Paint Correction (Machine Polishing)

It usually starts with washing and decontamination, then cutting compound, then finer polish. It removes defects by levelling the surface, not by filling them. Deep scratches that go through the clear coat cannot be polished out. Professional detailers often use rotary or dual-action machines and inspect the surface with special lighting. A coating or sealant is usually applied afterwards to protect the result. Results depend on paint type; some paints are soft and scratch easily, others are hard and take longer to polish.

Abrasives in the compound remove a thin layer of clear coat until the surface is smooth again.

Too much polishing can burn through the clear coat, especially on edges. Measuring paint thickness before work reduces the risk.