Short answer: Paint correction is machine polishing that removes a thin layer of clear coat to take out swirl marks, haze and light scratches. At 502 Tinted, a one-step paint enhancement starts at $399 and a two-step correction (compound, then polish) starts at $699 for a car. Paint thickness is checked before polishing, and deep scratches that go through the clear coat can’t be polished out.
What paint correction fixes
Look at your car under a gas-station light or in direct sun. The fine circular scratches you see are swirl marks, usually from automatic car washes, dirty towels and dry wiping. They make paint look dull and gray, especially on black and dark colors.
Polishing levels the clear coat so light reflects cleanly again. The color looks deeper and the reflection gets sharp.
- Swirl marks and spider-webbing
- Haze and dullness
- Light scratches that don’t catch a fingernail
- Water spot etching
- Holograms left by bad buffing
One step or two?
| Paint enhancement | Two-step paint correction | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | from $399 | from $699 |
| What it does | One polishing pass with a finishing polish | A cutting compound pass, then a finishing polish |
| Typical result | Light swirls gone, gloss back, deeper defects improved | Most swirls and light scratches removed |
| Best for | Newer cars, light swirls, before selling | Dark colors, heavy swirls, the car you’re keeping |
| Time | Most of a day | One to two days |
| Includes | Full exterior detail and sealant | Full exterior detail and sealant |
Both start with an exterior detail and decontamination, because you can’t polish dirty paint.
How it’s done
Wash and decontaminate
The full exterior detail first: wash, iron remover, clay. Polishing grit into paint makes things worse.
Measure and inspect
Paint thickness is checked with a gauge, and the paint is inspected under strong light to map the defects.
Test spot
A small section is polished to find the least aggressive combination of pad and polish that does the job.
Polish panel by panel
Each panel is polished, wiped and checked under the light before moving on.
Protect
A sealant goes on at the end. Freshly polished paint has nothing on it, so it needs protection.
What it can’t fix
If a scratch catches your fingernail, it’s probably through the clear coat, and no amount of polishing removes it safely. The same goes for rock chips, peeling clear coat and failed paint. We’ll tell you what will and won’t come out before we start.
Polishing removes a tiny amount of clear coat every time. That’s why we measure first and use the least aggressive approach.
Questions we get a lot
How much does paint correction cost in Louisville?
At 502 Tinted, a one-step paint enhancement starts at $399 and a two-step correction at $699 for a car. Larger vehicles and very soft or damaged paint cost more.
How long does paint correction last?
The correction is permanent until new swirls are put in. Careful washing with clean mitts and towels keeps it looking good for years.
Will paint correction remove scratches?
Light scratches and swirls, yes. Scratches that catch a fingernail are usually through the clear coat and need paint work.
Is paint correction safe for my paint?
Done right, yes. We measure paint thickness first and use the least aggressive polish that does the job.
What’s the difference between paint enhancement and paint correction?
Enhancement is one polishing step that brings back gloss and takes out light swirls. Two-step correction cuts first, then polishes, for a deeper result.
Pull up and get shaded.
Most tint jobs are done the same day, and detailing is by appointment. Call, text or send a quote request, and Shane will get back to you during shop hours.