correction and maintenance, as well as extend the life of your clear coat.
If you're interested in learning more about paint correction or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Oh My Auto Detailing today! We are a full-service detailing shop that can help restore your car's finish to its original glory. We offer a variety of services, including paint correction and ceramic coatings. We look forward to hearing from you!
Wax the Car
It's difficult to maintain the luster and beauty of a vehicle's paint job over time. The general environment, the road, and the sun all contribute to the breakdown of your car's clear coat. Over time this leads to microscopic imperfections that detract from the true appearance of a vehicle's paint. Thankfully, these imperfections can be corrected and the paint can look like it did the day you drove it off the lot.
After a round of paint correction, it's important to protect the work you've done. This helps prevent the need for future corrections and adds a beautiful gloss to your car's finish. Using nano wax is an excellent choice because it combines carnauba wax, sealant polymers, and UV inhibitors to create a protective layer on the surface of your paint. Fortador's nano wax is a great option as it provides up to five months of protection.
Before you wax your car, it's important to use a decontamination product to remove any dirt, dust, or contamination from the surface of your paint. This step will give the protection you're applying, whether it's a ceramic coating or wax, the best chance of bonding to your paint.
This decontamination process includes a thorough wash with a high-quality detergent followed by a chemical decontaminant Iron Remover.
Depending on the car's use, it may also be a good idea to apply a spray on liner or paint protection film to protect the work you've done. For daily drivers, this isn't necessarily a must, but for show cars headed to a concours event or sports/hypercars that are rarely driven, a protective film can go a long way in keeping the paint looking good and reducing the need for future corrections.
Seal the Car
When you've completed your paint correction, the final step is to seal your car. Using a high-quality ceramic coating will lock in your hard work and help protect the paint from further damage. This is an important step because your newly corrected finish can quickly be marred again by improper washing or automated car wash systems.
When a car is properly cleaned and protected, it can keep its showroom quality for years to come. That is why many detailers offer a ceramic coating service after the completion of a paint correction job.
This product will seal the newly polished and smoothed surface, locking in your hard work and preventing further degradation from environmental factors such as water spots, chemical etching, baked-on brake dust and more. The ceramic coat will also provide a hydrophobic barrier to the paint, making it easier to clean the vehicle without scratching.
It's a good idea to apply this product after every wash, whether you've just waxed or just completed paint correction. You can even use it on your windows to add a nice shine and protection.
Prior to any paint correction, it is important to decontaminate the vehicle with a clay bar. The clay bars are designed to remove contaminants from the pores of the clear-coat, which can be very difficult to do with a hand or power wash alone. A full decontamination detail should include a product such as a decontamination spray, iron or tar remover and clay bar treatment.
Before starting the paint correction process, it is best to measure the thickness of the clear-coat with a paint depth gauge. The goal is to strike a balance between removing enough clear-coat to eliminate defects and leaving sufficient material for future repairs.
In order to achieve this, the initial buffing process should be done with a very light touch. This is a process that takes much more experience and knowledge than most people realize, so it's generally best left to a professional.
A well-done paint correction will eliminate all the swirl marks and spider webbing that are so common on modern vehicles. By eliminating these unsightly defects, you can ensure your car looks better than most on the road and will be worth more money if you decide to sell it in the future.
New vehicles look amazing, but after a few years they start to show their age. Scratches, swirl marks and spider webbing (caused by improper cleaning or drive-thru car washes) become noticeable. Paint correction can restore that luster. It involves assessing the hardness of the clear coat, choosing the correct pad and compound and measuring the…