Your vehicle constantly gets exposed to a variety of environmental contaminants. To subdue the everyday wear and tear of your vehicle, you use all sorts of expensive shampoos and microfibres to wash it. Your vehicle begins to look lustrous all over again, however, you cannot seem to ignore the tiny spiderwebs developed on the painted surface. If this situation sounds too familiar to you then, hold that thought, because paint correction with ceramic coating can save your day. Paint correction is one of the most vital steps before the application of ceramic coatings. It makes the paint protection process a lot more optimal and effective. Let us take a closer look at paint correction.
What Is Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating?
The process of paint correction with ceramic coating involves removing minor scratches and imperfections from the clear coat of the vehicle using various tools, techniques, and products. It is levelling out the clear coat by decreasing its thickness. Therefore, paint correction should be performed only by a professional detailer for precision. Some of the commonly used tools during paint correction with ceramic coating are an electric polisher, a microfibre buffing pad, and a special cutting compound. Here is an illustration to explain the before and after scenarios during paint correction & ceramic coating.
What is the Importance of Paint Correction?
Paint correction with ceramic coating is typically a service to prep the vehicle surface for the application of ceramic coatings. Car enthusiasts might feel hesitant when it comes to polishing or buffing their cars during the paint correction process. However, paint correction with ceramic coating is an essential step in retaining the slickness and gloss of the vehicle. The imperfections that appear on the paint are called swirl marks or spider webbing mostly caused by poor washing and drying techniques. Another type of imperfection called Holograms mostly arises due to inexperienced detailers.
The best way to check for Swirl marks on a painted surface is under a flashlight. When light falls on a vehicle surface the distortions on it do not allow the light to fully reflect making the swirl marks quite apparent. Thus, a vehicle with paint correction with ceramic coating gleams under the sun while a vehicle with swirl marks looks dull.
Different Stages of Paint Correction
Paint correction with ceramic coating is an acute step before the application of ceramic coating. Therefore, there are multiple stages of paint correction depending on the swirl marks and damage to the clear coat.
- Stage 1 Paint Correction: As the name suggests it is a single-step polishing job to get rid of minor swirls marks and small marring. Commonly done using a cutting compound and a pad.
- Stage 2 Paint Correction: Stage 2 paint correction is mostly executed with dual pads and polishes to get rid of moderate swirls and scratches embedded in the clear coat. The different polishes comprise varied levels of strength and are used depending on the state of the paint.
- Stage 3 Paint Correction: Stage 3 paint correction is a three-step process executed by a professional detailer when the painted surface has heavy spider webbing, marring, and swirl marks. Most commonly the process begins with an aggressive polish and then tones down to finer compounds until the surface becomes butter-smooth.
Why Paint Correction is Necessary Before Ceramic Coating Application
Ceramic coatings tend to form a strong bond with the vehicle’s surface. After application, the coating hardens to create a glass-like protective layer that is transparent. This transparent layer magnifies the paint beneath it giving the renowned ‘glossy finish’.
Therefore, paint correction with ceramic coating becomes a critical step before the application of the ceramic coating. If any tiny scratch or swirl mark is overlooked during polishing it will stand out after the application of the coating. Thus, it is highly recommended to have a professional detailer polish or buff the paint as a part of prep work.
Extended Benefits of Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating
- Enhanced Visual Appeal– Paint correction not only removes imperfections from the paint’s surface but also enhances the vehicle’s gloss and shine, making it look as good as new. This process meticulously smooths out the surface, preparing it perfectly for the ceramic coating application which amplifies this effect, giving your car a stunning, mirror-like finish. This visual enhancement is not only pleasing but can also significantly increase the resale value of your vehicle.
- Extended Paint Protection– The primary function of ceramic coating is to provide a strong protective layer over your vehicle’s paint. By first implementing paint correction, any anomalies on the surface of the paint are corrected, ensuring that the ceramic coating can perform at its best without any interference from underlying imperfections. This layer acts as a barrier against UV rays, which can cause oxidation and fading over time. Moreover, it offers protection against chemical stains from acidic contaminants in the environment, such as bird droppings and tree sap, which can etch into the paint if not properly protected.
- Ease of Maintenance– Once a ceramic coating has been applied following paint correction, the maintenance of your vehicle’s exterior becomes significantly easier. The smooth, hard surface created by the ceramic coating means that dirt, grime, and other contaminants are less likely to stick to your vehicle’s body. Washing your car becomes a quicker, less labour-intensive process, often requiring only a simple rinse and dry to restore its pristine appearance.
- Cost-Effective Long-Term Care– Investing in paint correction and ceramic coating might seem like a significant upfront cost, but it is a cost-effective solution in the long run. By protecting your vehicle’s paint from environmental elements and reducing the need for frequent professional detailing services, you save money on maintenance over time. Additionally, the longevity of the paint and the enhanced aesthetic appeal help in maintaining higher resale values.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Ceramic Coatings
- Regular Washing– Even with ceramic coatings, regular washing is crucial to maintain the aesthetic and protective qualities of the coat. Use pH-neutral car shampoos that are designed for ceramic-coated vehicles. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could degrade the ceramic layer.
- Immediate Stain Removal– To prevent stains from bonding to the ceramic coating, it’s advisable to clean spills, bird droppings, or tree saps as soon as possible. Although ceramic coatings are resistant to stains, letting such contaminants sit for too long can cause damage.
- Avoid Automatic Car Washes– While it might be tempting to go through an automatic car wash for convenience, these facilities often use abrasive brushes that can wear down the ceramic coating over time. Opt for hand washing or touchless car washes to keep your coating in optimal condition.
- Annual Inspections– Even the best ceramic coatings can degrade over time, especially if the vehicle is regularly exposed to harsh environmental conditions. It’s wise to have the coating inspected annually by a professional to ensure it is still providing the level of protection and aesthetic quality you expect. They can also perform touch-ups if necessary to maintain the integrity of the ceramic layer.
FAQs About Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating
1. What is paint correction, and why is it important before ceramic coating?
Paint correction is a process that refines and corrects the surface of your vehicle’s paint by removing imperfections such as swirls and scratches. It is crucial before applying ceramic coating because it ensures the coating adheres smoothly and highlights the paint’s beauty without underlying defects.
2. Do you need paint correction before ceramic coating?
Yes, paint correction ensures that the ceramic coating adheres properly to the vehicle’s surface and enhances the overall appearance and effectiveness of the coating.
3. Can ceramic coating be applied without paint correction?
While it’s possible, skipping paint correction can result in a less effective ceramic coating because imperfections under the coating can still be visible and may affect the longevity and performance of the coating.
4. Does ceramic coating include paint correction services?
Not always; while some providers offer packages that include both, paint correction is typically a separate service due to its detailed nature.
5. What happens if you skip paint correction before ceramic coating?
Skipping paint correction can lead to suboptimal results, where imperfections are locked under the ceramic coating, making them more noticeable and affecting the aesthetic and protective qualities of the coating.
6. How does paint correction enhance the performance of ceramic coating?
Paint correction provides a smooth, imperfection-free surface that allows the ceramic coating to bond better and last longer, providing superior protection and gloss.
7. Is paint correction necessary for brand-new cars before ceramic coating?
Yes, even new cars can have imperfections from transportation or pre-sale detailing. Paint correction ensures the surface is optimal for ceramic coating application.
8. How much does paint correction cost before ceramic coating?
The cost can vary widely depending on the vehicle’s condition, the detailer’s expertise, and regional pricing, typically ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
9. How long does paint correction take before applying the ceramic coating?
The time required can vary, generally taking anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the vehicle’s condition and the extent of correction needed.
10. What is the difference between paint correction and ceramic coating?
Paint correction is the process of removing imperfections from the vehicle’s paint surface, whereas ceramic coating involves applying a protective layer that enhances durability and aesthetics.
Conclusion
With paint correction and ceramic coating, you not only restore the beauty of your vehicle but also ensure long-lasting protection. It’s a worthy investment for anyone looking to maintain their vehicle in pristine condition. For optimal results and long-lasting protection with reduced chances of swirl marks or spider webs, paint correction with ceramic coating is the way to go. Contact a Kovalent Coatings Approved Applicator near you to get started.
