What is paintwork correction?
Quick answer: Paintwork correction is targeted refinishing to fix specific defects—scratches, scuffs, etched marks, runs, sags or heavy orange peel—using machine polishing and, where needed, sanding to level the surface. Unlike a simple all-over polish for gloss, it focuses on problem areas with extra steps to restore the finish.
Paintwork correction typically targets issues such a scratch, scuff, etched marks, runs, sags or excessive orange peel often invisible at first glance but detrimental to appearance and protective quality. These imperfections are usually found in the clear coat, a transparent protective layer over your vehicle’s base paint. Effective correction addresses not just surface shine but also surface integrity, restoring clarity and reflection while safeguarding the finish from contaminants and UV degradation.
While we can machine polish a car all over and make it shiny, there are often areas that require special attention, where we add extra steps to the process to correct them. In severe cases, this may begin with us sanding back the paintwork.
The Multi-Stage Process: From Assessment to Finish
Paintwork correction isn’t a one-step affair. Depending on the severity of defects, professionals may employ a multi-stage approach:
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Stage 1: Light polish using a gentle compound and soft pad to eliminate minor swirl marks and fine scratches.
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Stage 2: Medium correction for deeper or more persistent abrasions, combining abrasive compound and finer polish in succession.
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Stage 3: Intensive correction involving aggressive cutting compound, multiple passes, and step-down polishing to achieve a near-flawless finish
We choose each stage depending on how much paint we’ve got to work with and how bad the defects are, aiming to get the best result without taking off any more clear coat than necessary.
Why Paintwork Correction Isn’t Just Aesthetic
By removing oxidation, swirl marks, and minor etching, you’re reviving the paint’s reflective properties and removing vulnerabilities where dirt or moisture can settle and exacerbate wear. A corrected surface also provides optimal adhesion for protective layers such as wax, sealants, ceramic coatings, or even paint protection film, greatly enhancing their effectiveness and longevity.
Why Every Car Deserves Paintwork Correction
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Visual impact: Removes swirls, scratches, and imperfections for deep gloss.
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Paint protection: Prepares the surface for coatings and reduces wear.
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Expert care: Multi-stage polishing balances depth correction with clear coat preservation.
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Maintenance boost: Eases cleaning and protects value.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 05/01/2026 17:04
Further Reading
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Services
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🔷 Paintwork Correction
For removal of scratches, blemishes, and etching. Using machine polishing, we can buff out, correct areas of damage to your car's paintwork. -
🔥🔥🔷 Ceramic Coating Paint Protection Service
Protect your investment with durable ceramic coating that bonds to your clearcoat, resisting traffic film, bird lime and tree sap while enhancing colour depth and mirror gloss. -
🔥🔥🔷 Ceramic Car Paint Protection
Restore deep gloss and long-lasting protection with professional ceramic coating for your car paintwork, shielding against swirl marks, UV fading, dirt and winter road salt.