Paint Correction & Protection
If your vehicle has not been fully detailed recently, the following processes are recommended to ensure the longevity and beauty of the paint. This is an extra service beyond the basic wash. This service comes at an extra cost and needs only be done every three years or so. Vehicular paint consists of three layers: the primer, the colour coat and the clear coat. Thicknesses may vary, but they are measured in microns (millionths of a metre). It is the clear coat that protects the colour and enhances the shine, but it also takes the brunt of wear and tear.
‘Swirl’, or very faint scratches, is the most common type of damage and may happen when not enough care is taken to lubricate the surface during washing and drying, among other things. Paint correction resurfaces the clear coat by removing a micron or two of it with abrasives. You can see swirls with the naked eye by shining a bright light on the paint and observing the halo effect caused by swirls. The refraction of the light into a ‘halo’ is also responsible for the dullness and lack of depth in the colour.
- Iron particle removal. A non-toxic chemical is applied that clings to and dissolves microscopic iron filings embedded in the paint surface that can cause rust. These filings come from air pollution, road dust, and brake linings. The residue is rinsed off.
- Clay bar. A clay bar is a putty-like material that, when gently rubbed on the paint surface, picks up and holds microscopic bits of tar, bugs or other embedded material. A soapy solution is used to lubricate the clay bar to prevent scratching; microfibre towels are used to remove it.
- Correction Cream or Compound. This is a mildly abrasive product that is applied by a mildly abrasive pad on a randomly orbiting polisher. By judging the results of a small test area, the detailer will know just how many repetitions of the process it will take to produce a smooth, shiny surface. Again, microfibre towels are used to remove the residue.
- Isopropyl alcohol. As a final cleansing step, Isopropyl alcohol is used to ensure that no remnants of previously applied waxes or treatments remain.
- Polish or Wax. Now that the clear coat is clean and even, a polishing compound or a wax is applied. This enhances the shine of the clear coat and really makes the paint colour ‘jump’ out.
- Protectant. The last step is applying a protective layer over the polish. Again, it is applied and buffed by hand and enhances and deepens the shine. You will be truly amazed by the deep, deep shine!
