Paint Correction

Raleigh's Paint Correction Experts

Raleigh's Certified Paint Correction Pros

Over time, your vehicle’s paint can become marred by swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and other below-surface defects that dull its shine.

Restore the brilliance of your vehicle’s finish with Supreme Finish Auto Detailing’s expert Paint Correction services in Raleigh, NC. 

Pick-up and Delivery Service

With our new pick-up and delivery option, restoring your car’s paint has never been easier! We’ll pick up your vehicle, perform expert paint correction, and return it looking flawless, so you can enjoy stunning results without any inconvenience.

Rental cars available at special rates for Supreme Finish customers in Raleigh

Special Rental Car Rates

At Supreme Finish, we offer hassle-free rental cars through Turo to keep you moving while we work on your vehicle. Whether it’s detailing, ceramic coating, or window tinting, our reliable rentals ensure you can get around Raleigh without interruption.

Sub-Surface Defects

Paint defects embedded in or below the clear-coat

  • Below Surface Paint Defects are found deeper within the paint layers or even beneath them.
  • The most effective method for removal of sub-surface defects is machine paint polishing, also called paint correction or buffing.
  • Machine correction is the most reliable and efficient way to permanently remove defects.

Topical Defects

Paint defects above or on the auto body

  • If left on the surface, topical defects can cause damage and turn into sub-surface paint defects.
  • For stubborn contaminants, specialty chemicals can be applied to help break them down
  • Topical paint defects and contamination are usually light and can be removed with simple cleaning and decontamination techniques.

Common Sub-Surface Defects

Clear coat Failure

Clear coat failure is a serious below-surface paint defect that occurs when the clear protective layer of paint is compromised due to oxidation, prolonged UV exposure, or harsh chemical agents.

As the clear coat deteriorates, it delaminates from the vehicle’s surface, leaving the underlying color layer vulnerable to immediate damage from the elements.

Swirl Marks

Swirl marks, also known as spider web swirls, are fine scratches visible on the surface of many vehicles. These below-surface defects hide the paint’s true color, gloss, and reflectivity.

When layers of swirl marks accumulate, they scatter light in random directions, making it difficult to appreciate the actual condition and appearance of the paint.

Swirl Marks on a Car Door

Marring

Marring is a type of below-surface paint defect caused by the abrasion of paint. Unlike traditional scratches, marring doesn’t have a sharp or hard edge, but it is still the result of friction.

Although less severe than a scratch, marring can still dull the paint’s finish and affect its overall appearance. Proper care during washing and handling can help prevent marring.

Bird Drop Etchings​

Bird droppings contain acids and proteins that can be highly damaging to paint. Bird drop etchings are small, crater-like blemishes on the clear coat of a vehicle’s surface. 

The severity of these etchings depends on how long the droppings remain on the surface and the strength of the bird dropping’s chemical makeup.

Bird dropping damage on car door

Paint Oxidation & Fading​

Paint oxidation and color fading are below-surface defects that occur at the clear coat or base coat level. These issues are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays and environmental elements.

Over time, this combination causes the paint to lose its shine and appear dull. In severe cases, the paint may take on a whitish or chalky appearance.

Water Spots

Heavy or severe water spots occur on a vehicle’s surface, particularly on the paint. These spots penetrate beyond the surface, causing etching and below-surface damage.

The level of damage depends on various factors, such as the type and concentration of minerals or chemicals in the water, as well as the type of paint or surface the water comes into contact with.

Random Isolated Deep Scratches

RIDS, or Random Isolated Deep Scratches, are below-surface paint defects that often go unnoticed during initial inspections due to lighter surface scratches and swirl marks covering them up. 

These deeper scratches can be concealed by more superficial imperfections, making them difficult to detect at first glance.

Isolated Scratch on Sedan Door

Common Topical Defects

Bird droppings

Bird droppings,  are initially topical paint defects, sitting on the surface of your vehicle. However, if not promptly removed, they can become more severe below-surface defects known as bird etchings.

 The high acidity and protein content in bird droppings can quickly break down the paint’s protective layer, leading to permanent damage. 

Splattered Bugs

Insect remains contain acidic proteins that are highly harmful to automotive finishes. The larger the insect, the more damaging protein it may carry.

To protect your vehicle’s paint, it’s essential to remove bug splatters as soon as possible before they cause permanent damage.

Paint Overspray

Paint overspray is a topical paint defect caused by tiny particles of paint drifting through the air and settling on a vehicle’s surface during spray painting. These particles can travel significant distances, even with precautions in place.

The method for removing paint overspray depends on the type of paint and how long it has been on the surface. 

Paint Scuffs

Paint scuffs are caused when an object rubs against your vehicle’s surface, leaving behind visible marks without necessarily transferring material.

For instance, scraping your car against a curb, or brushing up against a concrete wall while parking, can result in noticeable scuff marks.

Light Water Spots

Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals, which can combine with dirt and other contaminants on a dirty vehicle, trapping them in water droplets.

As the water evaporates, it leaves behind these mineral deposits, creating light water spots.

Road Tar

Liquefied road tar, is a mix of hydrocarbons and rubber particles from road surfaces. Most commonly accumulating on lower rocker panels or behind wheels, road tar can be thrown onto any part of the vehicle by other cars.

During warmer months in Raleigh, tar becomes molten and easily sticks to vehicle surfaces. While road tar isn’t typically harmful to paint, if left untreated, it can cause damage over time.

Road Tar on the lower rockers

Tree Sap

Tree sap is a topical paint defect that occurs when sap droplets or particles land on a vehicle’s surface and harden over time. Once exposed to the sun, sap can solidify into a resin-like substance, becoming difficult to remove.

If left for too long, hardened sap can cause serious damage, including etching or even permanent discoloration of the paint.

Tree Sap on Car Hood

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