Paint Correction in San Francisco
Machine polishing that removes swirls, haze, and light scratches instead of hiding them.
Paint correction is the machine polishing process that physically levels a very small amount of clear coat to remove defects. Swirl marks from careless washing, haze from automatic tunnels, oxidation on older single-stage paint, and light scratches all live in that top layer.
This is different from a glaze or filler product that masks defects for a few weeks. Correction removes them, which is why the results survive the next wash.
How the job is scoped
We inspect the paint under focused lighting, take readings where appropriate, and test a small section with the least aggressive combination that works. Panels are then corrected in stages: cut, refine, and finish.
Not every car needs full multi-stage work. A one-step enhancement removes a meaningful share of defects and adds significant gloss for a lot less time and cost, and it is the right call for many daily drivers.
What correction addresses
- Swirl marks and wash-induced marring
- Buffer trails and holograms from prior poor polishing
- Oxidation and dullness on sun-exposed horizontal panels
- Light scratches that your fingernail does not catch on
- Water spot etching that has not gone through the clear coat
Protecting the result
Freshly corrected paint is bare. It should be protected the same day with a sealant or a ceramic coating, and then maintained with a wash method that does not reintroduce the same swirls.
If your car is parked outdoors year-round, pairing correction with a durable coating is usually the better long-term value.
Frequently asked questions
Will correction remove every scratch?
No. Scratches deep enough to catch a fingernail have gone through the clear coat and cannot be safely polished out. We will identify those during inspection.
Is polishing safe for my paint?
Done correctly, yes. Correction removes microns of clear coat, which is why we test first and use the least aggressive approach that achieves the result.
How long does it take?
A one-step enhancement is typically a full day. Multi-stage correction on a larger vehicle can run into a second day.