The Benefits Of Paint Correction With Ceramic Coatings: Why it's Essential

Comparison of a car's paint surface before and after paint correction, highlighting the removal of scratches and enhancement of gloss and clarity.

You're planning to have your car's paint ceramic coated for the first time. You're ready to pay the quoted price until you receive an unexpected surprise — you also need to cover the cost of paint correction before the application!

"Why is paint correction necessary before a ceramic coating?" you might wonder. After all, you maintain your car's paint well, and it's not in poor condition.

What needs correction? You simply want to enhance its protection!

Paint correction is necessary before applying ceramic coating for two reasons:

1. Ceramic coatings maintain the appearance of the paint they protect. Any scratches, swirls, wash marks, etches, or bonded stains on the paint will still be visible underneath and cannot be eliminated without also taking off the protective layer.

2. For ceramic coatings to adhere properly and last on the paint, the surface must be impeccably clean. If not, the protection might either be short-lived or not adhere at all. Paintwork correction involves cleaning the paint by eliminating embedded contaminants using a method known as claying.

At first, this might seem as clear as mud on a rainy day, so let's dive into an explanation like a cat into a box it definitely doesn't fit in. 

Reason 1

Paint Correction, also known as polishing, focuses on improving the paint's appearance to its optimal state before applying a protective seal.

The main purpose of ceramic coatings is to maintain the flawless look of clean, unblemished paint. However, to achieve this, your paint must be in perfect condition initially — although ceramic coatings can enhance gloss or color, they do not eliminate surface imperfections. Do you really want scratched and stained paint visible beneath your costly new ceramic coating? Once you've sealed that surface, you cannot go back and clean the underlying paint without first completely removing the coating. It's best to address this before applying protection to save yourself time, money, and effort.

Reason 2

To guarantee that the ceramic coating adheres to the paint surface

Have you ever tried using a 3M Velcro Command Strip? The installation guidelines indicate that the area must be cleaned before placing the strip. Failing to do so will result in improper adhesion, causing the strip to come off the surface. This principle also applies to ceramic coatings and paint protection film, which require perfectly clean surfaces for proper adhesion.

Contamination weakens the bond that secures coatings to the paint, and it’s not solely surface dirt and grime that affect this adhesion. Contaminants from roads, the environment, and nearby industrial emissions can penetrate deeply into the paint’s surface. Decontamination, as part of a thorough paint correction process, is essential to eliminate this contamination, making it a crucial step when applying a ceramic coating. 

Do I need paint correction if my car is new or in good condition?

Absolutely! New vehicles often come with scratches, wash marks, or contamination even before the owner takes possession! It's common knowledge that the those responsible for washing the cars on the lot aren't being particularly careful as they prepare the vehicles for sale. Even vehicles that are regularly detailed will still require some level of paint correction. If the paint is in good condition, you may not need several stages of correcting, but at least a light polish Is essential for a strong bond between the paint system and the protective layer.

What is the Conclusion on Paint Correction before Applying Ceramic Coatings?

In simple terms, paint correction IS necessary before applying a ceramic coating or paint protection film for two reasons:

• To ensure scratches, swirls, etching, and wash marks from being sealed beneath the applied protection.

• To guarantee the protective layer creates a lasting bond with the surface. 

If you are looking for a Certified Paint Correction Specialist In San Diego,

Elevate SD Mobile Wash and Detail is here for you!

We are Certified in Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating Installations.