The truth about ceramic coatings might surprise you - they’re performance dependent on what’s underneath. Installing a ceramic coating over imperfect paint is like building a house on sand. Paint correction isn’t just another step in the process; it’s the foundation of getting great results.
Your paint tells a story. Every automatic car wash, every dust particle wiped away with a dry cloth, every shopping cart that got too close has left its mark. These imperfections - swirls, micro scratches, water spots, oxidation - get sealed in under a ceramic coating unless corrected.
Think of ceramic coatings as a magnifying glass for your paint. Their clarity and gloss enhancing properties don’t just show the good; they show every imperfection. Micro scratches that were barely visible become visible and swirls appear more prominent under ceramic coatings.
Professional paint correction involves removing a microscopic layer of clear coat through controlled abrasion. This process requires:
First Stage: Aggressive compounds to remove deeper imperfections Second Stage: Refining with finer compounds Third Stage: Jeweling the paint to get maximum gloss and clarity
Paint correction requires specialized equipment and deep knowledge. Professional detailers use variable speed polishers, advanced compounds and precision measurement tools to get the best results while preserving clear coat thickness.
Before correction begins, decontamination removes industrial fallout, iron particles and bonded contaminants. Chemical decontamination followed by clay bar treatment gets the surface smooth for correction.
Professional detailers measure clear coat thickness throughout the process. This step is crucial to ensure safe correction without damaging the underlying paint layers.
Corrected paint allows ceramic coatings to bond stronger to the surface. This means:
Better protection against environmental damage More hydrophobicity Better stain resistance Longer coating life
Paint correction reveals your car’s true potential. Colors are deeper, reflections are sharper and gloss is maxed out. The ceramic coating then locks it all in for years to come.
Even new cars from the factory have paint imperfections. Assembly line processes, transportation and dealer prep leave noticeable defects that need to be corrected before coating can be applied.
Some imperfections are too deep to be safely corrected. Professional detailers know these limits and set realistic expectations while getting the best possible results.
Quality paint correction takes time, expertise and professional equipment. While this costs more upfront, the benefits far outweigh the cost:
Perfect paint correction gets the most out of the ceramic coating and gives you long term value.
Corrected and coated paint requires minimal maintenance, saves you time and money and looks showroom fresh.
Professional paint correction combines: Knowledge of paint systems Understanding of clear coat hardnesses Mastery of polishing techniques Professional grade equipment
Incorrect correction techniques can damage your paint permanently. Professional detailers are insured and have the expertise to get the best results.
Paint correction takes time. Depending on the car and size, it can take multiple days. We do it this way to give every panel the attention it needs and get the best possible results.
