paint correction in exeter

Paint correction is the highly specialised process of removing imperfections from a vehicle's paintwork. By using professional machine polishers, a combination of pads, and a range of abrasive compounds, we are able to permanently remove defects such as swirl marks, light scratches, water spots, bird dropping etching, and oxidation. The goal is to restore the paint to a better-than-new condition with incredible gloss, depth, and clarity.

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.

The time required depends entirely on the size of the vehicle, the condition of the paint, and the level of perfection desired. A single-stage enhancement polish might take 4-6 hours, whereas a multi-stage correction on a car with heavy defects could take 2-4 days. At Lux Lab Detailers, we will always perform a thorough inspection and give you an accurate time estimate.

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 cost is based on the time and labour involved, and our pricing reflects a true investment in your vehicle. While you may find detailers who charge less, a lower price point often necessitates compromises in the time, products, and meticulousness required for a perfect, lasting finish. At Lux Lab Detailers, our philosophy is quality over speed; we invest the necessary time to achieve a flawless result that a rushed service simply cannot match. We provide customised quotes after a physical inspection, allowing us to assess your vehicle's condition and discuss the outstanding results we can achieve for you.

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.