Multi-stage machine polishing that permanently removes swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, water spots, and clear-coat defects — restoring depth, clarity, and gloss to your vehicle's paint.
Paint correction is a multi-stage machine polishing process that permanently removes defects from your vehicle's clear coat. Using specialized machines, foam and microfiber pads, cutting compounds, and finishing polishes, we level out the microscopic layer where swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and water spots live — restoring depth, clarity, and gloss to the paint underneath.
It's the difference between "buffing a car" and actually correcting it. Buffing temporarily fills defects with oils and waxes. Once those wash off, the defects come back. Paint correction removes them.
The key thing to understand: your vehicle's paint isn't one layer — it's a stack of base coat (the color), clear coat (the protective layer on top), and primer underneath. Almost every defect you can see in sunlight lives in the clear coat. Paint correction safely levels a small, measurable amount of that clear coat to remove the defects without compromising the layer underneath. That's why it requires training, measurement, and the right equipment — done wrong, it can permanently thin or burn through the clear coat.
Done right, it's the closest thing to brand-new paint a vehicle can get.
Swirl marks, scratches, hazing, water spots, and oxidation don't just appear — they come from drive-through washes, the wrong towels, road debris, and unprotected paint. Wax won't remove them. Paint correction does — permanently, by leveling the clear coat back to better than the day you bought it.
Paint correction isn't "buffing a car." It's a measurable process with real consequences if it's done wrong — too much pressure, the wrong pad, or skipping a step can permanently damage clear coat. Here's exactly what we do, every time, on every vehicle.
STEP 01After our prep wash, we immediately inspect your paint under meticulous lighting to see what we're up against, document any body damage, and take paint measurements as a safety standard. We then carry out a few test spots to confirm the best method for correcting your paint and contact you with our recommendations.
STEP 02We first aim to remove the bulk of the defects commonly seen in automotive paint — swirl marks, surface marring and dullness, buffing trails, water spots, and minor etchings. Then we finish down the paint to bring out the highest levels of depth and gloss. Depending on your paint's hardness and condition, this can be a single-stage or multi-stage process.
STEP 03All panels receive a prep wipe to strip any polishing oils, so what you're seeing is the true condition of your paint — not a temporary fill. We again inspect the paint under meticulous lighting or pull it outside to sun check our results. Finally, we protect our work with a paint sealant or ceramic coating!
Not every vehicle needs the same correction. We pick the package based on what your paint actually needs — measured with a paint depth gauge, confirmed with a test spot, and reviewed with you before we begin.
Our entry-level paint correction service. Also included complimentary in all ceramic coating packages. Aims to remove up to 60% of paint defects.
Recommended for vehicles with aging paint, swirl marks, or deeper imperfections. Aims to remove up to 80% of paint defects.
Recommended for car enthusiasts looking for a show-room finish. Aims to remove up to 95% of paint defects.
Paint correction restores the finish. A ceramic coating locks it in. Without protection, the swirl marks and water spots will come back the next time the vehicle gets washed improperly — and you'll be paying for correction again sooner than you'd like.
A coating installed over freshly corrected paint:
Most of our correction clients pair their service with a coating because it's the best way to protect the work.
This was my first time using O'Connor's detailing services, and I am beyond impressed! From start to finish, the attention to detail was incredible — my car looks brand new again. The team was professional, thorough, and clearly takes pride in their work. I'll absolutely be coming back and recommending them to anyone looking for top-tier car care.
There were scratches and swirl marks on the black paint. When he was finished applying paint correction and ceramic coating, they were gone. My vehicle now has an outstanding shine! I highly recommend his services and will be a returning customer.
O'Connor detailing did an exceptional job detailing, paint correcting and ceramic coating my vehicle! Their attention to detail was outstanding, and the final result exceeded my expectations. The team went above and beyond to ensure that my car looked its absolute best. Best in the business!
If your question isn't here, just ask. We'd rather spend ten minutes on the phone than have you guess.
Call (309) 229-4277It depends on the vehicle's size, the condition of the paint, and the level of correction required. A small sedan with light swirls is a different job than a heavily oxidized full-size truck. We don't post fixed prices because every vehicle's paint tells a different story — but every quote we send is itemized and transparent. Send us your details and we'll have one back to you quickly.
Our shop sits at 4716 N Ellen Ct in Peoria Heights, IL — minutes off Route 6 and easy to reach from across the Peoria metro. Most of our work comes from North Peoria and Peoria Heights (zip codes 61614, 61615, and 61616), and we coat vehicles for drivers throughout the city, from the Illinois River waterfront to the north-side neighborhoods.
Beyond the city line, we're a regular stop for drivers in Dunlap, Edwards, and Chillicothe, and we install coatings across the river in East Peoria, Washington, Morton, and Germantown Hills. We also serve clients out toward Metamora, Eureka, and Roanoke — and into the Bloomington area. A coating is a multi-year investment, and the right install is worth the drive, so if you're outside this stretch, get in touch and we'll make it work.
Free, no-pressure quote in about 30 seconds. We reply within one business day.
