what is paint correction

Paint correction is the process of removing surface defects like swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation from your vehicle’s clear coat. Over time, these imperfections dull your paint, making it look hazy, uneven, and worn out.

Through careful polishing, we level out those defects to restore the original gloss and depth of your paint—bringing back that clean, reflective finish your vehicle had when it was new.

the 3 stages of paint protection

Paint correction isn’t a one-size-fits-all process—it’s made up of three main stages: compounding, polishing, and finishing (also called jeweling). Each step plays a role depending on the condition of your vehicle’s paint and the results you’re after.

not every car needs every step

For many, polishing alone delivers great results. We assess each vehicle to choose the right level of correction for your paint and your goals.

Compounding

This is the most aggressive stage. Compounding uses heavier abrasives to cut through more serious defects. Deep swirls, scratches, and heavy oxidation. It levels the clear coat to remove damage, but because it’s such a strong approach, it needs to be done by someone who knows what they’re doing. Done right, it lays the groundwork for a proper finish.

Blue car hood showing before and after paint correction—right side scratched and swirled, left side polished to a high gloss finish

Polishing

Polishing is less aggressive and is the most common step in paint correction. It removes lighter swirls, minor imperfections, and light hazing while restoring gloss. This is often enough for most vehicles and is ideal before applying protection like wax or ceramic coating.

Black car hood showing before and after paint correction—right side scratched and swirled, left side polished to a high gloss finish

Finishing/Jeweling

This is the final refinement step. It doesn’t remove defects, it enhances clarity, depth, and shine. Think of it as fine-tuning your finish to the highest standard. Not every vehicle needs this step, but it’s perfect for clients who want their paint to look its absolute best.