Your Vehicle Deserves Perfect Paint
Top-Tier Auto Paint Correction & polishing Services for san diego
Consultation Required – Garage or Drop-Off Only
Paint correction is a machine polishing process designed to reduce swirls, scratches, and defects while restoring gloss and clarity. Because every vehicle, paint system, and condition is different, paint correction at DETL is not bookable without an in-person evaluation.
Paint Correction Tiers
Single Stage Correction
Starts at $290
Light to moderate defect removal and gloss enhancement.
Complete Correction
Starts at $950
Maximum machine correction for heavily swirled or neglected paint.
Two Stage Correction
Starts at $570
Compound and polish for moderate to heavier defects and improved clarity.
*Final price, scope of work, and scheduling/turnaround are confirmed after inspection. Paint correction services can only be scheduled after evaluation.
Free Consultation & Test Sample Required
Before any paint correction is scheduled, we require a free in-person consultation. During this visit, we may recommend performing a small test section on a panel of your choice.
This allows you to:
- See real correction work being done on your vehicle
- See real world results on your actual paint
- Understand what different tiers of improvement is realistically achievable
- Let us evaluate paint hardness and condition
- Receive a 100% accurate quote and time estimate for the option you choose
This ensures there are no surprises for either side when your service is scheduled.
Important Notes
- Free consultation required before any paint correction is booked
- Suitable customer garage or drop-off at our location required
- Not suitable for clear coat failure, peeling, or other forms of semi-permanent deterioration/wear/damage
- Wet sanding is not offered at the moment
- Pricing, availability, and turnaround depend on paint type, condition, size, and desired results
Call Now! (619) 600-0045
Why We Require a Free Consultation & Offer a Test Sample
Most detailers don’t do this.
They’ll sell you a package, take your money, and hope for the best.
We don’t!
At DETL, we require a free consultation and offer a free test section because paint correction is too variable and too expensive to treat like a menu item. Two cars that look similar can respond completely differently once a machine touches the paint. One might come out incredible in a few hours. Another might fight every step of the way.
If we don’t check first, somebody loses.
Either you overpay for results that weren’t realistic, or we underquote a job that turns into a nightmare. That’s not fair to either side.
So we do it differently.
During your consultation, we’ll inspect your paint, talk through your goals, and perform a small test section on your vehicle so you can see:
- Real work being done
- On your actual paint
- With real results in front of you
This lets us:
- Set honest expectations
- Confirm your car is even a good candidate
- Dial in the right process
- And give you a 100% accurate price and time estimate
Call Now! (619) 600-0045
Why do we go this far when others don’t?
We care that:
- You don’t spend hundreds or thousands chasing unrealistic results
- You don’t feel misled
- You don’t walk away thinking “I thought it would be better”
- And we don’t take on work that shouldn’t be done in the first place
We’re not here to sell you the biggest package.
We’re here to sell you the right one.
This approach takes more time.
It makes our process slower.
And honestly, it probably costs us some quick sales.
But what it gives us is:
- Better results
- Happier customers
- Repeat clients
- And a reputation we’re proud of
Call Now! (619) 600-0045
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do you require a consultation first?
No two vehicles are identical. A consultation lets us inspect the condition of the paint, discuss your goals, and confirm whether correction is even possible or the correct service for you before we schedule a full service.
Why do you offer a test section?
A test section shows you exactly what kind of results can be achieved on your specific vehicle in real time. It removes guesswork and guarantees that expectations will match reality before any service is actually booked.
Other companies don’t require this. Why do you?
Many shops sell correction as a preset package. We’ve found that leads to mismatched expectations and disappointment. Our process ensures accurate pricing, honest results, and happier long-term customers.
Is the test section really necessary?
For paint correction, yes. Two vehicles that look similar can react completely differently to polishing. The test section tells us what’s realistic and how much time it will actually take.
Can we skip the consultation and just book?
No. Paint correction at DETL is only scheduled after an in-person evaluation and test section. This protects your investment and our schedule.
What if I’m on a budget?
The consultation helps us find the best option within your budget. Sometimes a lighter correction provides the improvement you’re looking for without the cost of a full correction.
San Diego & Santee, CA Paint Correction Packages
Single Stage Correction
PRICE STARTS AT $290
TURNAROUND: 3 HOURS
THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Exterior Hand Wash
- Clay Decontamination
- IPA Prep
- Wheel / Tire Cleaning
- Tire Conditioning
- 1 stage of polishing
- We aim for 50%+ defect removal
Due to the nature of the paint correction process, this service must be completed indoors in a clean, controlled environment. If the customer has a suitable garage, the service can be performed on-site; otherwise, the vehicle may be dropped off at our facility by appointment.
Call Now! (619) 600-0045
Two Stage Correction
PRICE STARTS AT $570
TURNAROUND: 6 HOURS
THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Exterior Hand Wash
- Clay Decontamination
- IPA Prep
- Wheel / Tire Cleaning
- Tire Conditioning
- 2 stages of polishing
- We aim for 75%+ defect removal
Due to the nature of the paint correction process, this service must be completed indoors in a clean, controlled environment. If the customer has a suitable garage, the service can be performed on-site; otherwise, the vehicle may be dropped off at our facility by appointment.
Call Now! (619) 600-0045
Complete Paint Correction
PRICE STARTS AT $950
TURNAROUND: 10-12 HOURS
THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Exterior Hand Wash
- Clay Decontamination
- IPA Prep
- Wheel / Tire Cleaning
- Tire Conditioning
- 3 stages of polishing
- We aim for 95%+ defect removal
Due to the nature of the paint correction process, this service must be completed indoors in a clean, controlled environment. If the customer has a suitable garage, the service can be performed on-site; otherwise, the vehicle may be dropped off at our facility by appointment.
Call Now! (619) 600-0045
How DETL-San Diego Works to Enhance Your Paint
How is paint correction done at DETL-San Diego? We use a combination of cutting, buffing, and polishing techniques to eliminate clear coat defects and reveal the true potential of your vehicle’s paint. This process gives your car a brand-new look. Before beginning, we conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s finish, whether it’s fresh off the lot or an older model. We then clean the surface and assess the severity of any imperfections. By addressing these issues, our paint correction process revitalizes the vehicle’s finish, enhancing its clarity and shine to make it look as good as new.
Top Benefits of Our Paint Correction Work
Improves Vehicle Resale Value
Paint correction at DETL-San Diego plays a crucial role in boosting the resale value of your vehicle. A flawless, high-gloss finish immediately signals to potential buyers that the vehicle is well-maintained and valuable. Our paint correction services remove visible defects and enhance the perception of your vehicle as a premium asset rather than a liability. By addressing clear coat imperfections, we help you sell your vehicle faster and at a higher price. A professionally corrected paint job can significantly impact the difference between a standard resale and a more profitable one, ensuring your vehicle stands out in the market.
Removes Mild Paint Surface Imperfections
Surface imperfections like swirl marks, scratches, stains, and oxidation can significantly diminish your vehicle's appearance. These defects arise from improper washing techniques, environmental factors, and general wear and tear. Paint correction is specifically designed to address these issues without stripping away the actual paint. This process restores the clarity and depth of your vehicle’s finish. At DETL-San Diego, we carefully polish the clear coat after removing the defects to reveal the smoothest, most reflective surface possible. This enhances the true color, detail, and overall luster of your ride, making it look its absolute best.
The Ideal Choice Before Ceramic Coating Application
Performing paint correction before applying a ceramic coating is essential for achieving optimal results. Paint correction removes imperfections like swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation from your vehicle’s surface, creating a smooth and flawless clear coat. This preparation ensures that the ceramic coating can bond properly to the paint. Without addressing these defects, the coating might adhere unevenly, diminishing its effectiveness and appearance. A smooth surface allows the ceramic coating to achieve its full potential, providing a high-gloss finish and long-lasting protection. This step enhances the overall efficacy of the coating, ensuring your vehicle looks its best and remains protected for years.
Getting Paint Correction Done Before Applying Ceramic Coatings
Before applying a ceramic coating, performing paint correction is crucial for achieving the best results. Paint correction addresses surface imperfections such as swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation, creating a smooth, flawless clear coat. This preparation is necessary to ensure that the ceramic coating adheres evenly and effectively to the paint. Without removing these defects, the coating may not bond properly, which can reduce its effectiveness and diminish its appearance. A well-prepared, smooth surface allows the ceramic coating to deliver its full potential, offering a high-gloss finish and durable protection. This step maximizes the coating’s benefits, ensuring your vehicle looks exceptional and stays protected for years.
Most Common Questions About Paint Correction
Can vehicles that are new or nearly new be corrected?
Absolutely, paint correction services at DETL-San Diego benefit even brand new or nearly new vehicles. While you might think a new vehicle’s paint is flawless, it often isn't. Many new cars come from the factory with minor imperfections in the clear coat, which can result from poor transportation, handling, or the manufacturing process. Paint correction addresses these flaws, ensuring that your new vehicle achieves a truly perfect finish. By removing these imperfections, we enhance the paint’s clarity and overall appearance, giving your vehicle the pristine look it deserves.
Will paint correction remove every defect from my finish?
Paint correction at DETL-San Diego is highly effective at addressing various surface defects, such as swirl marks, scrapes, scratches, oxidation, stains, and etching. However, it's important to note that paint correction is not a comprehensive solution for all issues. Deep scratches that have penetrated the clear coat or defects affecting the underlying paint may not be fully removable through paint correction alone. Our services focus on revitalizing the clear coat to restore its clarity and appearance, but they do not repair or alter the actual paint beneath. Understanding this distinction ensures realistic expectations and the best results for your vehicle.
What is the main difference between your paint correction packages?
Each package we provide at DETL-San Diego involves different levels of treatment, depending on the extent of the defects and the desired outcome. A single-stage correction involves a simple surface polish to remove light swirl marks and enhance gloss. A multi-stage correction more commonly involves cutting, compounding, and polishing to address more severe defects like moderate scratches and oxidation. The level of correction required is determined during the initial inspection of your vehicle’s paintwork, where we assess the severity of the imperfections and discuss your goals.
Call Now! (619) 600-0045
