Better clarity
Polishing improves reflection by reducing the visible defects that make paint look dull or cloudy.
Paint correction Toronto
Paint correction for swirls, haze, and lost gloss.
Machine polishing can improve paint clarity, reduce visible wash marks, and prepare the finish for wax or ceramic coating. IMDetailing quotes paint correction after inspecting the paint condition.
Quote onlyMachine polishingGloss restoration
Polishing and correction
When washing is not enough to bring the paint back.
A vehicle can be clean and still look tired. Swirl marks, washing scratches, water spots, oxidation, and haze scatter light across the paint. Paint correction uses machine polishing to level or refine the clear coat so the finish looks clearer and glossier.
Coating preparation
If ceramic coating is planned, correction helps make the finish worth protecting before the coating is applied.
Black paint help
Dark paint shows wash marks quickly. Correction can make black and dark colours look much deeper.
Honest limits
Deep scratches, chips, thin clear coat, and failing paint cannot be safely polished away.
Correction levels
The right polish depends on the paint, not a menu name.
Paint correction can range from a gloss-enhancing polish to heavier multi-step correction. A light polish may improve haze and shine. A more involved correction can reduce heavier swirl marks and wash defects. The correct approach depends on clear coat condition, paint thickness, defect depth, and the finish you want.
We inspect the paint before recommending a correction level. Some marks sit in the clear coat and can be improved safely. Others are too deep, through the clear coat, or connected to paint damage that polishing cannot fix. We would rather set the right expectation than chase defects aggressively and risk the finish.
Correction pairs well with ceramic coating because a coating preserves the work and makes maintenance easier. It also pairs well with wax protection when the goal is a cleaner, glossier daily driver without a long-term coating package.
- InspectReview swirls, scratches, oxidation, water spots, paint risk, and expectations.
- CleanWash and decontaminate so polishing pads work on paint, not surface dirt.
- PolishUse machine polishing to improve gloss and reduce visible defects safely.
- ProtectFinish with wax or ceramic coating depending on your protection goal.
Paint correction may include
- Careful exterior wash before inspection and polishing.
- Paint decontamination where needed to remove bonded surface contamination.
- Machine polishing selected for the paint condition.
- Spot discussion of deeper scratches, water spots, oxidation, and areas that may not fully correct.
- Protection recommendation after polishing.
What polishing cannot do
- It cannot repair missing paint, rock chips, clear coat failure, or dents.
- It cannot safely remove every deep scratch if doing so would remove too much clear coat.
- It may not fully remove severe water spots or etching.
- It should be protected afterward with wax or ceramic coating so the improvement lasts longer.
Pricing and quote notes
Paint correction pricing
Paint correction is quote-only because time changes dramatically by paint condition, vehicle size, colour, and desired result. Send photos in sunlight, especially of the hood, doors, and trunk, and we will suggest the right polishing approach.
Quick pricing notes:
- Quote only after paint review
- Vehicle size and colour affect time
- Correction level depends on defects
- Ceramic coating can be added after preparation
Final pricing is confirmed before the appointment.
Common questions
Paint correction FAQs
How much does paint correction cost?
Paint correction is quote-only because price depends on vehicle size, paint condition, defect level, and how much polishing is safe for the clear coat.
Is paint correction the same as ceramic coating?
No. Paint correction improves the paint surface through polishing. Ceramic coating protects properly prepared paint after the correction stage.
Do I need polishing before ceramic coating?
If the paint has swirls, haze, oxidation, or water spots, polishing is usually recommended before coating so the finish is worth protecting.
Can you remove all scratches?
No. Many swirls and light defects can improve, but deep scratches, chips, and clear coat failure cannot be safely polished away.
Do I need correction on a new car?
Sometimes. New vehicles can still have dealership wash marks, transport haze, or light defects. We inspect before recommending it.
How should I maintain corrected paint?
Use careful hand washing, avoid automatic brush washes, and protect the paint with wax or ceramic coating.
Ready for a quote?
Send us paint photos for a correction quote.
Sunlight photos help us see swirls, haze, and deeper defects so we can recommend a realistic polishing plan.