Do I Need Paint Correction Before Paint Protection?
It’s never too late to add paint protection to your car. However, adding it after you’ve driven your car for a while does raise an issue. The finish on your car may be a bit worn down, even if you can’t see the difference yet. The tiny scratches in the clearcoat are there, just very hard to see with the naked eye. You can fix this with paint correction.
Most people taking the leap into paint protection ask, “Do I need paint correction before a ceramic coating or PPF?” The simple answer is yes; paint correction before a PPF or a ceramic coating is installed will make a big difference on quality of installation and also vehcile aesthetic.
Paint correction works by removing minor scratches and imperfections found in the vehicles clear coat. The scratches in the clearcoat that sit directly over the actual paint on your car. Your car’s clearcoat is there for paint protection and takes the brunt of the damage when rocks, dust, and debris hit your car at high speed. It also gives your car its lustrous finish.
Over time, cars start to look dull and lose their shine because the clearcoat is damaged. If the clearcoat has paint correction done, then the car can look close to new again. You don’t technically need paint correction to have PPF or ceramic coating installed, but it is a good idea. A highly qualified paint protection professional often wont install PPF or a ceramic coating if paint correction needs to happen first.
The Importance of Paint Correction
There are benefits to having paint correction done before installing a ceramic coating or PPF. The most important of which is that your car will look its best. Paint correction can make your car look close to new again, which is exactly what you want before applying anything to protect the paint job. It will also ensire that the film or coating cures correctly and will not lift in any areas where dirt and grom get in.
Paint Correction Makes Ceramic Coating Apply Smoother
If you are skipping PPF and opting for a ceramic coating, then getting paint correction is important. If the clearcoat is damaged, the gaps will be filled by the ceramic coating. A ceramic coatig is a liquid polymer applied by hand, which means it will fill any gaps or dents in the finish. This can cause problems later on as you will need more than two coats over those gaps to get a smooth ceramic coat finish.
A similar thing can be said about PPF installation in that it gives it more to hold on to. PPF can bridge gaps in the clearcoat, but those gaps will weaken its adhesion, raising the chances that it can bubble or peel.
Paint Correction Improves UV Defense
The clear coat also provides some protection from UV light, which makes most types of paint fade over time. If there are gaps in the clearcoat when you install a ceramic coating or PPF, those gaps can turn into faded spots over time. They won’t have the same level of UV protection as the rest of the vehicle and can create light spots in your paint job.
Car Paint Protection Experts
The final look of your car is based on the quality of the paint job, the paint protection, and the installer. Make sure that your car looks its best with paint protection services from Innova. Contact us at (336) 763-2626 to schedule your paint correction and paint protection install today.
Innova Car Care takes vehicle detailing to the next level with precision cleaning, ceramic coatings, and paint protection services. We understand that your vehicle is a valuable investment, and our team is dedicated to maintaining its beauty and longevity.
