Paint Correction Explained: Swirls, Scratches and Machine Polishing
What paint correction actually is, what it can and cannot fix, and how single-stage and two-stage machine polishing differ.
What is paint correction?
Paint correction is staged machine polishing that removes defects from the clear coat: swirl marks, light scratches, oxidation and haze. It restores depth, gloss and clarity rather than hiding defects under a filler or a wax. The car is washed and decontaminated first, the paint is assessed under light, and polishing stages are chosen to match what the paint actually needs.
Single-stage or two-stage?
Single-stage machine polishing is one pass that removes light swirl marks and oxidation and enhances gloss significantly, from £95. Two-stage polishing adds a compounding stage before refinement, for dramatically enhanced clarity and deep gloss, from £150. Multi-stage correction, from £250, is for paint with deeper defects across the car.
What correction cannot fix
Scratches through the clear coat to colour or primer cannot be polished out, though they can often be improved in appearance. Chips, dents and cracked paint need different repairs. We assess the paint first and explain honestly what correction can and cannot achieve before any work starts.
After correction
Freshly corrected paint deserves protection. A sealant or wax works for shorter-term cover, while a ceramic coating locks the finish in for 2 to 5 years. Either way, wash with pH-neutral shampoo and avoid brush washes to keep the corrected finish looking its best.
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