Paint Correction

Preparation or "Prep":

Before any paint correction, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the paint. Any contamination left behind may cause swirl marks during the buffing process. First, we usually use a chemical to strip the loose dirt and debris from the paint, via foam cannon. We then proceed to perform a very careful two bucket hand wash. The vehicle is then purged with compressed air, then dried with a premium microfiber towel. Next, we assess the level of contamination, and use the according grade of claybar. The claybar step in preparation removes stubborn contaminants that have adhered in the paint. The vehicle is then rewashed via touchless method, then purged and dried. We proceed to apply masking tape to any sensitive areas such as trim pieces, and emblems. The vehicle’s paint is now ready to be assessed and machined.

Protection "Last Stage Product"

After completing a 1,2, or 3 step paint correction we put a form of protection on your freshly corrected paint. These range from 30 day protection sealants, to lifetime ceramic coatings. Whatever your needs, you will always leave with some form of protection. Depending on customer needs, and budget, we proceed to apply protection to all exterior painted panels. After the protection is applied, the vehicle then is thoroughly inspected.

1 Step Paint Correction

1 Stage Paint Correction involves a single step of polishing using a polishing compound and pad to remove light swirl marks, marring, minor surface imperfections and increase the gloss of the vehicle

2 Step Paint Correction

Evaluate the extent of paint imperfections and select an appropriate cutting compound.
Use a machine polisher with a cutting pad to apply the compound and work it into the paintwork, focusing on specific areas that need more attention.
Regularly check your progress, making sure not to overheat or damage the paint by working in small sections.
Once the desired correction is achieved using the cutting compound, switch to a finer polishing compound and pad combination.
Polish the entire vehicle with this finer product to refine the finish further, eliminating any haze or marring left by the previous stage.
Inspect and evaluate the final result for quality assurance.

3 Step Paint Correction

The 3-stage paint correction is a time-tried and tested method of removing defects from a painted surfaces. The 3 stages ensures efficient and thorough defect removal, and removes the chance of hologramming (machine induced swirl marks). The 3 stages refer to 3 separate stages of paint machining. We do not factor preparation, nor the final protection into these 3 stages. This is what makes this process a true 3-Stage Paint Correction.

Stage 1: Heavy Defect Removal (Cutting/Buffing)

This is the first step of actual paint correction at Toronto Buffing. Depending on the level of defects, we will use one of two types of machines: a rotary or dual action polisher. Rotary machines are used to remove heavy defects such as deep scratches and swirl marks. A dual action polisher can be used to remove mild to moderate defects. Each respective machine is usually paired with a heavy cut foam or wool pad in this step. Usually, we use a heavy cut compound in this step, depending on paint condition.

We proceed to work a small area, and monitor improvement of paint clarity(commonly known as a test section). Once desired result is achieved, we proceed to cut the entire vehicle, working one small section at a time. During this step, it is common that the vehicle will get dusty from the “cutting action”.

Stage 2: Paint Refinement

In this step, the goal is to bring the paint as close to perfection as possible. The more thoroughly this step is performed, the easier the last step will be. This step is usually performed with a dual action polisher paired with a medium cut pad & compound or polish. We work a small section at a time to confirm proper pad and compound selection. Once desired results are achieved on the test section, we continue to refine the rest of the panels.

Stage 3: Final Polish or "Jeweling"

In this final paint correction step, we polish or “jewel” the paint. This is done in order to improve the gloss and clarity of the paint. We use a finishing foam pad with a fine polish, paired with a dual action polisher, working a panel at a time. After the final polish is complete, we then reinspect the paint, ensuring no polishing residue remains. This will result in what is known as your “Last Stage Product” , or LSP for short.