what is paint correction?

Paint correction and polishing are two processes that are often used in car detailing to improve the appearance of a vehicle's paint.

Paint correction is the process of removing imperfections in the paint, such as swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and other types of damage. This process can be done by hand or using specialized machines. The goal of paint correction is to level out the paint and make it as smooth as possible.

Polishing is the process of using specialized products and equipment to enhance the shine and gloss of the paint. This process can also remove light imperfections in the paint, such as water spots and light swirl marks. Polishing can be done by hand or using specialized machines. The goal of polishing is to make the paint look as shiny and new as possible.

Both paint correction and polishing require a certain level of skill and experience to do properly, as well as the use of specialized products and equipment. These processes can be time-consuming and can require multiple steps to achieve the desired result.

It's important to note that paint correction and polishing should be done after the exterior of the vehicle has been cleaned and properly prepared. The paint should be free of any contaminants, and the paint surface should be smooth and even.

In most cases, paint correction and polishing are done in multiple stages, starting with heavier cutting compounds and machine polishers, to remove the severe imperfections, then progressing to lighter polishes and machines or hand polishing to refine the finish and bring out the shine.

In summary, paint correction is the process of removing imperfections in the paint such as swirl marks, scratches, oxidation and other types of damage, while polishing is the process of enhancing the shine and gloss of the paint and removing light imperfections. Both processes are important for restoring the paint to its original condition and making it look as shiny and new as possible.