What is Two-Step Paint correction?
​Two-Step paint correction is the process of removing defects from your vehicles clear coat. First off we start with a cutting compound and a buffer. We are going to basically cut through microscopic layers of the clearcoat removing any clear coat scratches or swirl marks. Once this process is done we use a fine scratch remover with polishing properties go over every panel of the vehicle again and create a mirror like finish. Once we are finished with the second step we will either hand wax the vehicle or use a ceramic sealant to help protect your clear coat from future damage from the elements. Although it is referred to as Two-step paint correction, there are steps we have to take prior to two-step paint correction to ensure the highest quality possible. Below are a list of the steps required to complete a two-step paint correction.
Step 1- Basic Exterior Wash
The first thing that we are going to do is a detailed wash on the exterior. This process includes an initial touch free wash, Hand wash, wheel cleaning, exterior windows followed by a ph neutral spot free wash and rinse.
Step 4- Polishing.
In this step we have already corrected 90% of the issues and all that remains are minor surface scratches. This is where we come in with a fine cut/polish and perform the exact same process with a scratch and swirl remover. This brings more of a mirror effect removes any light scratches remaining. This is the final step before adding the final protectant to the vehicle.
Step 2- Remove embedded contaminants
The second step in our process after washing the exterior is to remove any contaminants from the clear coat. This could be anything from road tar to overspray, iron removal or just general dirt that has embedded itself. Depending on the circumstances we may use an iron remover a clay bar or both,
Step 5- Add protectant
This is the final step of the process where we add eithere a wax or a ceramic sealant to protect your vehicles exterior from the elements. While this does not protect from scratches dents or gouges it does protect from things like salt and UV rays that destroy your clear coat over time. I personally recommend ceramic sealant as it will protect your vehicle for a longer period of time and the hydrophobicity makes maintenance on it very easy.
Step 3- Stage 1 paint correction.
We have now begun the longest part of the process, the actual paint correction. In This step we are going to go over every single panel of the vehicle meticulously buffing with a cutting compound to remove any removable scratches from the clear coat. This will smooth the surface and reflection will begin to appear in once hazy areas again and the vehicle will begin to look brighter. This process in itself can take up to 8 hours and is best done in a controlled environment such as a garage with good lighting. Ideal temperatures for this process are 70 degrees and higher but this can be done as low as 40 degrees.