5 mistakes to avoid during paint correction
Tips

5 mistakes to avoid during paint correction

C
Citadel Editorial
July 28, 2026

Avoid burning clear coats and creating holograms with these professional tips.

Top 5 Paint Correction Mistakes

Even experienced detailers can run into trouble during paint correction. Here are five mistakes to avoid:

  1. Working in Direct Sunlight: Hot panels cause compounds to dry out instantly, leading to dusting and micro-marring.
  2. Using Too Much Product: Saturating the pad prevents the abrasives from working effectively and slings compound everywhere.
  3. Ignoring Pad Cleaning: A pad clogged with spent clear coat and compound will not cut. Blow out or brush your pads after every section.
  4. Moving Too Fast: Arm speed matters. Let the machine and the pad do the work by moving slowly across the panel (about 1 inch per second).
  5. Chasing Perfection on Thin Paint: Measure paint thickness before cutting heavily. Sometimes it is safer to leave a deep scratch than to risk burning through the clear coat.
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