Why Paint Correction is important before Ceramic Coating Application?

Your vehicle constantly gets exposed to a variety of environmental contaminants. To subdue the everyday wear and tear of your vehicle, you use all sorts of expensive shampoos and microfibres to wash it. Your vehicle begins to look lustrous all over again, however, you cannot seem to ignore the tiny spiderwebs developed on the painted surface.  If this situation sounds too familiar to you then, hold that thought, because ‘Paint Correction’ can save your day. Paint correction is one of the most vital steps before the application of ceramic coatings. It makes the paint protection process a lot more optimal and effective. Let us take a closer look at paint correction. 

What Is Paint Correction? 

The process of paint correction involves removing minor scratches and imperfections from the clear coat of the vehicle using various tools, techniques, and products. It is leveling out the clear coat by decreasing its thickness. Therefore, paint correction should be performed only by a professional detailer for precision. Some of the commonly used tools during paint correction are an electric polisher, a microfibre buffing pad, and a special cutting compound. Here is an illustration to explain the before and after scenarios during paint correction.  

What is the importance of Paint Correction?  

Paint correction is typically a service to prep the vehicle surface for the application of ceramic coatings. Car enthusiasts might feel hesitant when it comes to polishing or buffing their cars during the paint correction process. However, paint correction is an essential step in retaining the slickness and gloss of the vehicle. The imperfections that appear on the paint are called swirl marks or spider webbing mostly caused by poor washing and drying techniques. Another type of imperfection called Holograms mostly arises due to inexperienced detailers.  

The best way to check for Swirl marks on a painted surface is under a flashlight. When light falls on a vehicle surface the distortions on it do not allow the light to fully reflect making the swirl marks quite apparent. Thus, a vehicle with paint correction gleams under the sun while a vehicle with swirl marks looks dull. 

Different Stages of Paint Correction 

Paint correction is an acute step before the application of ceramic coating. Therefore, there are multiple stages of paint correction depending on the swirl marks and damage to the clear coat. 

Stage 1 Paint Correction: 

As the name suggests it is a single-step polishing job to get rid of minor swirls marks and small marring. Commonly done using a cutting compound and a pad. 

Stage 2 Paint Correction: 

Stage 2 paint correction is mostly executed with dual pads and polishes to get rid of moderate swirls and scratches embedded in the clear coat. The different polishes comprise varied levels of strength and are used depending on the state of the paint. 

Stage 3 Paint Correction: 

Stage 3 paint correction is a three-step process executed by a professional detailer when the painted surface has heavy spider webbing, marring, and swirl marks. Most commonly the process begins with an aggressive polish and then tones down to finer compounds until the surface becomes butter smooth. 

Why paint correction is necessary before ceramic coating application? 

Ceramic coatings tend to form a strong bond with the vehicle’s surface. After application, the coating hardens to create a glass-like protective layer that is transparent. This transparent layer magnifies the paint beneath it giving the renowned ‘glossy-finish’.  

Therefore, paint correction becomes a critical step before the application of the ceramic coating. If any tiny scratch or swirl mark is overlooked during polishing it will stand out after the application of the coating. Thus, it is highly recommended to have a professional detailer polish or buff the paint as a part of prep work. 

Does your vehicle need paint correction? 

The answer to this question in most of the scenarios is YES. If you are looking to increase the health, longevity, or resale price of your vehicle, then yes, paint correction is a promising idea. If you want an aesthetically pleasing ride that turn-heads while you hit the road, then yes, paint correction is a good idea. But most importantly, if you are looking to apply Kovalent Coatings on your vehicle, then you should definitely include paint correction as a part of the prep work.  

Although conventional wax and car sealants have been a go-to solution for many car enthusiasts, however with the advancement of nanotechnology we have much better alternatives. For optimal and long-lasting protection with reduced chances of swirl marks or spider webs ceramic coatings are the way to go. Kovalent Coatings offer a range of ceramic coatings customized for all types of surfaces. Get in touch with our Kovalent Certified Professional Detailer to learn what’s the best ceramic coating for your vehicle. Click here to find the Kovalent Coatings Approved Applicator near you.