What Is Paint Correction and How Does It Work?

During the years I worked as a spray finisher, I focused mainly on furniture. But I had several opportunities to apply my skills to automotive finishing and detailing. You don’t need to be handy with a spray gun to do color corrections, but it does require the patience every quality finisher brings to their craft.

As auto detailer Riky Flores puts it: “Paint correction is an art form, not a race.” It’s a process you can enjoy. But Robert Harper of Ziebart Corporation isn’t sure DIYers should try it. The tools and polishes can damage the vehicle’s clear coat if not applied properly, so Harper recommends deferring to the pros unless “the paint damage you are trying to correct is minor, and only in a small area of the paint.”

Harper has a point. A bad paint touch-up can hurt eyeballs, even with an exact color match. If you don’t match the sheen of the existing finish, take pains to blend the repair and keep any touch-up paint you apply away from other parts of the car, it can be a disaster. This is definitely a job for someone who pays attention to details.
And if you’re curious about answers to unique paint questions like: What is paint made of? , Does paint expire?, Does storing paint cans upside down actually work? How to paint leather furniture? Can you use exterior paint inside? or Can you paint on metal with acrylic? then look no further because we got you covered!

What Is Paint Correction?

The process of removing surface imperfections and restoring the original shine of a car’s paint.

“Automotive paint correction can be as simple as hand-buffing the painted surface of your car or truck with a quality wax to remove minor oxidation,” Harper says. “It can also be a very in-depth process requiring know-how, various power tools, pads and polishes that can help remove scratches and chemical etching from the paint.”

You can easily make scratches, nicks and oxidation spots disappear by spraying the whole car with fresh paint. When doing color correction, however, the goal is restoring the finish without completely repainting. It combines scuffing, rubbing and polishing with applying touch-up color when necessary.

How Much Does Paint Correction Cost?

Costs vary widely depending on the region of the country, the experience of the shop, and the level of correction needed. Some shops will charge by the scratch or by the panel, but most charge by the hour.

“In my experience,” says Harper, “$100 to $125 per hour is a realistic expectation.”

How Long Does a Full Paint Correction Take?

If you take your car to the shop, expect to leave it there for about two days. But it depends on the condition of the paint. A finish with multiple nicks and scratches will take longer to restore.

On the other hand, if the paint is in good shape and just needs some buffing and polishing to make it shine, you might get your car back on the same day.

Is Paint Correction the Same as Buffing?

No. Buffing is part of paint correction, but not the whole job.

The goal, as Flores puts it, is to “turn a dull finish into a mirror-like shine.” That involves removing swirl marks, fading from oxidation, scratches and etching from acidic sources like bird droppings and tree sap.

To do a complete job, you need a selection of abrasives, polishes and tools, and possibly some touch-up paint. You can often find an exact match at a car parts store, but sometimes you have to order it from the car manufacturer.

How Do I Know If My Car Needs Paint Correction?

It’s a little like deciding when to get a haircut. Some people like to keep their hair meticulously groomed, while others don’t mind letting it grow.

In general, you should consider paint correction if you can answer yes to one or more of the following questions:

• Is the finish dull and faded?
• Are there multiple spots left behind by washed-off tree sap or bird droppings?
• Are small areas of paint peeling or lifting?
• Can you see swirl marks or scratches in the finish when the sun shines?

Can I Do Paint Correction Myself?

Yes. I have done my own paint, and you can too. Flores has a few pro tips for getting great results:

• Start by thoroughly cleaning the car with soap and water.
• If you need to apply paint, use masking tape and paper freely to protect glass, metal and rubber from overspray.
• Assess the paint’s condition and hardness to choose the right pad and compound. Begin with mild compounds and light pressure and work your way up to more aggressive compounds and heavier pressure.
• Maintain a light touch when using a polishing tool. Let the tool do the work.
• Divide the surface into manageable areas to avoid overheating the paint and ensure thorough polishing.
• Use multiple passes. Overlaying light passes is better than one heavy application for depth and clarity.
• Wipe off polish residue frequently to evaluate your work and avoid buildup.
• When you’re done, apply a high-quality wax or sealant to protect the paint from UV rays, oxidation and environmental contaminants.

“Take your time and work methodically and with focus,” Flores says. “Rushing leads to swirls and uneven results.”

About the Experts

Richard Lopez (Riky) Flores is the owner of On the Run Detailing in Bakersfield, California. He started as a lube specialist and opened his detailing service five years ago.

Robert Harper is the director of product development and tech support for Ziebart International Corporation, an auto detailing chain. He trains and consults with auto detailing technicians nationwide.