What is Paint Correction(Clear Coat Explained)
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Most people may assume that paint correction is just some product or wax that makes the paint shinier. However, that's far from the truth. To understand paint correction you must first understand clear coat. Today, we'll go over what clear coat is, why it's there, and what it has to do with paint correction.
What is Clear Coat?
Almost all modern vehicles receive a three layer paint process. Primer, base coat, and clear coat. Now, I'm no painter, but I'm pretty sure primer is used to help the base coat adhere better to the surface. The base coat, obviously, is the color, and clear coat is what gives it "gloss" and protects the paint from UV and extreme chemicals. It's very similar to a ceramic coating in the way that it's kind of like a sacrificial layer so the base coat below doesn't get damaged.
What Clear Coat Protects Against
- UV
- Light Contamination
- Mild Chemicals
- Proper Washing
What Clear Coat Does NOT Protect Against
- Improper Wash Techniques
- Automatic Car Washes
- Abrasive Drying
- Bird Droppings and Bug Etchings
- Hard Water Spotting
- Road Salt and Coastal Exposure
How Clear Coat Gets Damaged
Clear Coat can actually be quite fragile. Improper wash techniques like using dirty towels/tools, using one bucket without a grit guard, or excessive scrubbing can all cause damage to the clear coat.
Think of a super flat and smooth surface. Now imagine you take a rock and drag it across. This is happening all the time at a super micro level. Every tiny little scratch is causing the surface to become more jagged. Most of these scratches we can't even really see unless under shop lighting or direct sunlight. So why is it so important?
Gloss - What's Happening With The Clear Coat
If we could make a perfectly smooth surface, and I mean perfect(we can't), we would have the most gloss possible. This is because "gloss" is just how well light reflects off the surface. The smoother it is, the better the reflection.
Now think of one scratch through that smooth surface. There is now two edges on that surface that don't match the rest. I would look something like this ˇ , correct? Now think of a beam of light coming directly down. As it hits one of those edges it will be reflected the opposite way. Do this millions of time and you'll be looking a "dull" paint.
The Fix
Let's continue with the visual above. If we were able to "sand" down or remove the surface level to the bottom of the valley of that scratch, it would be like new again. THAT is paint correction. Using different pads, compounds, and polish to produce different levels of "cut" into the clear coat. This is why knowing "paint depth" can be crucial when performing a multi-step correction.
How To Prevent Clear Coat Damage
Professional detailing will likely be your safest solution however a proper technique done at home is far cheaper and most find it quite enjoyable. Using a two-bucket method and a PH neutral car shampoo will be the safest and most simple way to wash your vehicle yourself. A big bonus of professional detailing is the level of expertise and array of products and techniques for different situations. For example, if something like a bird dropping is left on the paint too long it will begin to etch into the clear coat, causing permanent damage. Sometimes, it's too far embedded for a simple wash to get it out, but not far enough to cause permanent damage. (Very common for vehicles that get detailed monthly). A professional may have the products on hand to remove it chemically and not even touch it or, if needed, a clay bar to mechanically remove the contamination. We often work with many enthusiasts who enjoy washing and detailing their own vehicles but call us for the more technical work. Giving your vehicle the best level of care as long as it's within budget should always be the goal to prevent permanent damage.
Protection (Waxes, Sealants, and Coatings)
All of these options can do a wonderful job helping you maintain your clear coat just a different costs, monetary as well as physically. Each one of these products, at their base, does one thing the same - act as a clear coat, for the clear coat. They're all sacrificial layers that will wear out overtime instead of allowing the clear coat to wear out.
Wax will be the least durable with less added benefits than the rest. A true wax takes quite a bit of time to apply and will last for about 2 weeks. It doesn't give you the hydrophobic effects, self cleaning, or chemical resistant properties the sealants or coatings have. However, one big plus is that most contain carnauba. Carnauba wax will fill in some of these micro swirls and scratches for those 2 weeks. Giving you incredible gloss. Wax can be great for show cars that are garage kept and just need that temporary boost in shine.
Sealants are similar to ceramic coatings because they usually contain similar ingredients. The difference? Sealants don't chemically bond to the paint. Making them easier to apply, but less durable. They also aren't as chemically resistant as real coatings. However, they are by far the easiest to apply and add gloss, protections, and hydrophobic properties for anywhere between 1-12 months.
Coatings chemically bond to the paint. To ensure they bond correctly they require an extensive prepping process which makes them the most difficult to apply. However, as most of you may know, they can last anywhere from 2-8 years. Anyone who is planning on, or enjoys washing their own vehicle will LOVE getting a ceramic coating on their vehicle. It makes dirt, grime, and contamination extremely easy to remove. Its hydrophobic properties allow it (I use this phrase lightly) to self-clean as well as make it extremely easy to dry using compressed air or a leaf blower.
Final Thoughts
Clear Coat is the most important and most valuable layer of your vehicle's paint. Once it's gone, it's gone. The goal should always be to keep it in the best condition possible. Paint correction is a great way to "reset" the paint by removing defects and bringing back gloss and clarity, but it isn't something that can be done forever. Proper wash and maintenance techniques are key to maintain the life of the clear coat.