What's included
Every cut and polish starts with a full wash and decontamination, because polishing dirty paint just grinds the dirt in. We then inspect the paint, agree a stage with you, machine polish panel by panel and finish with protection. You choose a one-step or two-step correction.
| Step | What we do |
|---|---|
| Wash | Hand wash and dry |
| Decontaminate | Iron fallout remover and clay bar |
| Inspect | Check the paint under good light, note deeper scratches, thin edges and resprayed panels |
| Tape | Mask rubber, plastic trim and badges that polish could stain |
| Polish | One-step or two-step machine polishing, panel by panel |
| Wipe-down | Remove polishing oils to show the true finish |
| Protect | Paint sealant, or move straight on to ceramic coating if booked |
One-step vs two-step
One-step correction uses a single polish that cuts and finishes in one go. It's a big improvement in gloss and clarity, it softens light swirls, and it removes less clear coat. It suits newer cars and paint that's dull rather than damaged.
Two-step correction starts with a cutting compound to level heavier swirls and marring, then a finishing polish to refine the surface and bring back the gloss. It takes much longer and is the stage most people mean when they say "full cut and polish".
We don't promise a percentage of defects removed. Every car's paint is different in thickness, hardness and history. Some scratches go through the clear coat and can't be polished out safely at all. We'll show you a test section and tell you honestly what to expect before we polish the whole car.
Who it suits
Car paint correction suits paint that looks hazy, swirled or flat even when it's clean. Look at the paint under a torch or in direct sun. If you see fine circular scratches spiderwebbing out from the light, those are swirl marks, usually from automatic washes or poor washing technique.
It's a good fit if:
- dark paint shows swirls and holograms in the sun
- the car is a few years old and has lost its gloss
- red, black or blue paint looks chalky or faded from oxidation
- you're planning a ceramic coating, which should go on corrected paint
It won't fix stone chips, deep key scratches, peeling clear coat or panel damage. Those are panel-shop jobs. If you just want more gloss without correction, our Complete Detail includes a single-stage enhancement polish.
How a mobile visit works
Machine polishing needs shade and a calm, dry spot. Direct sun heats the panels and makes the polish dry out too fast, while rain and wind blow grit onto the paint. A garage, carport or covered car park is best. We'll confirm the location with you when you book.
- Book online and tell us whether you're after a one-step or two-step. Not sure? Pick one and we'll advise on the day.
- Prep. Wash, decontamination and inspection.
- Test section. We polish a small area so you can see the result first.
- Correction. The full car, panel by panel.
- Protection. Sealant, or ceramic coating if booked.
We arrive self-sufficient where access allows, and we'll confirm water and power needs when you book. Two-step jobs can take a full day or longer on large or heavily marked cars.
Pricing (from)
Paint correction is from $XX for a one-step on a small car. Paint correction cost goes up with vehicle size, the stage you choose and the paint's condition. A two-step on a large 4WD is a much bigger job than a one-step on a hatch.
| What changes the price | Why |
|---|---|
| Vehicle size | Small car, sedan, SUV, 4WD or ute, 7-seater or van |
| Stage | Two-step takes roughly twice the polishing time |
| Paint condition | Heavy swirls or oxidation need more passes |
| Paint hardness | Some paints take longer to correct |
Full pricing is on our pricing page. Many customers pair paint correction with headlight restoration, since the same polishing setup is on site. Send us a description of the paint on 0402 723 464 and we'll suggest a stage.
Insured to $20 million
Machine polishing takes skill, and it's done on your car at your home. Every paint correction job is covered by public liability insurance up to $20 million, and we've been trading for 8 years.
- Insured to $20 millionPublic liability cover on every service
- We come to youHome, work or unit complex
- 8 years tradingBrisbane-based, Moorooka head office
- Book onlinePick a service and a time
Before & after
Real cut and polish Brisbane jobs, photographed in customers' driveways and garages. The difference shows best under direct light.
Our before-and-after photos are being added. Check back soon, or book a detail and see the difference yourself.
See more corrections in our before and after gallery.
Areas we cover
If you've searched "paint correction near me" from anywhere in greater Brisbane, we can likely come to you. We cover the northside, southside, inner city, bayside, westside and Logan from our Moorooka base. See our service areas page for every suburb.
FAQs
What is a cut and polish?
A cut and polish is machine polishing that removes a very thin layer of clear coat to level swirls, light scratches and oxidation. The "cut" uses an abrasive compound to remove defects, and the "polish" refines the finish to restore gloss. It's the Australian name for paint correction.
What is paint correction?
Paint correction is the process of improving a car's paint by machine polishing out surface defects in the clear coat, like swirl marks, wash marring, light scratches and oxidation. It's done in one or more stages and is usually followed by a sealant or ceramic coating.
How much does paint correction cost?
Our paint correction is from $XX for a one-step on a small car. Two-step corrections and larger vehicles cost more. The exact price depends on size, stage and paint condition.
Will a cut and polish remove all scratches?
No. It reduces or removes scratches that sit within the clear coat. Scratches you can catch with a fingernail are often too deep to remove safely. We'll do a test section and give you an honest view before we start.
What's the difference between one-step and two-step paint correction?
A one-step uses one polish to improve gloss and soften light defects. A two-step uses a cutting compound first to level heavier defects, then a finishing polish to restore gloss. A two-step gets a bigger improvement but takes much longer.
Should I get ceramic coating after paint correction?
It's the ideal time. A coating locks in the corrected finish and makes the paint easier to keep clean. Paint correction and ceramic coating can be booked together in one visit.
Book your detail
Book Paint Correction online, or call 0402 723 464 to talk through which stage suits your car. Need just a clean and protect? See exterior detailing.