Cleveland’s Premium Paint Correction Specialists
Let us Bring The Shine Out of Your Paint!
Eliminate Swirl Marks and Unlock Maximum Gloss & Clarity in Your Paint Finish
Paint Correction
The purpose of paint correction is to safely remove swirl marks, light scratches, and imperfections so your vehicle achieves maximum shine. Based on your goals, we can typically correct between 60% to 90% of defects, restoring depth, gloss, and clarity to your paintwork.
This process often involves a more advanced 2-step correction, which combines intensive cutting and polishing to bring out the best possible finish. However, not every defect can be removed—some scratches may be too deep, certain imperfections may require caution, or the clear coat may simply be too thin to polish further.
As professionals, we make the right judgment calls to ensure the integrity and long-term health of your paint. The focus isn’t just on removing flaws—it’s also about knowing when to stop to protect your vehicle’s finish.
Whether it takes 5 hours or 20 hours, the time we invest depends entirely on the level of correction and results you’d like to achieve.
New Cars May Need Paint Correction Too!
It might surprise you, but even vehicles that are just a few months old—fresh off the lot—often require a 2-step correction service. While you may have only owned your car for a short time, it has already spent months being transported, washed, stored, and handled by many people in many different locations. During that process, imperfections build up, and it’s common for new vehicles—regardless of make or model—to leave the dealership with noticeable swirls and defects.
Choosing paint correction is more than a quick fix—it’s a commitment to your vehicle’s long-term appearance. After the correction is complete, proper washing and drying methods are essential to prevent those same scratches and swirls from returning within just a few washes.
This is one of the most labor-intensive detailing services available. Depending on your paint’s condition and the finish you’d like to achieve, a full correction can take anywhere from 5 to 20 hours of precise, careful work.
Zayas Paint Correction Process:
Clean Wheels, Tires, and Gas Cap- Wheels and tires are cleaned using specialized wheel cleaner and brushes to remove brake dust, dirt, and grime.
Remove Tar, Bugs, and Bird Poo- Bird poo and bugs are acidic, and they can damage the car’s clear coat if it remains on it long enough. Road tar can get very difficult to remove, especially on the lower part of door panels. We make sure to remove these stubborn etchings on the paint.
Hand Wash the Vehicle- We use high quality mitts, products, and methods to avoid swirls and scratching.
Iron Decon- To ensure a clean surface, we remove iron particles from your paint via a chemical decontamination.
Clay Barring- This is a process in which we remove tiny stubborn iron particles in the paint that the hand wash alone just simply does not remove. We use safe chemicals on the paint that dissolve these iron particles. We then use a clay bar to remove by hand what the dissolvent may have failed to remove.
Dry The Vehicle- We use high quality soft microfiber towels along with an air blower to dry the paint, wheels, and crevices.
1 Step Compound Phase- In this step we focus on safely eliminating most swirls and scratches using a professional machine polisher, cutting pad, and compound.
2 Step Polishing Phase- This will increase shine and clarity by polishing the micro-scratches that are leftover from the compound phase.
Apply Wax- We hand apply a layer of wax, sealant, or coating to every part of the vehicle’s paint.
Clean The Exterior Glass and Windows- We use soft microfiber towels along with a high quality product to ensure that the glass is clean and streak free.
Door Jams- The door jams are neglected the most, so we ensure to give them the proper care they deserve.
Dress The Tires- The finishing touch for your vehicle.
**Pricing will vary on size and condition of your vehicle as well as your desired results**
Simple Pricing
1-Step Paint Correction Pricing
(60%-70% Defect reduction)
About 1-Step Paint Correction: If you're looking for a simple and effective solution to get rid of light to medium defects on your car's surface while also improving its gloss, then the 1-Step process is undoubtedly the way to go. This single-step process is designed to eliminate the majority of minor to moderate blemishes, such as swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation, without the need for any additional steps or products. Moreover, the 1-Step process will leave your vehicle looking shinier and more polished than ever before, making it an ideal option for those who want high gloss and a majority of defect removal. This is also an ideal time for a Ceramic Coating.
Car
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord
Nissan Altima
$400
Small SUV
Toyota Rav4
Honda CRV
Nissan Murano
$525
LG SUV/Truck
Toyota 4Runner
Honda Pilot
Nissan Pathfinder
$600
2-Step Paint Correction Pricing
(80%-90% Defect reduction)
About 2-Step Paint Correction: This is a process that involves two stages of paint correction to achieve a flawless finish. The first stage involves using an abrasive compound to remove heavy defects, swirls, scratches, and UV oxidation from the surface of the car. This stage is crucial in preparing the paint for the second stage of correction. The second stage of correction involves using a finer abrasive compound to remove any remaining defects and to refine the finish. This stage is important in achieving a smooth, glossy finish that is as close to new as possible. The two stages of correction work together to eliminate imperfections and restore the shine and luster to the paint.This is also an ideal time for a Ceramic Coating.
Car
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord
Nissan Altima
$650
Small SUV
Toyota Rav4
Honda CRV
Nissan Murano
$800
LG SUV/Truck
Toyota 4Runner
Honda Pilot
Nissan Pathfinder
$900
Hire a Paint Correction Expert in Cleveland
Paint correction isn’t something you want in the hands of an amateur. Done the wrong way, it can cause more problems than results.
We often repair vehicles that were damaged by improper techniques or cheap tools. One of the most common issues we see are “buffer trails” — smears left behind when a detailer takes a high-speed rotary buffer with a wool pad and goes too aggressive on the paint. Even worse, careless work can burn through the clear coat or chip paint, which usually requires costly touch-up or a full panel respray.
Our team uses professional dual-action and rotary polishers, paired with the right pads — wool, microfiber, and foam — to safely and effectively restore your paint to the highest standard.
Restoring your vehicle’s paint to a showroom finish requires more than one product or machine. At Zayas Mobile Detailing, we use professional-grade polishers, pads, and compounds to safely remove swirls, scratches, and oxidation. Here’s how the right tools deliver the best results:
Professional Polishers: The Core of Paint Correction
Polishers are the foundation of any paint correction service. We work with rotary, dual-action, and forced-rotation machines in multiple sizes—1”, 3”, and 5”. Larger throw polishers cover hoods and doors quickly, while smaller machines provide precision on bumpers, pillars, and tight curves.
Pads: Controlling the Level of Cut and Shine
Pads directly contact your clear coat, making them critical for swirl and scratch removal. Wool pads paired with rotary polishers aggressively cut heavy defects. Microfiber and foam pads allow for medium to fine polishing. We test pad and compound combinations to find the safest and most effective option for your car’s paint.
Compounds and Polishes: Refining the Finish
Compounds vary in strength. Heavy-cut compounds remove deep scratches and heavy swirls, while finishing polishes refine the surface for maximum gloss and depth. Each stage is chosen based on the vehicle’s clear coat and condition, ensuring long-lasting clarity and shine.
Professional Paint Correction: Tools and Products for Maximum Gloss
How Long Do Paint Correction Results Last?
Our paint correction services are designed to remove swirls, scratches, water spots, and other defects from your vehicle’s clear coat, restoring a deep gloss and clarity. When done properly, the results are not temporary—paint correction can last for years.
The key factor is maintenance. If you regularly take your car through an automatic car wash, the harsh brushes and trapped debris will quickly reintroduce scratches. In cases like this, the results of paint correction can be diminished in just a few washes.
On the other hand, if the vehicle is washed with proper tools, high-quality microfiber towels, and safe wash techniques, your paint can hold its corrected finish for 1–2 years or longer. In fact, many vehicles we service only need a light polish every 18–24 months to bring back maximum gloss.
The difference comes down to how the car is cared for:
Bad habits (automatic washes, low-quality mitts/towels): Gloss and clarity can fade in weeks or months.
Good habits (hand washing with quality products, proper drying methods): Results can last 2+ years with only minimal upkeep.
By combining professional paint correction with the right maintenance routine, you get long-lasting results that keep your vehicle looking like it just left the showroom.
Ceramic Coating: Long-Lasting Paint Protection
After a paint correction or polish, ceramic coating is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle’s finish. A high-quality ceramic coating creates a durable, semi-permanent layer of protection that can last several years when properly maintained.
The main benefit is its hydrophobic properties. Ceramic coatings repel dirt, water, and road grime, preventing them from sticking to your clear coat. This makes routine washes faster and safer—most of the contaminants rinse off easily, reducing the risk of scratches and swirl marks.
It’s important to note what ceramic coatings don’t do. They will not stop rock chips, deep scratches, or physical impacts. That level of protection comes from paint protection film (PPF). Ceramic coatings are designed to maintain gloss, improve ease of cleaning, and extend the results of your paint correction.
Exterior FAQ’s
What tools and products do you use?
We only use professional-grade equipment and products trusted by detailers worldwide. Our process includes dual-action polishers, specialized pads, and high-quality compounds and polishes to safely remove imperfections. Every step is tailored to your vehicle’s paint, and we finish with a premium wax, sealant, or ceramic coating for lasting protection and shine. All towels and prep materials are paint-safe, ensuring your vehicle looks its best without risk of damage.
Do you come to me?
Yes, we are a mobile-based business where we bring detailing services to you. We serve Cleveland and all surrounding areas. Check out our “Service Area” page to get more information.
What's the difference between wax and paint correction?
Wax is a temporary layer of protection that adds shine and shields your paint from the elements for a short period of time. It does not remove scratches, swirls, or defects. Paint correction, on the other hand, is a process that actually restores the paint by using machines, pads, and polishes to level out imperfections in the clear coat. The result is a permanent improvement to the clarity and gloss of your paint, not just a cover-up.