Paint Correction
1-2-3-4 Step Polishing Process
All 1-steps aren’t created equal. There are a lot of different factors involved that determine what combination we use that depending on the desired results you’re looking for. As professional detailers, we examine the condition of the vehicle, the level of correction needed, the timeframe we have to work with, and the customer’s budget. Below are four options for paint correction.
In general, a 1-step polish does about 15-25% reducing or eliminating ultra-fine scratches and swirls with very light oxidation.
- Surface Scratches
- Swirls
- Water Spots
- Oxidation
A 2-step polish removes approximately 25-35% of light to possible defects.
- Surface Scratches
- Swirls
- Water Spots
- Oxidation
A 3-step polish removes approximate 35-50% of moderate defects
- Surface Scratches
- Swirls
- Water Spots
- Oxidation
A 4-step polish removes approximately 50-75% of moderate to heavy defects
- Surface Scratches
- Swirls
- Water Spots
- Oxidation
The Lowdown on Exterior Auto Detailing
Paint correction refers to the process of removing the imperfections in a vehicle’s finish and restoring it to an, often times, better than new state. These imperfections include, but are not limited to, swirl marks or “spider webbing” from circular washing, automated carwashes, fine scratches, water spots, bird dropping, etching, hologramming caused by inexperienced detailers, and the list goes on. Most common practicing detailers will fill fine scratches. In other words, your scratches are hidden and will only be revealed after you wash it several times. The only true way to remove scratches in your vehicle’s paint is with the process of paint correction, one of our specialties here at Posh Auto Detail. Once the paint has been re-leveled, your scratches are gone for good, but it does require proper maintenance to keep your car looking great after the detail to avoid putting new scratches into your paint.
Water usually comes in contact with your car in one of three ways including overspray (sprinklers, etc.), rain, or washing your car. So how can a little bit of water hurt your car’s finish? Water contains varying amounts of minerals and microscopic debris, or particle pollutants, which can not only dull your car’s finish but have the potential to do real harm to your vehicle’s paint.
Types of Water Spots
Regular Water Spot – Regular old tap water can cause a buildup of total dissolved solids (TDS) on your car’s paint. Naturally occurring minerals are found in water. Hard water is rich in dissolved minerals, especially magnesium and calcium. These minerals lead to water spots, or limescale, hard chalk-like deposits that can prove difficult to remove.
Bonded Mineral – Particle pollutants include microscopic particles from sources such as forest fires, smoke from wood stoves, emissions from industrial plants and vehicles, and dust from construction sites. These tiny particles can either fall on your car in the form of dust or mix with rainwater to plague your paint’s finish.
Rainwater is always acidic to some degree. Acid rain, as we know it, is rain with higher amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids absorbed from the atmosphere. These contaminants combine to create water spots and leave behind hard deposits after the water evaporates. These deposits can bond to your car’s paint and even erode the clear coat If not removed properly.
Etching – Etching is typically seen when water spots are baked into the finish as a result of high heat or direct sunlight. Severe etching can require the use of an abrasive means to correct the situation including wet sanding for severe cases. A qualified professional is recommended in this scenario as improper handling and application can lead to irreparable damage to the car body.
