Scratches are a part of owning a car, no matter how carefully you drive. They can take a toll on appearance and, if left untreated, can lead to further paint damage and body rust.
You can test the depth of a scratch by using the fingernail test. If your fingernail does not catch in the scratch, it is a shallow scratch that will be easy to remove.
Paint Correction
Paint correction is the process of removing minor scratches and swirl marks from the clear coat of your car. This can be done by hand or machine with buffing pads and polishes. It is a multistage process, and how many stages are necessary depends on your vehicle’s paint condition. Heavier cutting compounds will be used to remove most of the surface imperfections, finer products will be used to remove any remaining marks and refine the finish. The goal is to restore the vehicle’s paint to its original showroom luster.
Paint correction and ceramic coating can make your car look brand new, which is important if you’re thinking about selling it in the future. Scratches, swirls, and other blemishes are a major turn-off for potential buyers. Investing in paint correction before selling your vehicle can make it more appealing to potential buyers and boost its value.
A professional paint correction is a meticulous process that involves a thorough inspection and evaluation of the vehicle’s paint job. It starts with a wash and decontamination to ensure that any dirt or debris can’t scratch the clear coat as it’s being worked on. Once the surface is clean, a masking or tape system will be used to protect any parts of the car that aren’t going to be corrected.
Depending on the severity of the damage, your paint may need to be buffed and compounded. This is a time-consuming process and requires an experienced technician to do it properly. Unlike DIY paint correction, these professionals will use specialized equipment to ensure that the work is done correctly and that no part of your car’s body is being damaged by over-aggressive or poorly advised techniques.
The results of paint correction are breathtaking, and you’ll notice a difference in your car immediately. The shine will be brighter, and your car’s color will appear deeper. Aside from restoring the vehicle’s appearance, paint correction will also increase its longevity by creating a barrier between your car’s clear coat and the elements.
Paint correction is an excellent investment for anyone who loves their car and wants to keep it looking its best. It’s important to note that paint correction will not fix dents or scratches beyond the clear coat, so don’t expect it to completely cover up every ding or chip on your car’s body. However, if you have any minor scratches or other blemishes, paint correction can drastically improve their appearance and help your car look like new.
Paint Repair
Your car’s paint job is beautiful when it comes out of the factory, but over time, that shiny gloss can be dulled by scratches, swirl marks, and blemishes. Regular auto waxes can hide some of these minor issues, but paint correction is a more thorough approach that can really take your car’s look to the next level.
Some people mistakenly assume that a paint correction service involves painting over the damaged areas of your vehicle’s exterior, but this is not the case. Paint correction actually involves a specialized form of polishing that eliminates deep marring, swirl marks, and other imperfections on the surface of your car’s paint.
The first step in this process is a decontamination treatment that removes dirt, sap, iron, fallout, and other contaminants that can interfere with the corrective procedure. We use a spray, clay bar or both to ensure a clean surface ready for polishing.
Once the blemishes have been corrected, the next step is to recoat the affected area with an automotive clear coat. This will help protect the surface from harmful environmental factors such as UV rays, water spots, and oxidation.
In addition to protecting the finish of your car, a clear coat can help reseal minor surface scratches and etchings that may have been caused by improper washing methods. While it is impossible to fully prevent all scratches or etching, a clear coat will greatly reduce the appearance of these minor flaws.
Investing in a paint correction service for your car can enhance its resale value by removing the unattractive signs of wear and tear that can turn off potential buyers. This will make it much easier to sell your car at a higher price because you can show prospective buyers how well-maintained the vehicle is. Using this type of in-depth repair and protection can also save you money in the long run because it will require less maintenance and repair to keep your car in top condition. For more information about how a paint correction service can transform your car, contact us today!
Paint Sealant
Paint sealants have become a go-to product for many car enthusiasts who are looking for an affordable and effective way to protect their vehicles. Paint sealants are engineered to bond with your car’s clear coat and provide a hard protective layer against bird droppings, insect splatter, UV rays, and road debris. Paint sealants tend to last much longer than wax and require less reapplication (usually every 6 months or so).
The key difference between paint protection products and traditional natural carnauba waxes is that most of these modern formulas are fully synthetic, meaning they are entirely man-made. These products typically utilize a blend of polymers and oils that create a protective layer once they’re bonded to your vehicle’s clear coat. They are designed to last longer than traditional waxes and deliver a stunning shine that looks like glass.
Applying a sealant is an extremely simple process and can be done at home with a high-quality electric polisher and microfiber buffing pad. Most sealants come in liquid form and spread easily with a polisher or by hand. Once you’ve applied the product, it typically takes about an hour to dry and cure. Once it has cured, you’ll be left with an amazing shine that should last six months or so, depending on your environment and how often you wash your vehicle.
Some people find that paint sealants can have a hard or cold appearance, and they prefer to layer a natural wax on top of the product for added softness. For the most advanced car care enthusiasts, a paint-restoration coating can be used in lieu of traditional wax, as these products are chemically engineered to bond with your car’s surface and offer an even stronger level of protection against harmful elements.
Car paint consists of a clear coat that is about 1.5 to 2 microns thick, which is thinner than a piece of paper. It doesn’t take a lot to damage the clear coat, so proper maintenance is essential to keep your car’s appearance in tip-top shape. Wash your car regularly, using a high-quality soap and sponge. When washing, try to use straight lines rather than circular motions to reduce the likelihood of swirl marks. Once your car is clean, be sure to dry it with a microfiber towel.
Paint Protection
When you have spent your hard-earned money on a high-quality paint job, it makes sense to protect your investment. Paint protection (or PPF) is a clear film that an expert can apply to certain body panels or your entire car, protecting it from rock chips, scratches, and surface corrosion. The film is durable and can be backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. It is also UV resistant and will help your paint withstand sun damage.
A new paint job is beautiful, and you should want to keep it that way for as long as possible. It is impossible to avoid gradual wear and tear as you drive your vehicle, especially if your commute or frequent road trips involve driving over rough terrain. Even a ceramic coating can be overwhelmed by things like bird droppings, road salt, and mineral deposits. If you are not careful when washing your car, you can easily create scratches with a sponge or mitt.
While you can prevent many of these issues by parking your vehicle in the shade or using a high-quality wash soap, the best thing you can do to protect your paint is invest in PPF. It is designed for high impact resistance and can take on bushes, branches, rocks, and other road debris without scratching the surface of your vehicle. It will also protect your paint against chemical damage caused by bird droppings and other environmental contaminants.
The best part is that your car will still look beautiful with PPF on it, thanks to its self-healing properties. Light scratches can be “healed” by applying heat to the affected area, and the pliable film and plastic will reseal itself around them. This will allow you to maintain that showroom-like appearance without the need for touch-ups or expensive repairs.
A car’s exterior is the first impression you will make on others, so it’s important to keep it looking new for as long as possible. Paint protection will help you achieve that showroom-like look, and it can also help increase your resale value when the time comes to sell or trade your vehicle.
