Tired of swirl marks and faded paint bringing down your car’s look? Our expert paint correction service in Charlotte restores depth, gloss, and showroom shine.
Paint correction is more than just a fancy term for polishing. It is a careful process that removes swirl marks, scratches, water spots, and other paint flaws to bring out a rich, glossy finish on your vehicle. When done right, your car, truck, or even boat can look better than it did the day you picked it up from the dealership, especially out in the sun.
This process uses machine polishers, professional compounds, and a variety of pads to gently level out surface imperfections. The main goal is to clear up defects while preserving as much of the original clear coat as possible.
Why does that matter? Polishing too aggressively can wear down the clear coat or, worse, burn right through it, leaving only a repaint as the fix. Sadly, we see plenty of vehicles in Charlotte that have been damaged by untrained hands. That is exactly why experience makes all the difference.
At FC Auto Detailing, we take time to inspect your paint and use the safest, most effective techniques to get stunning results without compromising your finish. Whether it is a daily driver, a classic weekend cruiser, or a luxury showpiece, we have the skills to make it shine like new. Many of our customers choose to follow up paint correction with a ceramic coating for long-term protection against Charlotte’s intense sun and unpredictable storms.
Paint correction isn’t something we rush just to get it done. We take our time and do it right from the start. Here’s how we tackle it:
Step 1: Getting the Exterior Ready
Before we polish anything, we begin with a full wash and prep routine. That means scrubbing your wheels and tires, hand-washing the paint, and removing grime with both a clay bar and iron remover. These steps leave the surface smooth, clean, and set up for proper correction.
Step 2: Paint Inspection and Test Passes
We check your paint under inspection lights and take clear coat readings with a paint gauge. Then we test a few small spots to find the best pad and polish combo for your paint. We always aim to use the gentlest approach that still gets amazing results.
Step 3: Correcting the Paintwork
This is where the magic happens. We pull out our polishers and get to work on those swirl marks, oxidation, water spots, and light scratches. Whether it’s a light polish or a more intense correction, we match the process to your car’s needs and what you’re after.
Step 4: Sealing in the Results
Once the correction is finished, it’s time to protect that shine. You can choose a high-end sealant (which protects for around six months) or go with a ceramic coating (which can last for years). Either way, the finish looks deep, glossy, and super slick.
Step 5: Dialing in the Details
We finish strong by cleaning up the little stuff—dressing your tires, wiping your glass, cleaning door jambs, and refreshing trim. Everything gets buttoned up so your ride looks sharp all over.
It doesn’t matter what you drive or how rough the paint is. Whether it’s your daily ride or a weekend cruiser, we’ll make sure it leaves here looking its absolute best.
Delivering the best paint correction results is our goal, but we also focus on providing top-notch customer service. That’s why we have dozens of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers. You can read more reviews here.
“We purchased a used car that smelled terribly of smoke. FC Detailing did an amazing job cleaning every inch of the car and removing all of the smell. Very impressed with attention to detail and a job well done.” – Jenny Holofchak
“I had an amazing experience with Fabian! He was incredibly thorough and detailed, taking his time and making sure every inch of my car was cleaned to perfection. It’s clear he takes great pride in his work. No shortcuts, just quality service. My car looks and feels like new again! I’m beyond impressed and definitely look forward to using his services again in the near future. Highly recommend!” – Cece Akin
“Fabian did a fantastic job detailing the inside and outside of my Jeep Cherokee. He answered all my questions before hand and was on time and professional the day of the detailing. He was very thorough and did a great job getting my car clean. He gave me some good tips and tricks on different products to use on my interior. 10/10 would recommend him for all your detailing needs.” – India Christian
“Came across FC Detailing when looking to have my car cleaned after my son got sick. The attention to detail is second to none and the end product was amazing. It’s like my 6 year old car is brand new again! I will not hesitate to use them again for all of my detailing needs!” – Josh Faigen
Not every car needs a super aggressive correction. That’s why we’ve got a few levels you can pick from depending on what you’re after:
MOST POPULAR
This one takes care of around 50% to 60% of the visible imperfections. It’s where you’ll start seeing a dramatic difference, especially if your paint has a lot of swirls. It’s a great choice for vehicles you drive often or bring out on the weekends.
This is the big one—designed to remove 70% to 90% of the defects in the paint. It’s a go-to for older cars or anything with major swirling or dullness. If you want to completely transform the way your paint looks, this is the one to go for.
Achieving a flawless finish requires the right tools for the job. No single solution works for every vehicle, which is why we carry a wide range of professional-grade polishers, pads, and compounds.
Polishers
Polishers come in different sizes (1″, 3″, 5″, and more) and styles, including rotary, dual-action, and forced rotation. Bigger throw machines are best for tackling hoods and wide panels. Smaller tools are perfect for tight spots like bumpers and mirrors. We also rely on compact polishers when restoring headlights to get into small curves.
Pads
Pads do the actual work on your paint surface when paired with a polisher. We pick from different types based on how much correction your vehicle needs. Wool pads handle the toughest swirl and scratch removal. For vehicles with hard clear coat, more aggressive pads are required to properly level out the imperfections. These are the heavy hitters when serious swirl removal is needed.
Right in the middle, microfiber cutting pads offer balanced correction that is neither too harsh nor too gentle. Then we finish with foam polishing pads, which serve as the final refinement step to maximize gloss and bring out stunning clarity.
Compounds and Polishes
The last piece of the process involves compounds and polishes. During the cutting stage, compounds are used to remove deeper defects. Then to achieve ultimate shine, we pair a fine polish with a soft pad. Before any full correction, we always do a test spot to dial in the best combo of pad, polish, and compound for your specific paint.
We always perform test spots to determine the best pad, polish, and compound combination before working on your vehicle.
In addition to paint correction, we offer a full range of detailing services to keep your vehicle looking its best:
Engine Bay Cleaning: Has it been a while since you last cleaned your engine bay? Our process removes built-up dirt, grease, and grime while dressing the plastic and rubber components to keep them in top shape.
Exterior Detailing: Give your vehicle’s exterior a refresh service with our thorough detailing service. We deep-clean the wheels and tires, hand wash the vehicle, perform a clay bar treatment, and finish with a premium sealant for long-lasting shine and protection.
Odor Removal: Stubborn odors lingering in your vehicle’s interior? Our odor removal service doesn’t just mask smells, it eliminates them at the source, leaving your car fresh, clean, and comfortable.
Interior Detail: We deep clean carpets, seats, and all interior surfaces to remove dirt, stains, and odors, leaving your cabin spotless and refreshed. It is the perfect way to keep your vehicle’s interior feeling comfortable and looking like new.
Car Detailing Packages: Choose from our customized detailing packages designed to fit different needs and budgets, whether you need a quick refresh or a full transformation. Each package combines multiple services to give your vehicle complete care inside and out.
We service Charlotte, NC and nearby areas like Matthews, Pineville, Concord, Huntersville, Gastonia, Mount Holly and more!
Can deep scratches be fixed with paint correction?
If the scratch hasn’t broken through the clear coat, we can often eliminate or significantly improve it. For anything deeper, a touch-up or repaint might be necessary. We’ll check it out when we see the vehicle.
What’s the average time to complete paint correction?
The process can take anywhere from a few hours to two full days. It depends on how much correction is needed and your car’s current paint condition. We’ll give you an accurate estimate before we begin.
Do swirl marks come back after the service?
To keep your paint looking its best, proper upkeep is essential. Using high-quality wash mitts and correct wash and drying methods will keep the gloss intact. Using bath towels or cheap soap makes it easier for swirls to return.
Want to restore your car’s paint so it pops with deep gloss and clean reflections? FC Auto Detailing makes it simple. As a fully mobile service, we come right to your home or office in Charlotte or surrounding areas.
Call us or book online today and let us give your vehicle the kind of expert care that turns heads and protects its value for years to come.
