Paint Correction & Restoration
- Home
- Services
- Paint Restoration
What Is Paint Restoration
Paint correction is the process of machine-polishing your clear coat to remove swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation – restoring the depth, clarity, and gloss your paint had when it was new. It’s the single most effective way to improve how your car looks, and this page walks through exactly how we do it.
Fully Insured, Zero Risk to Your Paint
We carry professional insurance coverage on every job and bring 4+ years of hands-on correction experience, so your paint is never a guessing game.
Reported to CarFax
Every service we perform is reported to CarFax, adding documented professional care to your vehicle history - proof of upkeep that supports resale value.
That New-Car Feeling, Back
Paint condition changes how a car feels to own. A corrected finish makes the whole vehicle feel newer, sharper, and worth showing off.
Preparation
Initial Inspection
Before any polishing begins, every vehicle gets a full inspection under proper lighting. We use a paint thickness gauge to measure your clear coat and run a test spot on an inconspicuous panel to find the exact combination of pad and polish that works for your car’s paint — not a generic process, a tailored one. From there we confirm the level of correction needed: one-step, two-step, or a full multi-stage job.
Every correction starts with a paint thickness check and a test spot on your car, so the process is tailored — never generic.
Three Bucket Wash
Correction only works on a truly clean surface. We start with a full wheel and wheel-well cleanse, then a two-bucket hand wash with pH-balanced soap — so dirt is never dragged back across your paint — followed by a full rinse to prep for decontamination.
Wheels first, then a two-bucket hand wash — clean paint before any correction begins.
Decontamination & Clay Bar
Next comes chemical decontamination: an iron fallout remover strips embedded metal particles, then a clay bar pass pulls out what a wash can’t touch — tar, rail dust, overspray. Want the full breakdown of this step? See our Clay n’ Seal page.
Iron remover + clay bar strip what washing can’t. Full details on our Clay n’ Seal page.
Paint Correction
Setting The Scene
Before any polish touches the car, we tape off trim, glass, rubber, and any other sensitive surfaces — protecting them from polish and the polisher. Then we bring all of our resources together for a test spot: trying a variety of pads, compounds, polishes, and — where needed — wet sanding on a small area to find the combination that works best for your specific paint. Right before correction begins, the paint gets one final inspection for any remaining imperfections, so nothing is missed once the machine starts moving.
We tape off sensitive trim, run a test spot with a variety of pads, compounds, and polishes, and give the paint one final inspection before correcting.
Wet Sanding
Wet sanding is a precision technique used to level paint when deeper scratches or texture are present. It involves controlled abrasion with measured passes to safely refine the surface before polishing. Not all vehicles require it—when they do, it’s done with care and purpose.
Wet sanding smooths paint by removing texture or deep scratches. It’s done with measured, controlled passes and only used when necessary before polishing.
Compounding
Compounding uses a mild abrasive and a pad to remove sanding marks, fine scratches, and oxidation. Controlled, even passes smooth and clear the paint, prepping it for the final polish and lasting shine. Used only when needed.
Compounding gently smooths paint with a mild pad to remove sanding marks and scratches. This optional step, done only when needed, preps it for final polish.
Polishing
Polishing is the final correction step. Using a fine polish and a soft pad, we erase any remaining haze, refine micro-marring, and bring out full clarity and gloss — every panel worked individually, in the right order, so nothing gets missed.
Polishing erases the last of the haze and brings out full clarity and gloss.
Paint Correction FAQ
How much does paint correction cost?
Paint correction is quoted after a quick inspection because price depends on paint condition and vehicle size — contact us with photos for a fast estimate. A $100 deposit secures your appointment and goes toward the final price. Headlight restoration is a flat $110.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes — a $100 deposit secures your appointment and goes toward the final price of your correction. It confirms your date and the time we block out for your vehicle.
Why does it cost so much?
Paint correction is a 5+ hour, panel-by-panel process that takes real skill — rushing it risks the paint. You’re paying for the time, the equipment, and the precision, not just the end result.
Will it remove my scratches?
It corrects surface-level scratches, swirl marks, and haze. It cannot fix scratches deep enough to catch a fingernail or spots where the paint itself is missing — those need bodywork, not polishing.
How long does it take?
Most corrections take 5–8 hours minimum, depending on paint condition and the number of stages. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs can take longer.
What do you need from me on the day?
A clear parking space and access to water and power. Shade or a garage is preferred for the best results — we bring all the equipment, products, and lighting ourselves.
Do you come to me?
Yes — we’re a fully mobile service covering Los Angeles, Orange County, and nearby areas. Your correction happens right in your driveway.
Let's Talk Details
The best way to find out more information is to talk to me.
Fill out your information and I will get back to you personally to help you out.
We’ll never share your info with anyone