Measure and cut all of the pieces of film and label each of them.For some panels, you need to tuck in the edges so this step is very important to ensure the film sticks properly. Prior to laying down the film, make sure to decontaminate all of the edges of the panel using isopropyl alcohol.Cut and buff with a heavy pad and compound.Inspect the paint in proper lighting to figure out the level of paint correction.Rinse off and dry the vehicle with a blower.Foam cannon the vehicle and wash with a mitt gently.Pressure wash the vehicle to loosen all the dirt.If you’re looking to get any ceramic coating or PPF applied to your vehicle, make sure to ask the shop if they paint correct prior to installation. Some shops may forego this method partly because this process can be time-consuming.

While minor scratches can be touched up, a gash or a deep scratch may have to be repainted. Paint correction is done at the clear coat level. **Keep in mind that if it’s a deep scratch that goes past the clear coat, it can’t be corrected.

Paint correction is the process of removing all these minor imperfections using a high-speed random orbital polisher as shown in the video above to repetitively “cut” the clear coat and to even it out. The paint also may be hazy or have a flat look. If you look at your car outside (especially for black vehicles) you may notice micro-scratches or swirls (also called spider webs) in your car. As a comparison, a piece of paper’s thickness is about 100 microns, color change wraps are roughly 100 microns, paint protection film is about 200 microns, and ceramic coating is roughly 2 microns.įor ceramic coating and paint protection film, it’s essential to do a paint correction prior to installation. Not including the metal/body panel, the other three layers that make up the paint (primer, base, and clear coat) are roughly 100-200 microns. This is the layer that we often talk about when referring to paint correction. It also gives the base coat a glossier and more finished look. Primer: The primer is a bonding agent for the body panel and the paint.īase Coat: The base coat is the paint that goes on top of the primer that gives the car its color.Ĭlear coat: This finish is sprayed on top of the base coat to provide protection. (If a scratch reaches all the way to the metal, that cannot be paint corrected.) Metal/body panel: For Tesla vehicles, depending on the model, the body panel may be steel or aluminum. The paint consists of several layers as shown below. But what exactly are these products and is it worth the trouble? Paint Anatomyīefore we even talk about the products, it’s important to understand the paint anatomy since PPF, ceramic coating, and color change wraps are all applied or laid on top of the paint. If you browse through the thousands of forums, you’ll find many about these three types of products.

One of the most common questions I get from new Tesla owners is if they should get paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coating, or a color change wrap (also called color change vinyl).

Color changing vinyl wrap