No matter the age of your car, a sparkling clean exterior is essential to maintain the look and value. One way to achieve that beautiful finish is with paint correction – a process designed to correct surface imperfections and restore an aged vehicle’s appearance. But how much does paint correction cost?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about paint correction costs so you can decide if this service is right for you and your car!
Answer
The cost typically falls somewhere between $350 – $3000, and the exact price is determined by various factors. One important factor is the amount of damage on the surface of the paint. If there are deep scratches or other forms of significant damage, then the final cost will likely be higher. Another factor is the level of correction you’re looking to achieve.
For example, if you want your car to look its absolute best and have every last imperfection removed, then you’ll understandably have to pay more than if you’re just looking for a basic correction.
What Does A Paint Correction Do?
If you’ve ever noticed scratches, marks, or haze on your vehicle’s paint, then paint correction might just be the solution you need. This process is designed to tackle imperfections on the surface of your car, like swirl marks or marring, that dull its shine and luster.
With pain correction, you can bring back that vibrant colour you fell in love with when you first picked out your car. This process is achieved by meticulously removing tiny pieces of your vehicle’s top clear coat, revealing a smooth, polished finish that’s sure to impress.
How Many Stages Of Paint Correction?
To complete the job, professionals typically use four distinct stages of paint correction, each aimed at achieving a different level of depth and shine.
Stage 1 Paint Correction: Medium-Cut Correction
The first stage is designed to address the most common paint defects, such as light scratches and swirl marks. This involves using a medium-grit compound and specialized polishing machine to gently remove imperfections from the paint. While this stage can’t fix every problem, it can usually correct up to 50% of issues.
Stage 2 Paint Correction: Heavy-Cut Correction
This stage involves a heavier-grit compound and a rotary or dual-action polishing machine to tackle those deeper scratches, swirls, and other imperfections. While it may sound intimidating, stage 2 can correct up to 85% of the visible defects in your paint job, leaving you with a much cleaner and smoother finish.
Stage 3 Paint Correction: Finishing or Jeweling
The third stage of paint correction is the most advanced and meticulous process. It involves multiple steps of using polishing compounds to refine the paint to a level of clarity and gloss that is almost flawless. This level of correction is perfect for show cars or clients who demand a top-notch finish. With the third stage, you can achieve a 95% or higher defect-free result.
Stage 4 Paint Correction: Wet Sanding Correction
During this stage, the paint is wet sanded to remove any deep scratches or other severe defects that may have remained after the earlier stages of correction. However, wet sanding is a more aggressive process that should only be used when absolutely necessary. Typically, it is only recommended for clients who demand a completely flawless finish, or for cars with significant paint problems.
How to prevent the need for Paint Correction?
To prevent the need for paint correction, it’s important to invest in proper paint protection. The two most popular options are nano wax and ceramic coating, both of which offer enhanced shine and protection.
However, don’t forget about the basics too! Regular washing and waxing, and being mindful of how you park your car can go a long way in preventing scratches and other damage to your paint.
What Is The Cost For Protection After Paint Correction?
Ceramic Coating
This innovative solution adds a layer of protection to your vehicle’s surface, shielding it from contaminants, UV rays, and water damage. Entry-level coatings can last for up to a year, while higher-end options offer long-term benefits extending up to 3-5 years.
Prices for ceramic coating can range from $500 to $3000 or more, depending on the kind of coating you choose.
Sealant
One popular method for protecting your car’s paint is through sealant application. This involves applying special polymers on the car’s surface to create a chemical bond that protects the paint against contaminants and provides hydrophobic properties that repel water. While the duration of a reputable sealant can last up to 6-8 months, proper maintenance is necessary for its longevity.
The cost for protection after paint correction can range from $450 to $2500 or more, depending on the quality of the sealant applied.
Wax
One cost-effective and popular method is applying a wax made using carnauba. Not only does it add to the shine, but it also protects the paint surface from environmental factors, such as UV rays, water, and debris. However, waxes offer the least amount of protection and require proper maintenance to keep their qualities intact. This means that the shine and the protection will only last for about a month.
Prices for this type of service vary based on factors such as the brand used and the size of your car, ranging from $350 to $2500 and beyond.
Related: How Much Does Ceramic Coating Cost?
What to Look for When Choosing a Paint Correction Service?
The Quality of the Service Provider
When choosing a paint correction service provider, it is important to look for one that has a good reputation and uses quality products. Ask around for recommendations from friends or family and read reviews online before making your decision. Additionally, check to make sure that they offer warranties on their services in case anything goes wrong.
The Severity of the Damage
The severity of your car’s paint damage will have a significant effect on the cost and duration of the service. If you are working with minor scratches and swirls, then stage 2 correction may be enough to restore your car’s shine. For more severe damages, such as deep scratches or oxidation, stages 3 or 4 may be required.
Area Size To Be Corrected
The cost of paint correction will also depend on the size of the area to be corrected. Smaller areas, such as a hood or roof, may require less time and effort than larger sections like an entire car. Additionally, some services may offer discounts for multiple areas or parts of your vehicle being worked on at once.
Turnaround time
If you are in a rush to have your car’s paint corrected, be prepared to pay more. Certain services may offer express options that allow for a quicker turnaround time. However, these will typically come with an increased cost.
FAQs about How Much Does Paint Correction Cost?
Is painting correction worth it?
Yes. Paint correction is a great way to restore and maintain the appearance of your car’s paint, resulting in a smoother, more vibrant finish. It can also help protect your car from further damage caused by environmental elements or accidental scratches.
How often should I have my car painted corrected?
It depends on the condition of your vehicle’s paint and your personal preferences. If you have a car that has seen its fair share of scratches and dings, then a more frequent paint correction is recommended. On the other hand, if your car has been taken care of for years with regular waxing and washing, then it would only need to be correctedly painted every six months.
Does paint correction remove all scratches?
Unfortunately, it cannot remove all scratches. While it can effectively erase surface-level scratches, swirl marks, hazing, and other common imperfections, it may not be able to fix deeper or more severe scratches.
Does paint correction ruin clear coat?
Unfortunately, the answer is that yes, it does remove a small amount of the clear coat. During the process, a cutting compound is used with an electric polisher, distributing the product over the car’s surface and removing 2.5 – 3 microns (µm) of the clear coat.
Does paint correction damage paint?
There is a common concern among car owners about the impact of paint correction on their vehicle’s paint job. While it is true that paint correction can help smooth out imperfections and enhance the appearance of a car’s exterior, it is also important to exercise caution. If the process is done incorrectly or too aggressively, it could potentially cause damage or even burn through the clear coat. This could lead to future clear coat failure and costly repairs.
It’s always best to trust a professional with the right tools and techniques to ensure your paint job stays looking sharp without causing any damage.
Is paint correction permanent?
No, paint correction is not a permanent solution. The results of the service can last up to 5 years or more depending on proper care and maintenance. Regular washing and waxing will help preserve the finish and keep your car looking great for longer periods.
How long does paint correction last?
The longevity of a paint correction will depend on the quality of the service, as well as how well you maintain your vehicle. Generally speaking, however, most good-quality paint corrections can last up to five years or longer with proper care and maintenance.
Can you wax after paint correction?
Yes, you can wax your car after paint correction. It is recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before applying a wax to ensure that the cutting compounds have completely dried and removed from the surface. Additionally, make sure to use a high-quality carnauba wax for best results.
How Long Does Paint Correction Take?
Paint correction isn’t a simple wash-and-wax job, but rather a multi-stage process involving compound and polish. Depending on the severity of the damage to the paint, this process can take anywhere from 6 to 20+ hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, paint correction is an important part of maintaining the value of your car. Not only can it restore the original look and feel of your vehicle, but also help protect it from corrosion and other exterior damage. While cost will vary based on square foot coverage, size of the area to be corrected, type of paint job needed, and technician skill level, paint correction can provide long-term benefits worth far more than the cost.
Ultimately though, it’s up to you to evaluate your needs and determine when it’s a good time to invest in paint correction services. We hope that this blog post has successfully cleared up any confusion regarding how much does paint correction cost
I’m Timothy Ballard, owner of a used car dealership in Springfield. I love just about everything automotive, but I have a special place in my heart for trucks. I’m an ASE Certified Master Technician, so I know my way around a car. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking new trails.
When working with a reputable detailer who provides quality work, the pricing for paint correction typically ranges from $500-800+ for 1-stage correction to $1000-2000+ for 2+ stage correction. A 1-stage correction generally results in a 50-80% improvement, while a 2-stage correction can achieve 80-95%+ improvement.