How Do We Prep a Vehicle Before Paint Correction?

How Do We Prep a Vehicle Before Paint Correction?When it comes to paint correction, preparation is key to achieving the best possible results. Correcting a car’s paint isn’t just about buffing out imperfections; it involves several critical steps that help ensure a flawless, smooth surface before polishing begins. Here’s how we prep a vehicle before starting paint correction.
1. Wash the Vehicle ThoroughlyThe first step in any paint correction process is a deep wash to remove surface dirt, grime, and contaminants. This is essential because even small amounts of dirt can cause scratches during the correction process. We typically follow a two-bucket method to avoid cross-contaminating the wash mitt and ensure the surface is as clean as possible.

• Pre-rinse to remove heavy dirt and debris.
• Hand wash using a pH-balanced shampoo.
• Wheels and tires are cleaned separately to prevent brake dust from contaminating the paint.
• Drying using microfiber towels ensures no water spots are left behind.

2. Decontaminate the SurfaceAfter washing, we use a clay bar or clay mitt to remove embedded contaminants that can’t be removed with regular washing. Things like tree sap, industrial fallout, and iron particles can cling to the paint, even after a thorough wash. Decontaminating the paint is essential for achieving a smooth, clean surface for polishing.
3. Inspect the PaintOnce the vehicle is clean and free of contaminants, we perform a thorough inspection of the paint under proper lighting. We take paint depth measurements to get an exact measurement of how much paint is on the vehicle, this is to ensure we do not compromise the integrity of the paint. We check for imperfections such as swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and water spots. This step helps us determine the level of paint correction required and what type of compounds and pads will be needed.
4. Masking and TapingTo ensure that no areas like trim, rubber seals, or windows get damaged during the correction process, we use high-quality masking tape to cover them. This ensures we only work on the painted surfaces and prevents compound or polish residue from staining or damaging non-painted areas.
5. Test SpotBefore diving into the full paint correction, we always perform a test spot. This involves working on a small, inconspicuous area to test different polishing pads and compounds. The goal is to find the most effective combination for the car’s specific paint type and the severity of imperfections.
ConclusionProper preparation is the cornerstone of a successful paint correction. By thoroughly washing, decontaminating, inspecting, and protecting the vehicle, we ensure that the correction process yields the best results. With the vehicle prepped correctly, paint correction can restore your car’s finish to a flawless, like-new shine!