Should You Get Paint Correction Before Ceramic Coating?

If you’re thinking about getting ceramic coating for your car in Jackson, MS, you might’ve heard the term paint correction thrown around.

But what is paint correction?
Is it required before coating?
And how do you know if your car actually needs it?

At Metro Auto Detail, we perform paint correction on nearly every ceramic coating job—because without it, the coating will seal in swirl marks, haze, and defects. In this post, we’ll break down:

  • What paint correction is

  • How it works

  • When it’s worth it

  • And why it’s often the missing step between “shiny” and showroom-quality


What Is Paint Correction?

Paint correction is a machine polishing process that removes:

  • Swirl marks

  • Light scratches

  • Oxidation (faded paint)

  • Hard water stains

  • Micro-marring from bad washes

It’s done using dual-action polishers, cutting compounds, and finishing pads—tailored to your specific paint condition.

Think of it like exfoliating and resurfacing your skin before applying moisturizer. You want a clean, even base.


Why Paint Correction Matters Before Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating locks in whatever your paint looks like at the time of application.

If your paint is scratched, dull, or uneven—you’re just sealing in the flaws.

Correction first. Coating second. Always.


Real-World Example: BMW 5 Series in Jackson, MS

A recent client brought in a dark blue BMW with light swirl marks from drive-thru washes. The paint still looked “okay” in shade—but under sunlight, it was cloudy and scratched.

We did:

  • A full paint correction

  • Followed by a 5-year ceramic coating

Results: The paint looked deeper, glossier, and dramatically cleaner—even before the coating went on.


Does Every Car Need Paint Correction?

Not always.

Here’s a quick guide:

Paint Correction Guide

If you're unsure, we inspect the vehicle first and give honest recommendations based on what will bring out the best finish.

What Does Paint Correction Cost?

At Metro Auto Detail, paint correction is priced based on:

  • Vehicle size

  • Severity of damage

  • Number of polishing stages needed

Some cars need a quick enhancement polish. Others need full multi-stage correction. We’ll walk you through options before we begin.

💡 Pro Tip: You Only Need Correction Once (If It’s Done Right)

The good news? When paint correction is done professionally—and protected with ceramic—you likely won’t need it again for years. The coating acts as a barrier, reducing new scratches and swirl marks.

📞 Ready to Restore Your Paint Before You Coat?

Don’t skip steps and regret the results.

If you're in Jackson, MS and want that deep, glassy ceramic shine—start with a proper paint correction at Metro Auto Detail.

📞 Call 617-692-0427
💻 Or book your assessment at madcarcustomz.com

We’ll get your paint looking flawless before we seal it for the long haul.



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What’s the Difference Between a Car Wash and a Professional Detail?