3 Things Those Interested in Auto Detailing Training Might Not Know About Paint Correction
If there’s one thing that’s sure to spruce up a neglected vehicle, it’s a good paint correction job. The process of refurbishing a paint job is done by eliminating any blemishes clouding the surface of the vehicle, utilizing microfiber and other materials to polish the paint and even out imperfections. When performed correctly, the technique will produce a clear reflection and shiny finish on the car’s body, taking care of scratches and dirt that can cause light rays hitting the vehicle to reflect in inconsistent directions.
The job might sound simple enough, but there’s actually more to the process than meets the eye. If you want to become an auto detailer, here are three things you’ll want to remember about paint correction.
Paint Correction Is a Big Undertaking for Those in an Auto Detailing Career
As paint correction focuses on the removal of imperfections rather than merely concealing them, the task can be seriously time consuming—even for someone with auto detailing training. In fact, it’s the job that typically takes up the most time in the detailing department. Before the correction can begin, the vehicle has to be decontaminated and washed meticulously. Following the cleaning, an automotive clay bar is used to remove any contaminants remaining on the surface. If any debris is still lingering, this may damage the bodywork surface by getting trapped in a polishing machine’s pad. With this in mind, the detailer must be vigilant in this step, to ensure no trace of dirt or grit remains.
Paint Correction Requires Precision
When working on a correction job, one of the worst mistakes that can be made is removing too much paint. In performing the task, auto detailers use an abrasive polish to remove a thin layer of paint from the surface to even it out. A paint depth measurement gauge is used before and during polishing, as well as after the task is complete, to ensure that the paint doesn’t become too thin. If too much paint is removed, the vehicle’s surface may become susceptible to more damage. Usually just 1-3 microns of paint needs to be removed to attain the right finish. The condition of the paint can also be monitored during the process through the use of LED or halogen lamps, which mimic sunlight to assess how well scratches and damage are being removed.
Many Deeper Scratches Can’t Be Fixed with Paint Correction
Those training for an auto detailing career may be surprised to learn that many deep scratches can’t be fixed with paint correction. If the scratch is deep enough to reveal bare metal, attempts to remove it presents a risk for causing further damage to the surface paint or clear coat. Instead, the appearance of this type of surface blemish can be minimized by using a polisher to smooth out its edges. Paint correction targets smaller imperfections such as bird dropping etchings, buffer trails, and swirls. If these surface blemishes are proving to be too unsightly for a car owner to bear, they can rest assured that their vehicle’s appearance will seriously benefit from a paint correction.
Are you interested in rejuvenating vehicles and restoring them to their former glory?
Check out ATC Toronto’s auto detailing course options to get started.
