Understanding The Differences In Paint Correction Stages And Coatings
There’s a little bit of general confusion when it comes to grooming cars: all the different types of coatings, the different paint correction stages, the reasons why, etc. This blog aims to explain our process and how it helps to bring out the best in your car.
First up is Single Stage Paint Correction! ⭐
Our ‘Single Stage Paint Correction’ improves overall appearance by removing general swirling and scratching using 1 pad and 1 polish. Each car’s paint work is unique, and we do test spots to determine a good mixture of cutting performance with a glossy finish. In our ‘single stage’ we aim to remove around 75-85% of paint defects, mostly removing the light swirls and water spots. The results we look for is to achieve a greater gloss and shine to the appearance to your car.
Here’s an example of the cutting in action:
Deeper imperfections will remain but the detail will significantly improve the overall appearance of the car giving it a glossy finish and more vibrant colour depth.
Next up is our Two Stage Paint Correction! ⭐⭐
Our Two Stage Paint Correction will provide a much more refined result, since we cut more aggressively compared to the first stage. This method removes around 80-95% of paint defects with a cutting pad and compound, but can sometimes produce a hazy appearance to the paint. Because of this, we then go over the entire car again with a polishing pad and polish, which removes the micro hazing and further refines the paint to provide a deep gloss.
Here’s the hood from above after the finished cut & polish.
When you run your eyes over the car, expect to see no swirls or scratches. The surface will be smooth with a high gloss. Try checking this on your car: move your head up and down to catch the light at different angles, and see if you can spot any swirls or scratches. Usually, general cleaning sponges/cloths will actually leave these swirls!
After restoring your cars appearance, it is important to protect it from chemicals, light swirls, bird-droppings, UV rays and water spots. There are many different types of coatings you can use on your car. Some examples include waxes, sprays, ceramics, top coats, graphine and paint protection film ‘PPF’.
The strongest and longest protection for your car is paint protection film as it is 0.8mil thick; wo offer a 10 year warranty with the Stek range we use. The downside is the material and installation cost that will range from a couple of thousand to cover small parts of your car, generally front bumper and guards as its high vulnerability to stone chips. But to protect your whole vehicle can be over $5,000 to $10,000 depending on size and complexity of your car.
Waxes and sprays are a good consumer level protection that can provide decent gloss levels and some layer of protection from UV rays and water spots, however, it’s short life time means you will need to re-apply a couple of times a year. Ceramic coatings are a great middle ground product that helps protect your car while enhancing its gloss levels. You can find them to last anywhere from 2-10 years depending on manufacturer.
Ceramic coatings have become a very popular addition to cars; however, it can still be prone to water spots. That’s why all ceramic coating manufacturers sell a ‘top coat’ which can be used as a stand-alone product providing great gloss and hydrophobic qualities, but it is made to be paired with the ceramic coating to provide a great all round protection.
We offer two types of paint protection: a ceramic coating and hydrophobic coating by Ceramic Pro. Our Ceramic coating packages last from 5 to 10 years and are all taylor suited to what you are after. Our Hydrophobic coating by Ceramic Pro was developed as a ‘top coat’ for the ceramic coating creating strong water beading and further protection from water spots. This coating lasting 2 years and creates a great protection from UV rays, water spots and water beading, helping maintenance grooms with dirt and contaminants to be removed a lot easier with water and soap. This is a great value coating for someone wanting to protect their car.
Overall, if you’re starting from scratch (get it?), recommend these stages of paint correction:
A Stage One or Two Paint Correction, depending on your budget.
A Ceramic Coating, to protect your car long-term (5-10 years).
A Hydrophobic Coating, to protect your car from water spots, dirt, UV rays, birds, etc).
Book in Monthly Maintenance Grooms with our team. We visit your place every 3 weeks and give your car a full wash & groom, keeping it in top condition!
Now that you understand everything about the stages of paint correction, we invite you to book in Monthly Maintenance Grooms with our team. We visit your place every 3 weeks and give your car a full wash & groom, keeping it in top condition!
