Paint Correction
PAINT CORRECTION
Paint correction in Colorado Springs, CO
Over time, your vehicle’s paint collects swirl marks, fine scratches, water spots, and oxidation that dull the finish and make even a clean car look tired. Paint correction is the process of mechanically removing those defects using machine polishers and professional compounds, restoring depth, gloss, and clarity to the paint surface. Unlike a detail spray or wax that fills and hides defects temporarily, paint correction actually removes them.
At McCloskey Appearance Center in Colorado Springs, our paint correction service starts with a full inspection under specialized lighting to assess the condition of your paint before we touch it. Colorado’s high-altitude UV exposure accelerates paint fade and oxidation faster than most climates, and automatic car washes leave behind the swirl marks that degrade your finish over time. Our specialists identify exactly what level of correction your vehicle needs and walk you through the options before any work begins.
Paint correction is also the recommended step before a ceramic coating. Coating over uncorrected paint permanently seals in every imperfection, so getting the paint right first is critical. Whether you are prepping for a coating, restoring a neglected vehicle, or simply want your paint looking its best, McCloskey Appearance Center has the equipment and experience to deliver real results.
PROCESS
How we correct your paint, from inspection to final polish
Paint inspection
We inspect every panel under specialized lighting to map out swirl marks, fine scratches, water spots, and oxidation. This tells us exactly what level of correction your paint requires before we start.
Decontamination wash
A full hand wash and decontamination treatment removes surface grime, iron fallout, and bonded contaminants. The paint needs to be completely clean before any polishing begins.
Clay bar treatment
We clay bar every panel to pull out embedded contaminants that the wash cannot remove. A smooth, contamination-free surface is essential for consistent polishing results.
Test spot and pad selection
Before correcting the full vehicle, we perform a test polish on a small section to dial in the right compound and pad combination for your specific paint type and defect level.
Machine polish and correction
Using a dual-action or rotary polisher, we work panel by panel to remove swirls, scratches, and oxidation. Each pass is inspected under lighting to confirm the defects are fully corrected.
Final wipe and inspection
Each panel is wiped down with isopropyl alcohol to reveal the true corrected finish. A final inspection under lighting confirms the results before the vehicle is returned or prepped for coating.
PRICING
Paint correction packages
$199
Single-stage polish
A single-stage machine polish to remove light swirl marks, minor water spots, and surface oxidation. Restores gloss and paint clarity on vehicles in good overall condition. A great starting point for regular paint maintenance.
$349
Two-stage paint correction
A two-stage cut and polish process for vehicles with heavier swirl marks, deeper scratches, and more significant paint defects. The cut stage removes the bulk of the damage; the polish stage refines and restores the finish.
$549
Full paint correction
Multi-stage correction for heavily swirled, oxidized, or neglected paint. We work through as many stages as needed to achieve the best possible result. Recommended before a ceramic coating application or for vehicles being restored to show condition.
CONTACT US
See what your paint actually looks like
Most vehicles have more paint damage than their owners realize. Get in touch with McCloskey Appearance Center in Colorado Springs and we will assess your paint, walk you through the correction options, and give you an honest recommendation.