Paint Correction in Salt Lake City, UT
Machine polishing that removes swirl marks, water spot etching and haze, done at your home on the East Bench or in the Avenues.
Get a quote
Tell us what you drive. We'll call or text you back with a price and the next open day.
Got it, thanks.
We'll call or text the number you gave us. If you need it sooner, call (801) 555-0188.
What paint correction fixes
Look at your car's paint in direct sun or under a gas station canopy at night. If you see fine circular scratches, a gray haze, or dull rings where water dried, that is damage sitting in the clear coat. Waxing hides it for a week or two. Correction removes it.
We level the clear coat by a very small amount with a machine polisher, which takes the scratches out instead of filling them. The color gets deeper, reflections sharpen, and metallic flake shows again.
What correction removes
- Swirl marks and wash marring
- Water spot etching
- Oxidation and haze
- Sap and bird dropping etching
- Light scratches and scuffs
- Holograms left by a poor previous polish
One stage, two stage, three stage
The number of stages is how many passes the paint needs, each with a finer pad and polish than the last.
One stage is a single polishing pass. It clears light swirls and haze and suits newer cars and lighter colors. Two stage adds a cutting pass first, for moderate swirls, wash marks and water spot etching. Most black and dark blue cars that have been through tunnel washes land here. Three stage is for neglected or heavily marred paint, or for owners who want a show finish.
We inspect the car before quoting and recommend the least aggressive option that will get the result you want. Clear coat is finite, and we'd rather keep as much of it on the car as possible.
How we work
- 1. Wash and decontaminate. Foam hand wash, iron remover and clay bar so the pad only touches paint.
- 2. Inspect. We check every panel under bright lights and tape off trim and edges.
- 3. Test spot. We try the mildest pad and polish on one section first and step up only if needed.
- 4. Correct. Panel by panel, wiping down and checking under the light as we go.
- 5. Protect. Sealant or ceramic coating, so the finish lasts.
Paint problems we see most in Salt Lake
Tree sap and bird droppings. The Avenues, Yalecrest and Federal Heights have beautiful old trees and a lot of street and carport parking under them. Sap and droppings are acidic and etch the clear coat within days in summer heat.
Hard water etching. Sprinkler water here is very hard, around 13 grains per gallon. Spots that bake on leave rings below the surface that only polishing removes.
Winter film. During inversions, fine particulate settles on everything and mixes with road salt into a gritty film. Wiping it off dry, or running it through brushes, is how a lot of winter swirl marks happen.
Deep scratches and what to expect
If you can catch a scratch with your fingernail, it has gone through the clear coat and polishing won't remove it. We can usually make it much less visible by rounding its edges, and we'll tell you up front which marks will stay.
After correction, the paint needs protection or the same damage comes back. We finish every correction with a sealant at minimum. A ceramic coating is the longer-lasting option.
Questions about paint correction in Salt Lake City
How long does paint correction take?
A one stage correction on a sedan is usually most of a day. Two and three stage work, or larger vehicles, can run into a second day. We give you the schedule with your quote.
Will polishing thin my clear coat?
Slightly, which is why we use the least aggressive method that works and don't over-polish. A properly done correction removes far less than the paint can spare.
Can you do paint correction outside?
Shade or a garage is best, since polish dries too fast on a hot panel. A carport works. If you only have street parking, tell us and we'll work out what is practical.
Is paint correction worth it before selling a car?
Often, yes. Glossy, swirl-free paint photographs far better and makes the car look cared for. A one stage correction is usually enough for a sale.
Do you correct matte or satin paint?
No. Matte and satin finishes can't be polished without changing the sheen. We can wash and protect them with matte-safe products.
Quote my paint correction
Call, text, or send the form. We bring the water, the power and the tools.