Paint correction can remove imperfections that are within the top clear coat layer of your paint. While it can eliminate the vast majority of defects (typically 85-99%), some scratches may be too deep to be safely removed.

A good rule of thumb is that if you can feel a scratch with your fingernail, it has likely gone through the clear coat and may be too deep to remove completely, although we can often significantly improve its appearance.

Yes, the defect removal is permanent. Unlike waxes or glazes that simply fill in scratches temporarily, paint correction physically levels the clear coat to remove the imperfection forever. However, the paint can still be scratched again through improper washing techniques. This is why we highly recommend protecting the newly perfected finish with a ceramic coating or PPF.

Absolutely. A ceramic coating is a semi-permanent layer of protection that locks in the current state of your paintwork. Applying it over swirls and scratches would be like framing a dirty picture. To achieve the best possible result and value from your coating, the paint must be corrected first to ensure maximum gloss and a flawless finish underneath.

While related, they aren't the same. A simple 'polish' might be a quick process using a single product to add gloss, which may temporarily hide minor swirls. Paint correction is a far more intensive and methodical process involving multiple stages ('compounding' and 'polishing') with different products to permanently remove defects, not just hide them.

When performed by a trained and experienced professional, it is perfectly safe. At Lux Lab Detailers, we use high-quality equipment and digital paint depth gauges to measure the paint thickness before, during, and after the process. This ensures we only remove the minimum amount of clear coat necessary to eliminate the defects, preserving the integrity of your paintwork.

Surprisingly, yes. Most new cars arrive with minor imperfections from transport, storage, and dealership wash processes. We often find light swirl marks and fine scratches on brand-new vehicles. A 'New Car Prep' detail, which includes a light polish, is essential to perfect the paint before applying any long-term protection.

The best way to protect your investment is with a ceramic coating or Paint Protection Film. Beyond that, we strongly advise using the 'two-bucket' safe wash method, pH-neutral car shampoo, and high-quality microfibre towels for washing and drying to prevent inflicting new swirl marks. We are happy to demonstrate the correct technique for you or add you to our maintenance program.