Paint correction · Swirl and scratch removal
Mobile Paint Correction & Swirl Removal in Houston
Paint correction is machine polishing that removes swirl marks, light scratches, water spots and oxidation, bringing back depth and gloss. We do it at your home, and it's the right first step before a ceramic coating.
What paint correction fixes
- Swirl marks from automatic car washes and dirty towels. They look like spiderwebs in direct sun.
- Light scratches that haven't gone through the clear coat.
- Water-spot etching from sprinklers and hard water.
- Bird-dropping and bug etching.
- Oxidation and haze on older or sun-baked paint.
A simple rule of thumb: if you can catch a scratch with your fingernail, it's probably too deep to polish out completely. Polishing can still make it much less noticeable.
One-step vs. multi-step
A one-step polish removes a large share of light defects and adds strong gloss. It's ideal for newer cars or as prep for ceramic coating. A multi-step correction uses a heavier compound first and then refines with a finishing polish. It takes longer and suits darker or heavily swirled paint. We measure and test a small section first, then recommend the least aggressive approach that gets the result, because clear coat is limited and shouldn't be wasted.
"…they did a wonderful job taking off swirls from previous detailings I've gotten at 'high end' places." Luis L., Google review
Lock in the result with ceramic coating.
What to expect on the day
Paint correction takes longer than a regular detail, often a full day or more depending on the vehicle and how far you want to go. We start with a wash and full decontamination so we're polishing clean paint. Then we measure the paint and test a small area to find the gentlest combination of pad and polish that gets the result. That keeps the amount of clear coat removed to a minimum. Lighting matters, so we work in a garage or shaded area when possible and check each panel under inspection lights.
Afterward, we strongly recommend a sealant or ceramic coating. Polishing restores the shine, and protection keeps it from wearing away again at the next car wash.
Honest limits
Some damage is too deep to polish out safely. If a scratch catches your fingernail, it has probably gone through the clear coat. We'll tell you if it needs touch-up paint or a body shop instead of polishing it thinner.
Questions we get a lot
How much does paint correction cost?
It depends on vehicle size, paint hardness and how many steps the paint needs. We quote after an in-person look or from clear photos in sunlight.
Can paint correction remove every scratch?
No. Scratches that go through the clear coat, or that catch a fingernail, usually can't be fully removed without repainting. Polishing can still make them much less visible.
Can you do paint correction at my house?
Yes. We bring our own power and lighting. Shade or a garage gives the best results.
Should I get paint correction before ceramic coating?
Yes. A coating locks in whatever is underneath, so correcting the paint first gives you the best finish.
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Tell us your vehicle and address. We reply within minutes during business hours and bring everything with us.