Question 1

How do I know if I need 2-Stage rather than Enhancement?

Accepted Answer

If your paint has visible swirl marks at arm's length (not just under direct sunlight), shallow scratches you can see but not feel with a fingernail, or noticeable oxidation, you need 2-Stage. Enhancement is for newer cars with light surface dullness only. Send photos before booking — we'll be honest about which is the right level for your paint.

Question 2

Why is it a 2-day booking — can it be done in one?

Accepted Answer

Drop-off only, two working days. There's a quality reason: Stage 1 (cutting) and Stage 2 (refining) need separation time, and we do multi-angle inspections between stages on cooled paint. Trying to compress everything into one day either skips inspection or rushes the polish. Neither gives you the finish you're paying for. Most customers drop off morning of day 1 and collect end of day 2.

Question 3

What does "genuinely eliminated, not hidden" mean?

Accepted Answer

Many "polishes" use fillers — products that fill swirl marks temporarily, making them look gone for a few washes before they reappear. A 2-stage correction physically removes the defects at paint level using cutting and refining compounds. They're gone for good unless you re-introduce them with poor washing. That's an important distinction and a reason why detailers' work prices vary so much.

Question 4

Will this affect my paint warranty or thickness?

Accepted Answer

Machine polishing removes a small amount of clear coat — measured in microns — to level out defects. On factory paint, modern clear coats can typically take 3–4 corrections over a vehicle's lifetime. Our paint-thickness inspection at the start of the service documents exactly what we're working with, and we adjust the cutting compound and pad combination based on that reading. If your paint is on the thin side or has a respray we should know about, we'll discuss it before any machining starts. Manufacturer paint warranties cover factory defects, not appearance over time, so polishing doesn't void them.

Question 5

How long does the result last without ceramic protection?

Accepted Answer

The corrected paint itself is permanent — the swirls aren't coming back. What changes over time is the surface protection. With normal washing the high-gloss finish stays beautiful for 6–12 months before a wax or sealant top-up helps. With supermarket car washes or careless washing, fresh swirl marks will appear within months. Strong recommendation: pair with a Wax Is Dead® ceramic coating to make the correction last properly.

Question 6

Should I add a Wax Is Dead® ceramic coating after?

Accepted Answer

Most customers do, and we recommend it for one specific reason: you've invested in correcting the paint, so investing in protection makes that investment last 2, 5, or 10 years rather than 6–12 months. Ceramic packages combine the 2-Stage with the coating in a single bundled price — usually slightly better value than booking the two separately.

Question 7

What if my car needs more than 2-Stage can do?

Accepted Answer

We'll tell you on photo assessment or at drop-off. Some paint — heavily oxidised, neglected for years, very dark colours showing every defect — needs 3-Stage Correction (cut, refine, jewelling) for a proper result. 3-Stage is multi-day and more expensive, but it's the only option for paint at that level. We won't sell you 2-Stage if it won't actually fix the problem.

Question 8

Is the interior cleaned during this service?

Accepted Answer

No. Paint Correction services are exterior-only. If you want the interior cleaned to match the new exterior finish, book an Interior Detailed alongside — many customers do, and we can usually fit both into the 2-day window.

2-Stage Paint Correction

Two-stage paint correction · Eastbourne studio

What's included in a 2-Stage Correction

How a 2-Stage Correction booking works

FAQ

How do I know if I need 2-Stage rather than Enhancement?

Why is it a 2-day booking — can it be done in one?

What does "genuinely eliminated, not hidden" mean?

Will this affect my paint warranty or thickness?

How long does the result last without ceramic protection?

Should I add a Wax Is Dead® ceramic coating after?

What if my car needs more than 2-Stage can do?

Is the interior cleaned during this service?

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