Polishing each panel to a brilliant shine
Paint Polishing & Paint correction
Paint correction is the process of removing imperfections from a vehicle's paint, such as swirl marks, scratches, and holograms. These imperfections can be caused by a variety of factors, such as improper washing techniques, exposure to outdoor elements, and general wear and tear.
At Xpress Mobile Detail, we understand the importance of maintaining the appearance of your vehicle. We use specialized tools and techniques to carefully remove these imperfections without damaging the paint.
The process of paint correction involves multiple steps, including washing the vehicle, inspecting the paint for imperfections, and carefully removing them using cutting compounds and polishing pads. Once the imperfections have been removed, a protective coating can be applied to help keep the paint looking new for longer. (ceramic coating optional)
With over 15 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality services to our clients. We take pride in our attention to detail and strive to exceed expectations with every vehicle we work on.
If you are interested in paint correction services for your vehicle, contact us today for a free quote.
Before: Severe swirling caused by poor washing, drying and drive through car wash tunnels.
After: Multi-step machine compounding and polishing, nearly perfected this paint now ready for a ceramic coating.
After my 2-step paint correction process and ceramic coating application. This paint is 80% swirl-free and well protected with a 5-year ceramic coating.
What is paint correction?
Paint correction is a specialized, multi-step, precision machine polishing process, which microscopically removes fine scratches and abrasions leaving behind a flawless, pure, beautiful paint finish.
What are Swirls?
What are commonly referred to as “swirls” or “spider webbing” are in fact micro scratches in the paint finish typically caused by improper washing and drying techniques as well as routine dust offs and wipe downs. Over time these micro scratches accumulate causing a spider web/swirl effect more easily seen in direct sun light as shown below. Drive-thru car wash tunnels are notoriously known to cause damage to the paint and other parts of your vehicle as well.
Can Swirls and scratches Be Removed?
Our paint correction service is aimed to remove around 80% of the swirls, scratches, and imperfections from your paint. This is where we do an intense cutting and polishing step, called a 2-step correction, to get the most gloss and clarity from your paintwork.
Depending on the condition, whether the vehicle is new or not, some scratches won’t come out all the way. It could be the scratches are too deep to remove safely or the clear coat itself is thinning out.
This is where we’ll make the proper judgement call on what we can safely remove off your paint. It’s not just about removing as many imperfections. It’s also knowing when enough is enough to keep the integrity of the paint healthy and within good working boundaries.
And yes, for newer vehicles, even just 4 months off the lot, the paint can still require a 2-step correction service. Although you’ve only had the vehicle for a few months, the car has been transported and handled for many months by many people (in many different places).
It’s during this time that the car is moved, washed, transported, washed, stored, etc.… It’s no surprise that vehicles, regardless of make and model, leave the showroom with heavy number of swirls and imperfections.
Our paint correction is a commitment you’re making to your vehicle. If you’d like to keep the shine on your paint, you have to properly maintain the vehicle after the service is complete. If you don’t properly wash and dry the vehicle, you can easily put all those swirls and scratches back into your paint in just a few washes.
How long do the results last?
After the paint is corrected, the next phase is maintenance it’s that simple. You have to properly (and routinely) wash and dry your vehicle moving forward to maintain the swirl-free finish of your paint. If not, you’re back to square one.
Do you offer ceramic coatings?
Yes, we do! We offer a 3-year, 5-year, 7-year ceramic coating for all vehicles with warranty. You can also stay with the more traditional wax or sealant at no additional price.
What’s the difference between a wax and paint correction?
A wax will not remove any swirls or scratches from your paint. It only hides the very light swirls and can be completed in a few hours. Paint correction actually removes the swirls in your paint. This is what makes the paint shine like crazy. It also takes a substantial amount of time and energy to complete. Usually one or two full days (depending on size, condition, and desired results).
What’s the difference between your Level 1 and Level 2 paint correction?
Level 1 paint polishing will remove 50-60% of the imperfections in your paint. Level 2 paint correction removes around 70-80% of the imperfections in your paint.
For most vehicles, the Level 1 will be just fine. For those that really want the most results, the Level 2 is your option.
Pricing
Level 1 single-step Paint Polishing
Starting at $500
Paint polishing Process: (60-70% swirl removal)
1. Clean Wheels, Tires, & Fenders
Clean wheels, tires, and fenders with a variety of brushes to reach all areas.
2.Gentle Foam Hand Wash
Thorough hand wash vehicle including cleaning the door jambs, gas cap, and removing bugs off the front end.
3.Chemically Remove Iron Particles
Chemically remove iron particles from your paint to prevent corrosive compounds that deteriorate your paint.
4.Clay Bar Treatment
Clay bar your paint to remove remaining embedded dirt and debris (your paint will feel really smooth).
5.Step 1: Polishing Phase (Polish)
The polish phase: Increase shine and clarity by polishing and removing minor to medium imperfections in the paint.
6.Paint Wipe Down
Wipe down vehicle with polish remover to inspect the paint and its true condition.
7.Apply Paint Protection
Apply protection to the paint for added shine and protection (traditional wax/sealant)
8.Dress Tires, Plastic & Trim
Dress tires to make them shine (they’ll be dry to the touch).
9.Clean Exterior Windows & Mirrors
Clean exterior glass and windows to give you crystal clear vision.
10.Final Touch Ups
Touch up any detailed areas like the emblem, exhaust, grille, etc.
Price is based on size, condition, and type of clear coat.
Pricing
Level 2 multi-step Paint Correction
Starting at $800
Paint correction Process: (80-95% swirl removal)
1.Clean Wheels, Tires, & Fenders
Detail starts with a thorough cleaning of the wheel faces, wheel barrels, tires, and inner fender liner.
2.Gentle Foam Hand Wash
Vehicle gets a thick layer of foam and a gentle hand wash (while we clean the jambs, gas cap, and remove bugs from paint)
3.Chemically Remove Iron Particles
To ensure a clean surface, we remove iron particles from your paint via a chemical decontamination.
4.Clay Bar Treatment
The next step to a clean surface is a clay bar treatment to remove any remaining embedded dirt and debris (your paint will feel really smooth)
5.Tape Off Sensitive Areas
To decrease polish, build up or staining, we'll tape off and protect any trim/chrome/sensitive areas.
6.Step 1: Compound Phase (Correction)
Safely remove a majority of the swirls and scratches from your paint with a machine polisher, cutting disc, and compound.
7.Step 2: Polishing Phase (Polish)
This will increase shine and clarity by polishing the micro-scratches that are left over from the compound phase.
8.Paint Wipe Down
To inspect true condition, we'll wipe down the paint to remove any leftover polish residue that can be hiding imperfections.
9.Apply Paint Protection
Based on your choice of protection, we'll apply a wax, sealant, or a durable ceramic coating.
10.Dress Tires, Plastic & Trim
To give the exterior an extra pop, most of the exterior plastic and trim will be dressed to an even black finish like the tires, fenders, and trim (it will not be greasy)
11.Clean Exterior Windows & Mirrors
We'll complete the detail with streak-free glass cleaning on all exterior surfaces.
12.Final Touch Ups
We'll do a final inspection of all exterior surfaces and touch up any areas that need are attention.
Price is based on size, condition, and type of clear coat.
