How much does paint correction cost?
A one-step paint correction at our Oakdale shop runs $250 to $400, depending on the size of the vehicle and how far gone the paint is. Paint that needs more than one pass is quoted after we see it. Here is what the work involves, what drives the price, and when it is worth paying for.
What paint correction is
Paint correction is machine polishing that levels the clear coat to take out the defects sitting in it: swirl marks, light scratches, water spots, oxidation and haze. Most swirls come from automatic car washes and poor washing technique, and in the Valley, hard water and sun do the rest. Correction removes the damage rather than hiding it, which is what separates it from a wax or a glaze that fills swirls in for a few weeks.
Paint correction prices
| Service | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| One-step paint correction | $250 to $400 | 8 to 16 hours |
| Paint enhancement, with a detail | $250 | part of the detail |
| Swirl removal, with a detail | $400 | part of the detail |
| Multi-step correction | Quoted on sight | depends on the paint |
Every ceramic coating package we install includes paint correction first, because a coating seals in whatever is under it. If you are planning a coating, you do not pay for correction twice: see how much ceramic coating costs.
What drives the price
- The size of the vehicle. A truck or a full-size SUV has more paint to work than a coupe.
- How damaged the paint is. Light swirls come out in one pass. Heavy swirling, deep water spotting or oxidation takes more.
- Soft or hard paint. Some factory paints cut quickly and some take much longer to finish down to a clean gloss.
- What happens after. Correction without protection starts collecting swirls again at the next bad wash. A coating or a maintenance plan keeps the result.
What paint correction cannot fix
Polishing removes a thin layer of clear coat, so it takes out anything that sits within it. A scratch deep enough to catch a fingernail may go through the clear coat, and at that point it needs paint rather than polish. Rock chips are the same: they can be tidied, not polished away. We will tell you which marks will come out before we start.
When it is worth it
- Before a ceramic coating or paint protection film, where it is part of the job anyway.
- Before selling a car, when swirled paint is the first thing a buyer notices.
- After years of automatic washes, when the paint looks dull even straight after a wash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does paint correction cost?
At our shop a one-step correction runs $250 to $400, depending on the vehicle and the paint. Heavier damage is quoted once we have seen it. Text the year, make and model with a photo to (209) 318-3605 for an exact price.
How long does paint correction take?
A one-step correction takes 8 to 16 hours of work, so plan on leaving the car with us.
Is paint correction permanent?
The defects it removes are gone for good. New swirls come back with bad washing, which is why most customers protect the result with a ceramic coating.
Does ceramic coating include paint correction?
At our shop, yes. Every ceramic coating package starts with decontamination and paint correction. See our ceramic coating packages.
What is the difference between paint correction and paint enhancement?
Paint enhancement is a lighter polish for light scratches, added to a detail for $250. Paint correction goes further and takes out swirls across the whole car.
Where can I get paint correction near Modesto?
At our shop, 604 Hedburg Way, Oakdale, CA 95361, about 15 minutes from Modesto. See paint correction in Oakdale.