Automotive Paint Correction Info, Services & Pricing

GMC Sierra Before & After “Paint Correction Plus” Service

Common Types of Paint Defects

A paint defect is damage to the paint system which penetrates below the surface of the surrounding paint. Paint defects are classified by the depth of penetration, the pattern and frequency in which they occur. The model above shows a cross section of paint, the pattern and depth that is typically associated with the different types of defects.

Swirl Mark Marring - is likely the most common type of paint defect and is typically very shallow in depth and very frequent in occurrence. Most swirl mark marring is caused by incorrect washing and drying techniques. Because these defects are so easy to get and occur frequently, they typically form a circular pattern of scratches and reflect outwards with a central direct light source.

Random Deep Marring - is often wash induced, but with a greater degree of force, which in return creates more damage to the painted surface. A piece of dirt/grit stuck in a wash mitt or drying towel can cause isolated areas of deep marring. Washing with a car wash brush or using an automated tunnel car wash can cause frequent spots of deep marring on multiple panels of a vehicle. Incorrect sanding of a vehicles finish can also cause deep marring. Random deep marring can occur in different patterns and frequencies, but is characterized by the depth of the damage: typically deep enough to see, but not deep enough to feel.

Deep Scratching - are paint defects where a significant amount of paint has been removed. Typically these defects are not only visible, but can also be felt by touch. In general if the scratches penetrate too deeply into the painted surface they will not be able to be completely removed, however the appearance of the scratches will usually be able to be lessened through leveling during the cutting process of the paint correction. If the scratches are to this level of depth, another option to further improve the appearance would be through our wet sanding and OEM color matched touch up service.

Water or Acid Rain Etching - is a type of defect that can vary in depth and frequency, but creates a unique pattern depending on how it is created. Etching is caused by a chemical reaction on the painted surface that eats/dissolves the surface at a fairly consistent rate, creating depressions on the surface that look like empty swimming pools. The most common, but not limited to forms of etching are from acid rain, acidic insect remains, bird bombs and from the residual minerals found in water.

Machine Created Hologram Marks - are extremely consistent, very shallow, frequently occurring paint defects created by the machine polishing of paint. These defects are so frequent and shallow that they reflect light in their own unique pattern, created a three dimensional appearance. Hologram marks are commonly caused by the use of high speed rotary polishers during the compound/cutting process and the proper steps needed during the polishing/refinement process were not completed properly.

Light swirl and surface marring removed from carbon fiber spoiler of Lamborghini Aventador after meticulous 2 stage machine polishing

Jaguar F-TYPE After Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating Installation

Above, you can see us taking mil readings on a Dodge Charger hood with a professional paint thickness gauge, prior to starting our “Paint Correction Plus” service. This is an important step of our process, before starting any type of paint correction service. This specific vehicle showed many signs that it was worked on prior, by another shop or at a local dealership. Their process produced results with much to be desired as far as defect removal, as well as them leaving behind heavy compounding swirl marks, holograms and compound haze. By us taking the paint thickness readings prior to starting, it let us know how much material they roughly took off of each panel during the work they did prior and also let us know how in depth we would be able to safely go with our cutting process during paint correction service.

The numbers we get from these readings, help us to structure the best game plan, as far as the cutting compounds, polishes, the cutting and polishing pad types/combinations and the various types of polishing machines that we use during our process. We tailor a specific multi-stage process to each individual vehicle, according to the overall paint condition, paint type and other important factors. We do this before starting any of the paint defect removal in our process, after the initial hand wash, paint prep and paint condition analysis. This helps us tremendously, so that we can deliver the highest quality overall results on every paint correction service that we provide. Outside of our experience and knowledge, this plays a key factor in us being able to SAFELY remove the greatest amount of paint defects from your vehicles paint during our process. While also, being able to deliver the highest quality overall show finish results, upon completion of one of our multi-stage paint correction services. Our goal is to remove as many paint defects as we safely can during the cutting stage and then following that with the proper refinement of your vehicles finish through meticulous polishing, to produce the greatest amount of color enhancement, depth and overall gloss, upon completion!

Select from the vehicle size options below, for the accurate service pricing for your vehicle.

Jaguar F-Type After “Ultra Depth & Protect” Service

Paint Correction Upgrades for Long-Term Surface Protection

Upgrade the Sealer Wax application that is included with your Paint Correction package to a Polymer Paint Sealant or a Ceramic Coating for increased protection. If your desire is to maximize gloss, color depth, overall long-term surface protection and hydrophobic behavior of the protected surface one of our ceramic coating options would be your best choice.

• Polymer Sealant Upgrade: Starting at $39

• 12-18 Month Ceramic Coating: Starting at $199

• GTECHNIQ EXOv4 Coating - Up to 2 Years of Durability: Starting at $319

• GTECHNIQ CSL Ceramic Coating - 3+ Years of Surfaces Protection & Durability: Starting at $599

• GTECHNIQ CSL + EXO Ceramic Coating - 5 Years of Protection: Starting at $899 (2 Layers Installed)

• LUCID NO. 9 Ceramic Coating - Up to 3 Years of Durability: Starting at $499

• LUCID PRO SERIES Ceramic Coating - Up to 5 Years of Durability: Starting at $799

  
  The prices listed above, would be the additional cost to upgrade your Paint Correction service to have one of our long-term protection products applied to your vehicle. The listed prices above, would be the price for a 2 Seat Coupe. For more info on the long-term coatings that we offer and exact pricing according to your vehicle size, please click the link below.
  
  Click Here for More Info, Benefits, Options and Pricing for Ceramic Coating Installation on Your Vehicle

Additional Popular Paint Correction
Package Upgrades

• Engine Compartment Detailing: Starting at $29

• Plastic Trim Dyeing: Starting at $49

• Headlight Restoration: Typically in the $25-$35 per light range

• Spot Wet Sand Scratch Removal: Starting at $49

• Paint Chip Repair and Touch Up Service with OEM Matched Paint: Starting at $49

• Complete Vehicle Wet Sanding: Call for Pricing

Not sure which Paint Correction package your vehicle needs? Fill out the “Request a Paint Correction Quote” contact form below to request your free quote and paint analysis. Rather just speak over the phone ASAP? Then just submit the “Request a Call” form at the bottom of this page or call/text (313) 286-4884. We look forward to servicing your vehicle!

Before “Paint Correction Plus” Service

After “Paint Correction Plus” Service

Before “Paint Correction Plus” Service

After “Paint Correction Plus” Service

GMC Sierra After “Paint Correction Plus” Service and Lucid Ceramic Coating Installation
(Same truck that was covered with heavy defects above)

50/50 on BMW Fender During “Ultra Depth & Protect” Service - Left Side 2 Stage Polished vs. Right Side Untouched

BMW After “Ultra Depth & Protect” Service
(Same car with heavily scratched fender in 50/50 photo above)

After “Paint Correction Plus” Service with Polymer Sealant Application

Before & After “Paint Correction Plus” Service on the red Ford F150 That’s Pictured Right Above

Clint Working on a Paint Correction and Preparing a Ford Mustang GT for Lucid Ceramic Coating Installation

Corvette Stingray After Spot Wet Sanding, Compound Cutting and 2 Stage Polishing to Remove Defects to Prepare for Paint Protection Film Installation

Zac is Always Focused in During Paint Defect Removal, here he’s Using a Flex XFE Mini Polisher for the Intricate Areas

Just a few of the Many Different Tools of Battle we use During the Paint Defect Removal Process

In Depth Testing of a New Rupes Cutting Compound,
When it was First Released in the United States

Black F150 Before & After Multi-Stage Wet Sanding, Heavy Compound Cutting and 2 Stage Machine Polishing

Before

After

Reflection Shots on the Doors of the Black F150 Directly Above, After Completion of Multi-Stage Wet Sand, Heavy Compound Cutting, 2 Stage Machine Polishing and Polymer Paint Sealant Application

Dodge Charger 392 Scatpack Before & During the Paint Correction Process to Prepare for Ceramic Coating

Dodge Charger 392 Scatpack After Detail, Prep, Paint Correction and Lucid 3 Year Ceramic Coating

Save money with our Flawless Auto Finish signature detailing packages, savings range from around 10-15% with our signature packages vs. purchasing individual services!

Escalade Before & After Paint Correction

Before & After Paint Correction on Cadillac Escalade

During & After Multi-Stage Wet Sand, Compound Cutting and 2 Stage Machine Polishing on a Classic Chevelle