A detailer machine polishing the bonnet of a dark car next to its headlight

Service

Paint Correction in Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch

Paint correction is the careful machine polishing of your car's clear coat to level out swirl marks, holograms, wash marring and light scratches. Rather than hiding defects with fillers, it removes a tiny amount of lacquer so light reflects evenly again.

A dual-action polisher being worked across the bonnet of a black car

The process

What's involved

  1. Paint inspectionLighting and often a paint depth gauge to see how much clear coat there is to work with.
  2. Wash and full decontaminationFallout remover, tar remover and clay so nothing is dragged under the pad.
  3. MaskingTrim, badges and rubbers taped off to protect them.
  4. CompoundingOne or more cutting stages, depending on how deep the defects are.
  5. Refining and protectionA finishing polish for clarity, then wax, sealant or a ceramic coating.

Who it suits: Dark cars showing swirls in sunlight, used cars bought with wash marks, cars being prepared for sale or a show, and anything about to be ceramic coated.

Gallery

Paint Correction, up close

Images are illustrative stock photography, not our work.

A rotary polisher with a yellow pad on white paintwork
A rotary polisher with a yellow pad on white paintwork
A polisher on black paint with masking tape along the trim
A polisher on black paint with masking tape along the trim
Deep, mirror-like reflections in a dark polished car panel
Deep, mirror-like reflections in a dark polished car panel
Sunset reflections on a polished roof and windscreen
Sunset reflections on a polished roof and windscreen

Your quote

Your paint correction quote

Every car is different, so we don't publish a price list. Your quote is tailored to your car and the result you want.

  1. Vehicle sizeA city hatchback and a seven-seat SUV are very different amounts of paint, glass and interior.
  2. Current conditionSwirls, scratches, stains, pet hair and how long since the last proper detail all change the time needed.
  3. The finish you wantA fresh-looking refresh, a deep gloss enhancement or a near-flawless corrected and coated finish.
  4. Where it's doneDriveway, workplace or a covered space, and what access to water and power there is.

Send a couple of photos with your enquiry and we'll come back with a clear, tailored quote. Free and no obligation.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can't see yours? Add it to your enquiry and we'll answer it with your quote.

What's the difference between enhancement and correction?

An enhancement is usually a single polishing step in a day, aiming for a big gloss improvement and removing perhaps half the light swirls. Correction uses heavier cutting and more time to remove most defects that can be safely removed.

Will it remove every scratch?

No. If you can catch a scratch with a fingernail it is often through the clear coat. We'll tell you honestly what can safely come out and what needs a touch-up or bodyshop.

How long does it take?

Enhancements are typically one day. Single-stage correction is usually two to three days and multi-stage four days or more, so it needs a dry, covered space rather than an open driveway.

Does correction thin the paint?

Each stage removes a very small amount of clear coat, which is why it should not be done often. Paint depth should be checked first so plenty is kept in reserve.

Free, no-obligation quote

Ready when your car is.

Tell us about your car and what you'd like done, and we'll come back with a tailored quote.

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