How do I price correction work?

Most detailers charge by vehicle size and condition, not hourly. A one-step on a sedan might be $350. Full two-step on an SUV with heavy swirling might be $900. Know your hourly target and estimate the time. If you want $75/hour and estimate 8 hours, price at $600 plus materials. Track actual time to refine estimates.

What do I do if I burn through the clear coat?

Stop immediately. Don't try to fix it by polishing more. Document what happened, take photos, and be honest with the client. Your options are touch-up paint, professional respray of the panel, or insurance claim if you carry garage keepers coverage. This is why paint thickness measurement is mandatory. Prevention is the only real solution.

Paint Correction Guide for Detailers | Pricing, Process & Tips | Detaild

Paint correction is the process of permanently removing defects from a vehicle's clear coat through machine polishing. Swirl marks, scratches, water spots, oxidation, and haze are leveled out by removing a microscopic layer of clear coat until the surface is perfectly flat and reflective. It's the only way to truly fix paint defects rather than just hiding them with fillers.

Paint correction is where detailing becomes a craft. Anyone can wash a car. Correction requires understanding paint systems, abrasive technology, and machine technique. It's what separates professionals from hobbyists.

For your business, paint correction represents a major step up in both skill and profitability. The barrier to entry keeps competition lower than wash services. Clients who seek out correction understand value and are willing to pay for expertise. These are the clients who become coating customers, refer their friends, and return for maintenance year after year.

The learning curve is real but manageable. You need to understand paint thickness, clear coat systems, pad and compound combinations, and machine technique. Start with less aggressive approaches on your own vehicles or practice panels. Build confidence before taking client work. One burned-through edge or hologram-filled panel can damage your reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a scratch can be corrected or needs repainting?

Run your fingernail across the scratch. If it catches, it's likely through the clear coat and into the base coat or primer. These need touch-up or respray. If your nail doesn't catch, it's in the clear coat and can usually be corrected. Also check if the scratch is white. White means you're seeing primer or bare metal, which can't be polished out.

What equipment do I need to start offering correction?

At minimum: a quality dual-action polisher ($200-400), paint thickness gauge ($50-100), LED inspection light ($100-300), set of cutting and polishing pads ($100-150), and compound and polish ($50-100). Budget around $500-1,000 to start properly. Don't skimp on the polisher or gauge. They're your most important tools.

How long does it take to learn paint correction?

Basic competency takes 20-30 hours of practice. True proficiency takes 100+ hours across different paint types and conditions. Start on your own vehicles, then friends and family at reduced rates. Take a hands-on training course if available in your area. Watch what happens under different speeds, pressures, and pad combinations.

Should I offer correction separately or only with coating?

Offer both options. Some clients want correction but aren't ready for coating. Taking the correction job builds the relationship. They often come back for coating later. But always present the coating option. Correction without protection means the paint will swirl again. At minimum, apply a good sealant.