AUTO PAINT CORRECTION (aka Buffing or Polishing)

Permanently remove superficial paint imperfections without harming the OEM finish.

What is Paint Correction?

Paint Paint correction (also called polishing or buffing) is a professional process used to remove or reduce surface defects on your vehicle’s paint — swirl marks, light scratches, oxidation, etching, holograms, etc. Over time, your car’s finish picks up fine scratches and hazing from washing, weather, contaminants, and everyday wear. Paint correction restores clarity, depth, and gloss to your paint, bringing it back toward that “fresh-from-the-factory” 

Using professional-grade compounds and sanding polishing techniques, our experts revive your car’s finish, leaving it smooth, glossy, and like-new. Paint correction isn’t just cosmetic; it’s about preserving the integrity of your vehicle’s exterior and showcasing it in its best light.

P.C.A.D. Center offers expert paint correction services designed to restore your vehicle’s appearance to its original condition. Our comprehensive approach includes swirl and scratch removal, haze elimination, vehicle paint restoration, and car waxing.


As a trusted name in San Diego auto detailing, P.C.A.D. Center is dedicated to delivering quality, care, and expert craftsmanship.


A diagram showing different types of scratches on a surface

Why Choose Paint Correction?

Bring back color depth & shine — make your paint look vibrant and rich again

Erase swirls, micro-scratches & haze — makes the surface smoother and more uniform

Better protection & easier maintenance — polished surfaces hold waxes, sealants, or ceramic coatings more effectively

Improve resale appeal — a clean, defect-free exterior adds perceived value

Overall pride in your ride — enjoy looking at and driving a car that looks its best


Our Paint Correction Levels

We break paint correction into stages. Each additional pass is more aggressive, more time-consuming, and better suited to deeper defects — but with greater risk if done incorrectly. We’ll recommend the appropriate level based on your paint condition, goals, and budget.

Enhancer 1-Stage Paint Correction

Best for: Newer paint finishes with modest light swirl marks, wash marring, mild haze defects


  • Involves a single polishing pass using a moderate abrasive compound and a machine polishing pad
  • Removes superficial defects while maintaining safe clear coat thickness
  • Offers a noticeable gloss boost and smoother feel

Vehicle Size | Prices

  • Coupe & Sedan | $495
  • Midsize SUV & Truck | add $100
  • SUV 3rd Row & Vans | add $200
  • Premium Hand Car Wash (Scratch-Free Process)
  • Mechanical Clay Bar Paint Decontamination Treatment
  • Deep Wheel & Rim Cleaning and Brake Dust Removal
  • Touch-Free Compressed Air Dry for a Spot-Free Finish  
  • Tire, Wheel Well & Trim Dressing for a Satin Finish
  • Detailed Door Jamb & Seal Cleaning
  • Streak Free Interior & Exterior Glass Cleaning
  • Exterior Trim & Plastic UV Protectant Application
  • Graphene Ceramic Spray 12 - 18 Month Coating

Revive 2-Stage Paint Correction

Best for:  Moderate swirl marks, light scratches, uneven finish


  • Stage 1: more aggressive compound + pad to remove deeper defects
  • Stage 2: refined polish to clean up haze, restore clarity, and refine gloss
  • Balances defect removal with final finish quality
  • Common choice for many cars that need more than just light polishing

Vehicle Size | Prices

  • Coupe & Sedan | $695
  • Midsize SUV & Truck | add $100
  • SUV 3rd Row & Vans | add $200
  • Premium Hand Car Wash (Scratch-Free Process)
  • Mechanical Clay Bar Paint Decontamination Treatment
  • Deep Wheel & Rim Cleaning and Brake Dust Removal
  • Touch-Free Compressed Air Dry for a Spot-Free Finish  
  • Tire, Wheel Well & Trim Dressing for a Satin Finish
  • Detailed Door Jamb & Seal Cleaning
  • Streak Free Interior & Exterior Glass Cleaning
  • Exterior Trim & Plastic UV Protectant Application
  • Graphene Ceramic Spray 12 - 18 Month Coating

Showroom 3-Stage Paint Correction / Color Sanding (Wet Sanding)

Best for:  Heavily damaged paint, deep swirl damage, etched surfaces, or “near-mint” show car goals


  • Stage 1: wet sanding (color sanding) to level micro high spots (using very fine abrasives)
  • Stage 2: heavier polishing to remove sanding marks
  • Stage 3: refining polish to restore gloss and clarity
  • Requires precise skill and experience — improper sanding or compounding can cause damage
  • Produces the highest clarity and most dramatic transformation
Note on Color Sanding / Wet Sanding: This technique carefully uses ultra-fine abrasives (often 2,000–3,000 grit or finer) to flatten the microscopic surface before polishing. It’s typically reserved for high-end or show-quality jobs where the owner wants the ultimate finish.

Vehicle Size | Prices

  • Coupe & Sedan | $895
  • Midsize SUV & Truck | add $100
  • SUV 3rd Row & Vans | add $200
  • Premium Hand Car Wash (Scratch-Free Process)
  • Mechanical Clay Bar Paint Decontamination Treatment
  • Deep Wheel & Rim Cleaning and Brake Dust Removal
  • Touch-Free Compressed Air Dry for a Spot-Free Finish  
  • Tire, Wheel Well & Trim Dressing for a Satin Finish
  • Detailed Door Jamb & Seal Cleaning
  • Streak Free Interior & Exterior Glass Cleaning
  • Exterior Trim & Plastic UV Protectant Application
  • Graphene Ceramic Spray 12 - 18 Month Coating