Paint Correction
Paint correction is the process of removing swirl marks, oxidation, water spots, and fine scratches from the surface of your vehicle's paint using machine polishing. The result is dramatically improved gloss, clarity, and depth — and it's the essential first step before any ceramic coating is applied. Killa Coatings offers four correction tiers to match every paint condition and budget.
Correction Tiers
Final pricing depends on vehicle size and paint condition. Free inspection and consultation always included.
Paint Enhancement
Starting at $349–$499
Designed to boost gloss and remove very light surface defects. Machine polishing removes minor swirl marks and hazing, leaving paint looking refreshed and protected with a paint sealant. Ideal for newer or well-maintained vehicles wanting a glossy baseline.
1-Step Paint Correction
Starting at $499–$699
A single-stage machine polish that substantially reduces swirl marks, oxidation, and light scratches while dramatically improving gloss and clarity. Includes decontamination and a paint sealant. A strong upgrade for vehicles showing moderate paint fatigue.
2-Step Paint Correction
Starting at $799–$1,099
A compound-and-polish two-stage process for vehicles requiring significantly more defect removal and paint refinement. Tackles deeper swirls, heavier oxidation, and more visible scratches that a single-stage polish cannot fully address.
3-Step / Severe Paint Correction
Starting at $1,199–$1,499
For heavily scratched, oxidized, or long-neglected finishes requiring extensive correction across multiple polishing stages. Final pricing is confirmed after a free paint inspection because condition and vehicle size drive the labor significantly.
Our Process
Every paint correction at Killa Coatings follows the same disciplined sequence — no shortcuts, no guessing. Here's what happens from inspection to final finish.
Step 1 — Free Paint Inspection
We assess your vehicle's paint condition under lighting to identify the type and depth of defects present. This inspection is always free and determines which correction tier is right for your paint — no obligation, no guesswork.
Step 2 — Decontamination
Before any machine polishing begins, the paint is thoroughly washed, iron-decontaminated, and clay-bar treated to remove bonded surface contamination that would otherwise compromise the polish results.
Step 3 — Machine Polishing
Using professional-grade dual-action and rotary polishers, we work through the prescribed number of stages — one, two, or three — progressively refining the paint surface, removing defects, and building gloss and clarity back into the clear coat.
Step 4 — Paint Sealant / Protection
Once polishing is complete, a paint sealant is applied to protect the freshly corrected surface. For clients moving to a ceramic coating, this step is replaced by the ceramic prep and coating installation.
Final correction pricing depends on vehicle size and paint condition. Large trucks, three-row SUVs, oversized vehicles, and severely damaged paint may require additional labor. Inspection and consultation are always free.
Correction + Ceramic
Paint correction and ceramic coating are a natural pair. Correction restores the paint to its best possible condition — then a ceramic coating locks that result in and defends it against the elements for years. Applying a coating over uncorrected paint seals the defects in permanently. That's why every Killa Coatings ceramic package includes proper paint preparation before installation.
Whether you're protecting a daily driver or a show car, we'll recommend the right correction level and the right coating tier for your vehicle's condition and your budget — after a free inspection.
Common Questions
Deciding on paint correction can feel overwhelming. Here are the questions we hear most — answered plainly.
How do I know which correction step my vehicle needs?
The best way is a free in-person paint inspection. Under proper lighting we can identify the type and depth of defects and recommend the appropriate tier. Generally: very light swirls and hazing → Paint Enhancement; moderate swirling and light scratches → 1-Step; heavier defects and oxidation → 2-Step; severely neglected, heavily scratched, or oxidized paint → 3-Step. When in doubt, start with the inspection — it costs nothing.Will paint correction remove all scratches?
Paint correction removes or significantly reduces defects that live within the clear coat layer. If a scratch is deep enough to cut through the clear coat into the base coat or primer, it cannot be polished out — it would require paint touch-up or respraying. Our inspection will identify which scratches are correctable and set honest expectations before any work begins.How long does paint correction take?
A Paint Enhancement typically takes 4–6 hours. A 1-Step correction is usually a full-day service. A 2-Step or 3-Step correction on larger or severely neglected vehicles can run one to two days. Exact timing depends on vehicle size and paint condition, which we confirm at inspection.Is the free paint inspection really free — no obligation?
Completely free, no obligation. We inspect the paint, walk you through what we find, and recommend options. You decide whether to proceed, at whatever pace works for you.
Book Your Free Inspection
Bring your vehicle in or reach out today — we'll assess your paint at no charge and tell you exactly what it needs. No pressure, no guesswork.