Does Your Car Even Need Paint Correction? Here’s How to Tell
Before you polish, correct, or coat—here’s how to spot if your car actually needs paint correction in the first place.
Look at Your Paint in Direct Sunlight
The easiest way to spot paint imperfections is by looking at your car’s surface under direct sunlight or a bright LED light. Swirls, haze, and scratches usually jump out when viewed from the right angle.
If you see spiderweb-like patterns or dull patches—your car likely needs correction.
Common Signs You Need Paint Correction
- Swirl marks or holograms when the sun hits the paint
- Light scratches around door handles, fuel caps, or trunk areas
- Hazy or cloudy clear coat, especially on dark paint
- Etched water spots or bird droppings that won’t come off with a wash
- Oxidation or chalky paint (common on older cars)
These aren’t just cosmetic—they affect how well your paint reflects light and how long your protective coatings last.
Even New Cars Can Need Correction
Don’t assume a brand-new vehicle is flawless. Many new cars have paint defects from:
- Improper dealership prep (hello, dirty wash mitts)
- Transport scratches or contamination
- Sitting outside under sprinklers, tree sap, or UV rays
If you plan to ceramic coat a new car, correction is almost always recommended first—even if it looks “okay.”
What If You Skip It?
If you apply a ceramic spray or wax without correcting the surface first, you’re locking in those imperfections. Worse, your protection product won’t bond properly to a dirty or damaged surface.
For best results, use a beginner-safe polish like Picture Perfect Polish to remove defects before sealing the paint.
The Fastest Way to Fix It
You don’t need to spend hours compounding with a dozen pads and products. With a one-step polish like Picture Perfect Polish and the right pad, you can knock out light-to-moderate defects in one pass.
Start with our Burgundy Correction Pad if you’ve got visible swirls. If your paint is already decent and you just want to refresh it, grab the Black Finishing Pad for light polishing.
Pro Tip
Do the “swirl check” before every big detail. Just because the car looks clean in the garage doesn’t mean it’s defect-free in the sun.
