Professional Paint Correction That Restores Clarity, Depth, and Gloss
What Is Paint Correction?
There is often confusion around the term paint correction. In professional detailing, paint correction refers to the process of removing defects from the vehicle’s clear coat in order to restore clarity, gloss, and overall appearance.
Common paint defects include swirl marks, light scratches, blemishes, clear coat etching, oxidation, and general surface imperfections. Paint correction is not a one-size-fits-all service — the approach depends heavily on the vehicle, the condition of the paint, desired results, and how much correction is safely achievable.
Experience Matters
Where detailing companies differ most is in capability and experience. Proper paint correction requires knowledge, patience, and a deep understanding of paint systems, polishing techniques, and clear coat limitations. Incorrect methods can permanently damage paint.
At HD Auto Detailing, we bring nearly 10 years of hands-on paint correction experience to every vehicle. We’ve corrected paint on everything from high-end vehicles like Porsche, Bentley, and Mercedes, to classic show cars, as well as daily drivers that have seen years of neglect, semi-trucks, farm equipment, heavy machinery, motorcycles, golf carts and just about anything you can imagine.
Our Approach
Every vehicle is evaluated individually and corrected using professional-grade equipment, proven techniques, and a methodical process designed to achieve the best possible results without compromising the clear coat or the paint. Our goal is not just to improve appearance, but to maximize clarity, depth, and finish quality while maintaining long-term paint health.
The result is a vehicle that looks cleaner, glossier, and significantly more refined than when it arrived.
Paint Correction Levels
Level 1 – One-Step Paint Correction
Starting at $500
A single-stage machine polish designed to significantly improve the overall appearance of the paint.
Best for:
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Light swirl marks
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Light wash marring
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Minor surface scratches
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Dull or hazy paint
What to expect:
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Noticeable increase in gloss and clarity
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Removal of most light defects
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Ideal for well-maintained vehicles or those needing a refresh
Level 2 – Two-Step Paint Correction
Starting at $900
A multi-stage correction that includes a compounding step to remove deeper defects, followed by a finishing polish to refine the paint.
Best for:
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Moderate swirl marks
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Heavier scratches
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Oxidation
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Clear coat etching and water spot damage
What to expect:
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Dramatic improvement in clarity and depth
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Significantly reduced visible defects
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Excellent option before ceramic coating
Level 3 – Three-Step Paint Correction (Advanced)
Starting at $1,500
Our most intensive correction process, designed for heavily damaged or neglected paint. This level may include spot wet sanding where appropriate to safely reduce deep clear coat defects before multi-stage polishing.
Best for:
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Deep scratches and severe swirl marks
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Heavy oxidation or etching
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Clear coat defects that cannot be corrected by polishing alone
What to expect:
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Maximum achievable correction while preserving paint integrity
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The highest level of clarity, gloss, and refinement possible
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Recommended for show cars, high-end vehicles, and restorations
What Paint Correction Can Fix
Paint correction is designed to remove or greatly reduce:
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Swirl marks and wash-induced scratches
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Light to moderate scratches
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Oxidation and dull paint
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Water spot and clear coat etching
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Haze, buffer trails, and surface imperfections
What Paint Correction Cannot Fix
While paint correction is extremely effective, some defects cannot be safely removed, including:
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Scratches that penetrate through the clear coat
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Failing or peeling clear coat
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Paint defects requiring bodywork or repainting
In these cases, we will always discuss realistic expectations before proceeding.
Pricing & Evaluations
All pricing is starting pricing and may vary based on:
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Vehicle size and paint condition
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Severity of defects
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Time required to achieve desired results
Every paint correction service begins with an in-person evaluation to determine the safest and most effective approach for your vehicle.
Paint correction is the foundation for long-term protection. For best results, we highly recommend pairing paint correction with a ceramic coating to lock in the finish and protect your investment.