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Q: What is paint correction?
Paint correction is a professional detailing process that removes surface imperfections such as swirl marks, oxidation, light scratches, and water spots from your car’s paint. Using advanced compounds, polishers, and specialized pads, we safely level the clear coat to restore deep gloss, clarity, and reflection.
At Tinting Motors in Farmingdale, NY, our technicians perform paint correction on all types of finishes — including Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Tesla, and other high-end vehicles — using precision methods designed for each paint system. -
Q: What causes swirl marks and scratches on car paint?
Swirl marks and light scratches are most commonly caused by improper washing, using dirty microfiber towels, automated car washes with rough brushes, or poor machine polishing techniques. Over time, these small imperfections dull the paint and reduce gloss.
Our paint correction service safely removes these defects, restoring a smooth and reflective surface. -
Q: What are holograms or buffer trails in detailing?
Holograms, also known as buffer trails, are wavy or ghost-like patterns that appear on your paint under sunlight or strong lighting. They’re caused by improper use of rotary polishers or aggressive compounds during detailing.
At Tinting Motors, our experts use dual-action polishers and advanced finishing techniques to remove holograms completely and ensure a flawless, distortion-free finish. -
Q: Is paint correction safe for my car’s clear coat?
Yes — when done correctly. Paint correction at Tinting Motors is performed by experienced professionals using paint depth gauges to monitor the clear coat’s thickness. Every stage is controlled to ensure your paint remains healthy and protected, avoiding the risks of burning or thinning the clear coat often caused by inexperienced detailers.
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Q: How long does paint correction take?
The time depends on the vehicle’s size, paint condition, and the level of correction required.
Single-stage correction typically takes 4–6 hours
Two-stage correction can take 8–12 hours
Multi-stage correction for heavily marred paint may take 1–2 days
At Tinting Motors, we’ll inspect your paint and provide a precise time estimate before beginning the process. -
Q: What’s the difference between paint correction and polishing?
Polishing is a general term for improving the surface gloss of paint, while paint correction is a multi-step, professional-grade process that actually removes imperfections from the clear coat — not just covers them up.
Paint correction permanently restores clarity and reflection, while basic polishing provides only temporary shine. -
Q: Can new cars benefit from paint correction?
Absolutely. Even brand-new cars often arrive from the factory or dealership with minor paint defects such as light swirls, buffer trails, or transport marring. Our new car paint correction removes these imperfections before applying ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF) for long-term protection and gloss.
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Q: How much does paint correction cost?
The cost of paint correction depends on the vehicle’s size, paint condition, and the number of stages required. At Tinting Motors, we offer several options — from light enhancement polishing to multi-stage full correction for show-quality results.
Contact us for a free paint evaluation and quote at our Farmingdale facility. -
Q: How can I maintain my paint after correction?
To maintain your corrected paint:
Wash your car using the two-bucket method
Use pH-neutral car shampoo and clean microfiber towels
Avoid automatic car washes
Apply ceramic coating or PPF for extra protection
We offer both ceramic coating and paint protection film services to lock in your vehicle’s shine for years. -
Q: Does paint correction increase my car’s value?
Yes. Professionally corrected paint enhances the car’s visual appeal and overall condition, which can increase resale value. A glossy, swirl-free finish gives potential buyers confidence that your vehicle was properly maintained and cared for.
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Q: Do you offer paint correction for matte or satin finishes?
Yes — but it’s treated differently. Matte and satin paints cannot be polished the same way as gloss finishes. Instead, our experts use specialized non-abrasive treatments to safely clean and restore these surfaces without altering their texture or sheen.
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Q: Can paint correction remove deep scratches?
Paint correction can remove most light to moderate surface scratches that don’t penetrate the clear coat. However, if a scratch can be felt with your fingernail, it may be too deep for full correction. In those cases, we can minimize the visibility and recommend additional touch-up or refinishing options.
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Q: Should I apply ceramic coating or PPF after paint correction?
Yes — we strongly recommend it. Once your paint is corrected, sealing it with a ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF) helps preserve the finish, prevents future swirl marks, and makes maintenance effortless.
Tinting Motors offers both services, and we can bundle them with your paint correction for complete protection and lasting shine.
