How long does A paint correction take?
How long does a paint correction take?
Has your car’s paint lost its shine and luster? Are you wondering how long it will take to restore its former glory? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll reveal the secrets of paint correction, giving you the scoop on timeframes for different types of paint correction techniques.
There are three primary types of paint correction: 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step. Each type requires different amounts of time to complete, but by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
In general, paint correction can take anywhere from 3-15 hours. If you want to learn more keep reading.

How Long Does Paint Correction Take?
On average, a 1-step paint correction can take anywhere between 4 to 6 hours to complete. However, this depends on factors such as the size of the car and the condition of the paint.
A 1-step paint correction is the most basic version of this service that you can get for your vehicle. It is a great option if you’re looking to keep your costs down and get pretty decent results. With the vehicles I have worked with in the past a single-stage paint correction works great. However, many of the deeper scratches and imperfections will most likely remain once the job is completed.
This is usually the stage where people deliberate between paint enhancement or paint correction. So if you don’t know which one is right for you, then once you’re done here take a look at our blog on exactly that.


What are the steps in a 1-step paint correction?
A 1-step paint correction typically involves the following step:
- Polishing: A combined polishing and paint cleaning compound is applied using a dual action (DA) polisher to remove minor swirl marks and imperfections. This step can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle.
How Long Does 2-Step Paint Correction Take?
A 2-step paint correction generally takes between 6 to 10 hours to complete, although the time may vary based on the size of the car and the extent of the damage.
The 2-stage paint correction is what I recommend to all of my clients. This is because it is the service that provides the highest quality results for its price.
A lot of the cars I’ve worked on don’t tend to need 3-stage paint correction, the paint isn’t in that bad of a condition. However, if your car’s scratches are too deep, then a 2-step paint correction won’t be able to remove them, in which case, a 3-step correction is the only resort that you will have in having perfect paint.
What are the steps in a 2-step paint correction?
The steps involved in a 2-step paint correction process include:
- Compounding: The first step is to remove heavy swirl marks and scratches using a cutting compound and a DA polisher. This step may take about 3 to 5 hours.
- Polishing: After compounding, the polishing stage restores gloss and clarity to the paint. This stage usually takes around 3 to 5 hours to complete.
How Long Does 3-Step Paint Correction Take?
A 3-step paint correction is the most time-consuming option, typically taking between 10 to 15 hours, or even more in some cases. This process is reserved for vehicles with severe paint defects or for those seeking the highest level of paint perfection.
To be honest, this is a particularly rare paint correction. This is usually only performed on vehicles with tremendously compromised paint. This service takes the longest for good reason, it is the most comprehensive paint correction on the market. So, if you’re interested to have a 3-stage paint correction, know that it’s as good a service as it gets.
What are the steps in a 3-step paint correction?
The 3-step paint correction process involves:
- Wet sanding: This step removes deep scratches and imperfections using ultra-fine sandpaper and water. Wet sanding can take between 4 to 6 hours to complete.
- Compounding: After wet sanding, a cutting compound is applied to remove sanding marks and further level the paint surface. This step typically takes around 3 to 5 hours.
- Polishing: Finally, polishing restores gloss and clarity to the paintwork. As with the other methods, this step generally takes 3 to 5 hours to complete.
By understanding the differences between 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step paint correction processes, you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your vehicle. While paint correction times vary, this guide should give you a general idea of what to expect in terms of time commitment.
If you’re in the Miami area and you’re interested in having your car’s paint look better than it ever has, then give us a call or book a quote. With that being said, thank you for reading, and let us know if you have any questions in the comments section.
Still not convinced about what paint correction can do for you? Here you go. This was one of our clients whose paint was in shambles, but it fixed it right up for them.


What will paint correction fix?
Paint correction is designed to fix a variety of paint defects, including swirl marks, holograms, oxidation, and light scratches. The process can significantly improve the appearance of your vehicle’s paintwork, restoring its gloss and clarity.
When should the paint correction be done?
Paint correction should be done when your vehicle’s paintwork has lost its shine, shows visible imperfections, or when you’re preparing to apply a paint protection product. Regularly evaluating your car’s paint condition will help you determine the appropriate time for paint correction.
Does paint correction fix deep scratches?
Paint correction can address light to moderate scratches but may not be effective for deep scratches that have penetrated the clear coat or reached the base coat. In cases with deep scratches, more intensive methods like wet sanding or touch-up painting may be necessary.
Is paint correction permanent?
Paint correction can produce long-lasting results; however, it is not entirely permanent. The longevity of the results depends on factors such as the quality of the correction process, paint protection applied afterward, and the ongoing care and maintenance of the vehicle. To maintain the improved appearance of your car’s paint, it’s crucial to follow proper washing techniques and apply paint protection products when needed.