Paint Correction

Paint correction polishes away a very thin layer of clear coat to remove swirls, oxidation and light scratches, then refines the paint to full gloss. The range runs from Menzerna, Koch-Chemie and CarPro compounds to Lake Country pads, Rupes polishers and wet sanding discs.

How to choose

• Compounds & Polishes: a compound cuts out defects, a polish restores the gloss, and one-step products do both.
• Polishing Pads: the pad sets the cut as much as the liquid, from wool and heavy cut foam to soft finishing foam.
• Polishing Machines & Kits: a dual action polisher is the safe start; a rotary cuts faster but takes practice.
• Preparation & Accessories: panel wipes, masking tape, pad cleaning and inspection lights. Wet Sanding & Specialist Correction: sanding discs, glass and metal polishing.

Good to know

• Clay the paint first with one of the Clay Bars, or the pad drags bonded dirt across it.
• Start on a test section with the gentlest pad and polish, and step up only if the marks stay: clear coat does not grow back.
• Polished paint is bare, so finish with protection from Paint Protection & Finish.

How do I do paint correction myself?

Wash and clay the paint, then work a test section with the gentlest pad and polish on a dual action polisher, stepping up only if the marks stay. Finish with a polish to bring back the gloss, wipe the panel down and protect it, because polished paint is left bare.

Related: Iron & Fallout Removers, Clay Lubricants, Paint Ceramic Coating. Popular brands here: Lake Country, Rupes, CarPro.