Sorry, newbie here. I see the term paint correction thrown out there a lot on these forums. What exactly is paint correction? Does swirl light mark or scratch removal constitute paint correction?
What is Paint Correction? Also known as swirl mark removal or machine polishing, paintwork correction is the systematic application of varying grades of cleanser, polish or compound to your car's paint to achieve a finer, less marked appearance while maintaining the integrity of the paint/clearcoat. Basically, the technique removes microscopic amounts of the surface in order to smooth away problems. It could be likened to ultra fine sanding but when we talk about microscopic we are referring to a few microns (a micron is 1/1000th of a millimeter)! Precision is vital if the paint is to be preserved and the best finish given. As you can probably tell, to be able to do the job properly requires being able to judge the existing condition of your car's paint and forsee likely issues before starting work. This requires not only the use of hi-tech paint depth gauges, but also years of experience and an understanding of the many different paint systems used on cars. Many companies and individuals will say that they can polish a car but sadly, the results are often very poor - paint levels can be dangerously low, buffer trails are left, the original marks haven't been removed, the paint has uneven colouration, etc. When it comes to machine polishig, you really need a specialist.
Paint Correction / Restoration This entails correcting 95% +/- of the visible imperfection in the paint; swirls, scratches, etching, etc, which are legitimately, removed without compromising the clear coat thickness. Paint renovation detailers can restore the finish on a car with paint correcting polishes; however there are some defects that are too deep to be repaired. This type of paint renovation should only be needed once in a car's lifetime; maintaining the integrity of the vehicle's original paint should be relatively easy provided the paint surface is correctly maintained; using the proper technique, and quality tools and car care products for washing and drying there should be no reason (barring an accident or vandalism) that you would inflict surface scratches or swirls. Repainting will negatively impact a vehicles resale value, especially on Antique or Classic vehicles as well as affecting its ‘as original’ finish, its future resale value depends on its all round condition, including the original paint. The proper use of a paint thickness gauge (PTG) is highly recommended Paint renovation detailers can restore the finish on a car with paint correcting polishes; however there are some defects that are too deep to be repaired. There comes a point when you must judge wither removing a scratch will compromise the clear coat (0.5 Mil >) and if so you’ll have to ‘live’ with the imperfection (these can be aesthetically masked by using a Glaze) This can be accomplished by hand polishing with Autoglym's Super Resin Polish (especially suited to older ‘soft’ paint); a polish, glaze, and a synthetic wax in one easy to use, gentle formula, for the removal of oxidation and light surface marks, and it will also 'fill' in some of the deeper marks, creating a visually stunning appearance. (Autoglym's Super Resin Polish )Product application: use a soft foam applicator and work a small section (18 x 18 –inch) working the product into paint. This will provide the paint with a deep high gloss
