34Years in SalemFamily-owned since 1992
Paint Correction in Salem, Oregon
Machine polishing that takes swirl marks, haze, oxidation and light scratches out of the clear coat. We look at the paint with you and give you an estimate before we start.
$135/hr
What Paint Correction Fixes
Paint correction is the step past a wash and wax. Instead of filling defects in, machine polishing levels the clear coat so the defects are gone. It works on cars, trucks and SUVs at both of our Salem shops, and it pairs with any auto detailing package.
Swirl marks show up best in direct sun or under a bright light, as fine circles around the reflection. Black and dark colors show them the most.
Paint Restoration and Protection in Salem, OR
We recommend the right treatment based on the vehicle’s condition, materials, age, and how it is used.
- Paint correction
- We use machine polishing and carefully selected compounds or polishes to reduce swirl marks, oxidation, haze, and light scratches. The amount of correction depends on the condition of the paint and the finish you want.
- Ceramic coatings
- Ceramic coatings bond to properly prepared paint to create a durable, hydrophobic layer. They improve gloss, make washing easier, and help protect against environmental contamination. They do not make paint scratch-proof and still require proper care.
- Paint sealants
- Paint sealants add a synthetic layer of protection against water, road grime, UV exposure, and environmental contaminants. They typically last longer than traditional waxes and can be applied after polishing.
- Scratch and swirl removal
- Light scratches and swirl marks within the clear coat can often be reduced through polishing. Deeper scratches that reach the color coat, primer, or metal may need touch-up work or body-shop repair.
- Overspray removal
- We use chemical treatment, clay media, or controlled mechanical decontamination to remove paint overspray and industrial fallout. Polishing may be needed afterward to restore smoothness and gloss.
- Sap and tar removal
- We safely remove tree sap, road tar, and adhesive residue with appropriate solvents and careful agitation. Additional polishing may be needed if the residue has left marks behind.
- Clay bar treatments
- Clay treatment removes bonded contaminants that washing cannot remove, leaving the paint smooth to the touch. It is often done before polishing, waxing, sealing, or coating.
- Paint decontamination
- We remove embedded iron particles, brake dust, industrial fallout, mineral deposits, and other bonded contaminants to prepare the paint for polishing and protection.
How Paint Correction Works at Our Salem Shops
Look at the Paint With You
We check the paint under good light, show you what we see, and give you an estimate before any work starts.
Wash and Decontaminate
A hand wash, then road tar and bonded grime removed so the polisher works on clean paint.
Machine Polish
One or more polishing passes, depending on what the paint needs, to level out swirls, haze and light scratches.
Protect It
Finish with wax, paint sealant or a ceramic coating so the corrected paint stays that way longer.
Paint Correction Cost
- Paint correction and restoration
- $135/hr
- Hard water spot removal
- Starting at $85
- Paint sealant
- Starting at $195
- Ceramic coating
- Starting at $950
It is billed by the hour because no two cars need the same amount of polishing. You get an estimate after we look at the paint. Every ceramic coating package includes one stage of paint correction.
Headlight Restoration
- Buff and polish
- Starting at $50 per headlight
- Buff, polish and re-clear coat
- Starting at $75 per headlight
We clean and polish cloudy or yellowed plastic lenses and finish them with UV protection. This improves their appearance and may help restore light output. Severely damaged or internally failed lenses may need to be replaced.
Polishing Work From Our Salem, OR Shops
See more of our work
Toyota Tacoma Taped for Polishing 
Polishing a Black Hood 
RV Side Wall, Half Polished 
MariStar 225V Taped for Polishing
Paint Correction Reviews
150+ Google reviews“Didn't think the water spots would ever come out of the Black Ford Explorer, incredible work, Car looked brand new, spotless inside and out. First class work and service.”
Todd S. · Aumsville Hwy
July 23, 2024
“Overall great experience! Got my headlights restored and they look brand new! Will definitely come back for any future details needed.”
Taran C. · Lancaster Dr
June 22, 2021
“These guys are great - brought back a dull white 10 year old Nissan to like new condition. Highly recommend!”
Jay H. · Lancaster Dr
September 14, 2018
Paint Correction Questions
How much does paint correction cost in Salem, OR?
It is billed at $135/hr, because the time depends on how many swirls and scratches the paint has. We look at it with you and give you an estimate first.
Can paint correction remove every scratch?
It removes swirls, haze and scratches that sit in the clear coat. A scratch that goes through the clear coat into the color cannot be polished out. We will tell you which kind you have before we start.
How long does paint correction last?
The defects we polish out are gone. New ones come back from washing and daily driving, so we recommend protecting the paint afterward and washing it gently.
Should I get paint correction before ceramic coating?
If the paint has heavy swirls or scratches, yes. A coating seals in whatever is under it. Every ceramic coating includes standard prep, and anything beyond that is quoted separately.
Do you restore cloudy headlights?
Yes. A buff and polish is starting at $50 per headlight, and a buff, polish and new clear coat is starting at $75 per headlight.
We do paint correction in Salem for drivers from Keizer, Aumsville, Turner, Stayton, Silverton, Woodburn, Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, and for customers who come up or down I-5 from Albany, OR and Wilsonville, OR.
Get an Estimate for Your Paint
Send a few photos of the paint or bring it by either shop. We will look at it with you and give you an estimate.
Contact Us