Does every car need paint correction once in awhile?

BrianDavis

BrianDavis

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This might be a dumb question, but does every car need paint correction occasionally? i.e. for all you guys who keep your cars in great shape, wash with two bucket method, etc, does the car still gradually build up some scratches and need correction every once in awhile?
 
I think it all depends, especially when you throw all possible variables in the mix. Technique, maintenance, where you live random events, list can go on and on....

If the car needs paint correction. Then the car for the most part will tell you. With proper inspection.

Idk I could be wrong :)
 
The answer is yes. Unless the car never gets washed, never gets wiped, never leaves the garage, it's going to get some swirls no matter how careful you are.
 
BrianDavis said:
does the car still gradually build up some scratches and need correction every once in awhile?
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Yes, even if you're uber careful, it's easy to get light scratches and swirls in the paint because modern clear coat paints are scratch-sensitive. Simply put, paint scratches easily and because most people have a clear coat, the basecoat or color coat makes it easy for your eyes to see the scratches on the top layer over it.

Also read this...

Here's why you need to polish paint...





:)
 
Thanks for the replies everyone, and that's a good read Mike. I appreciate it! I currently have the Meguiars DA Power System, and like it, but looks like I need something larger that can more easily do the whole car.

Ultimately I was curious as to how much a hobbyist really needs a polisher, but looks like I'll now try to convince my wife to let me invest in a 7424 xp :)
 
BrianDavis said:
Ultimately I was curious as to how much a hobbyist really needs a polisher, but looks like I'll now try to convince my wife to let me invest in a 7424 xp :)
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IMO, every car owner should own a basic polisher like the PC7424XP... it will pay for itself on your first use (compared to paying a professional), and it will last for a very long time. Not only is it great for routine light polishing, but it makes applying sealant and wax much quicker and easier. You'll use it more than you think (especially if you have more than one car to maintain).
 
zmcgovern45 said:
IMO, every car owner should own a basic polisher like the PC7424XP... it will pay for itself on your first use (compared to paying a professional), and it will last for a very long time.

Not only is it great for routine light polishing, but it makes applying sealant and wax much quicker and easier. You'll use it more than you think (especially if you have more than one car to maintain).
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I agree 100%. Couldn't have said it any better. The Porter Cable dual action polisher is probably responsible for more cars looking great than any other tool mostly because it was introduced to the paint polishing world since the early 1990's and since then millions of cars have been de-swirled. I know I de-swirled one or two of them.

Check this out...

It's not that hard...


:)
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
I agree 100%. Couldn't have said it any better. The Porter Cable dual action polisher is probably responsible for more cars looking great than any other tool mostly because it was introduced to the paint polishing world since the early 1990's and since then millions of cars have been de-swirled. I know I de-swirled one or two of them.

Check this out...

It's not that hard...


:)
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And that led me to this:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-make-money-detailing-cars/27827-few-tips-starting-part-time-detailing-business.html

I could sit and read forever, loving this place!
 
BrianDavis said:
And that led me to this:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-make-money-detailing-cars/27827-few-tips-starting-part-time-detailing-business.html

I could sit and read forever, loving this place!
Click to expand...

Oh no!! He's hooked... we've got another addict!

Here is what you need to do. Login to your online banking and take a good long look at your current balance... say your goodbyes and start shopping!

But in all seriousness... Welcome to AGO! Glad you're here... you will learn a TON and you'll have the best looking vehicle on your block in no time!
 
Well Brian I bought my Honda CR-Z Sept 10th of 2011 and have not had to do any paint correction at all, I've stayed ontop of it since day #1! I have used DG #501 which as some cleaning ability but that's been used coming out of winter when doing a spring clean up and a little while ago after doing a quick claying. For me once in a while I feel a good clay barring followed up with a cleaning type product is a good thing. Now, do I call this "paint correction", no, I call it maintaining and IMO paint correction takes place when you use a compound and/or polish that actually corrects decects such as swirls and marks, this I have not had to do to my own car. I've made a commitment to never needing to machine polish my car and so far so good.

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online
 
I've seen 40k cars sitting in a showroom with swirled paint so I'm going with a "yes"...hahaha
 
I have compounded my car fully once and I have polished my car about 3 times this year. Have done spot corrections here and there.
 
WRX02227 said:
I've seen 40k cars sitting in a showroom with swirled paint so I'm going with a "yes"...hahaha
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I've seen $100,000+ cars that need a full 2+ step correction sitting on show room floors... dealerships will do awful things to vehicles.
 
zmcgovern45 said:
I've seen $100,000+ cars that need a full 2+ step correction sitting on show room floors... dealerships will do awful things to vehicles.
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:iagree:


I was shocked while watching one of the Mechum Auto Auctions on Velocity a few weeks ago. There was a sports car built by a low volume manufacturer roll across the stage and the swirls were so bad I could see them on the TV! Car sold for $200K+.

I used to think the more expensive/high-end the car, the better the car from the dealerships. No such luck. It amazes me some of the Aston's and Bently's I've seen in the "Show and Shine" forum here with pro's like you fixing what the dealer did at delivery.
 
Desertnate said:
I was shocked while watching one of the Mechum Auto Auctions on Velocity a few weeks ago. There was a sports car built by a low volume manufacturer roll across the stage and the swirls were so bad I could see them on the TV! Car sold for $200K+.
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I've worked on the auction block at Barrett-Jackson a number to times. What I did was take pictures of the swirls in the cars both while they were on the block and as they exited the auditorium to show how swirled out the paint is in most cases. I did this back in 2005 or 2006 and a few times after that both in Arizona and West Palm Beach.

I would say though that it does look like information and education about the proper use of tools, pads and selecting the right products is making progress because I do think the cars you see on TV are looking a LOT better than in years gone past.

Education is the key and I'd like to think forums like this one have played a part.


:)
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Education is the key and I'd like to think forums like this one have played a part.


:)
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This forum has helped me immensely! Between your write up and everyone's contributions I have learned a bunch in a very short while. It also helps that everyone here is very nice and eager to help others. Too many forums are filled with people who play the role of internet bully and police.

Back to this topic though, I almost traded my WRX in on a Wicked White 2008 Evolution MR that had a sticker price of $44k, swirled paint and lots of bonded surface junk you could see. I mentioned to them about having it detailed for delivery and the response I got was "we'll just run it through the car wash." Later I found out that meant bring it to the local Sunoco drive through wash. I never did buy that car and still have my WRX which I bought new in October 2001 and it still looks new!
 
BrianDavis said:
Thanks for the replies everyone, and that's a good read Mike. I appreciate it! I currently have the Meguiars DA Power System, and like it, but looks like I need something larger that can more easily do the whole car.

Ultimately I was curious as to how much a hobbyist really needs a polisher, but looks like I'll now try to convince my wife to let me invest in a 7424 xp :)
Click to expand...

You'll love having it....and you get way better results than trying to do anything beyond waxing by hand. This is from another pure hobbyist that only takes care of his own three vehicles.
 
Love this forum!

I've been doing some more research, and have another question: Is there any reason the 7424XP would be preferred over the 6" GG Random Orbital? The GG is a little more expensive, but from what I read the extra power makes correction a little easier and quicker. Only problem is that there doesn't seem to be a package option to choose your pads like there is with the 7424XP.
 
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