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How to Clean Your Car Using the Two Bucket Method Keeping your car clean is more than just about appearance—it’s a step toward preserving its paintwork and protecting your investment. The Two Bucket Method is a professional technique that minimises the risk of swirl marks and scratches during washing. Here’s how you can do it: What You’ll Need: 1. Two buckets (one for wash, one for rinse) 2. Grit guards (optional, but highly recommended) 3. Quality car wash soap 4. A microfiber wash mitt 5. A hose or pressure washer Step-by-Step Guide: 1️⃣ Prepare the Buckets: • Fill one bucket with clean water (rinse bucket). • Fill the other with water and car wash soap (wash bucket). 2️⃣ Start with a Pre-Rinse: • Rinse your car thoroughly using a hose or pressure washer to remove loose dirt and debris. 3️⃣ Wash Using the Two Bucket Method: • Dip your microfiber wash mitt into the wash bucket , loaded with soapy water. • Gently wash one section of the car at a time, starting from the top and working your way down. • After each section, rinse the mitt in the rinse bucket  to remove dirt. • Reload the mitt with clean soapy water from the wash bucket and repeat. 4️⃣ Rinse the Car Thoroughly: • Once you’ve washed all sections, rinse your car thoroughly with clean water. 5️⃣ Dry with Care: • Use a soft microfiber drying towel or a car-specific blower to dry the car and avoid water spots. Why Use the Two Bucket Method? • Protect Your Paint:  Keeps dirt out of the wash bucket, reducing scratches. • Better Results:  Cleaner, swirl-free finish every time. 🧼 Pro Tip:  Add a grit guard to the bottom of each bucket to trap debris and keep your water cleaner for longer. Want a professional touch? Book a maintenance clean or ceramic coating with TidyRide  in Newton Abbot today! 💎

If you're a car owner in South Devon looking to protect and enhance your vehicle's finish, you may have heard of ceramic coating. This innovative solution is gaining traction among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. But what makes it so special? Let’s explore the science of ceramic coatings, their benefits, and why they might be a wise investment for your vehicle. What is Ceramic Coating? Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that forms a strong bond with your car's paint, creating a protective layer. Unlike traditional waxes and sealants that sit on the surface, ceramic coatings offer a long-lasting shield. They can remain effective for 2 to 5 years or even longer with proper care. The coating primarily consists of silica dioxide (SiO2), which is derived from materials like quartz and sand. When applied, it creates a robust, crystalline structure on the vehicle’s surface, enhancing its appearance and protection. How Does it Work? Ceramic coating works by chemically reacting with the paint at a molecular level. This results in a hydrophobic layer that repels water and dirt. For example, water beads off instead of spreading out, taking grime along with it. This means you can wash your car less often—up to 60% less frequently in some cases. Moreover, ceramic coatings are resistant to UV rays, oxidation, and thermal damage. This ensures that your car's color and shine remain intact, protecting against fading and dullness typically caused by sunlight. In fact, studies show that vehicles with ceramic coatings can maintain their glossiness three times longer than those without. Benefits of Ceramic Coatings Ceramic coatings deliver numerous advantages that make them appealing to car owners. Key benefits include: Durability : After application, ceramic coatings can last several years without significant wear. In contrast, traditional wax needs reapplication every few months. Protection Against Damage : The hydrophobic properties guard against bird droppings, tree sap and road tar, which can eat into paint. This can save you from costly repainting jobs. Effortless Cleaning : The smooth surface reduces dirt bonding, making wash jobs easier and quicker. Many car owners report cutting their washing time in half. Enhanced Gloss and Clarity : The coating boosts your car’s appearance, making the paint look more vibrant and providing a showroom finish that stands out. UV Shield : Protects your vehicle against harmful UV rays, which can lead to paint fading and cracking. Application Process Applying ceramic coating is a detailed process that requires expertise. Here’s an outline of the core steps involved: 1. Surface Preparation Before application, the car’s surface must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. This involves washing, polishing, and possibly using clay bars to eliminate any stuck-on contaminants. 2. Coating Application The ceramic coating is then applied using specific techniques to ensure even coverage. Depending on the type of coating, multiple layers may be necessary. 3. Curing Time After applying the coating, it needs time to cure properly. This critical step allows for a strong bond with the paint. For the best results, ensure the vehicle remains dry and sheltered during this period. The entire process often requires a professional detailer , and while it can be costly—ranging from £295 to £995 —the long-term benefits can outweigh the initial expenses. Maintenance of Ceramic Coated Cars While ceramic coatings offer robust protection, some maintenance steps will help keep your vehicle looking pristine: Regular Washing : Wash your car every few weeks using a pH-neutral soap. This helps preserve the coating's effectiveness. Skip Automatic Car Washes : Handwashing is preferable. Harsh brushes in automatic washes can degrade the coating quality over time. Use Specialized Maintenance Products : Sprays designed for ceramic coatings can maintain and enhance protection and shine between washes. Final Thoughts Ceramic coating is an effective solution for car owners eager to protect their investment while maintaining their vehicle’s aesthetics. By utilizing advanced technology that bonds with the paint, these coatings provide long-lasting defense, enhance appearance, and simplify upkeep. Before committing to ceramic coating, understand the application process and the care required afterward. Investing in ceramic coating can yield peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is protected and looks outstanding. With proper care, your car’s finish can stay in excellent shape for years, allowing you to enjoy every drive. Take the time to explore whether ceramic coating fits your needs, and enjoy the benefits it offers.

In the world of vehicle care, the debate between waxing and ceramic coating has been ongoing. Both methods are aimed at protecting the exterior of your vehicle and enhancing its overall appearance. If you're trying to decide which route to take for your beloved vehicle, this blog post will walk you through the key differences between waxing and ceramic coating, helping you determine which option might be the best fit for your specific needs. Understanding Waxing Waxing is a traditional method of protecting your vehicle's paintwork. It involves applying a layer of wax over the car's surface, creating a barrier to shield it from environmental elements like UV rays, dirt, and water. Wax enhances the shine of your vehicle and provides a certain level of protection against minor scratches and fading. Benefits of Waxing Cost-Effective: Waxing is generally more budget-friendly compared to ceramic coating. Easy Application: Most waxes are easy to apply, making it a popular choice for casual car enthusiasts. Enhanced Shine: Waxing can give your vehicle a glossy finish, making it look brand new. Examining Ceramic Coating Ceramic coating on the other hand, is a more technologically advanced method of protecting your car's exterior. Ceramic coatings are made of nanoparticles that bond with the paint, forming a sturdy protective layer that is semi-permanent. This coating is highly durable and is known for its long-lasting effects. Benefits of Ceramic Coating Longevity: Ceramic coatings can last for years, providing prolonged protection. Enhanced Protection: Offers superior protection against environmental contaminants and UV rays. Hydrophobic Properties: Ceramic coatings create a hydrophobic surface that repels water and dirt. Choosing the Right Option When deciding between waxing and ceramic coating, consider the following factors: Budget: If you are looking for a cost-effective solution that still offers decent protection, waxing might be the more suitable choice. Longevity: If you desire a long-lasting protective layer that requires minimal maintenance, ceramic coating is the better option. Usage: For daily drivers that are exposed to harsh conditions, ceramic coating may provide the necessary protection. In conclusion, both waxing and ceramic coating have their pros and cons. While waxing is a more traditional and affordable option, ceramic coating provides unmatched durability and protection. Depending on your budget, expected longevity, and usage patterns, you can make an informed decision on which option is the right choice for your vehicle. Remember to assess your priorities and preferences before making a decision, ensuring that your vehicle remains protected and looking pristine for years to come. Now that you're equipped with the knowledge of waxing versus ceramic coating, make an informed decision to keep your vehicle looking its best! This was just a brief comparison, we will delve deeper into each method in future posts. If you are still in a dilemma, why not speak to TidyRide and find out more .

This is an easy step by step guide on How to maintain your vehicles Ceramic Coating yourself. We can of course also do it for you. Warrany Conditions Do not wash your vehicle within the first 7 days. Do not wash your vehicle using harsh chemicals such as TFR, acids and caustic chemicals. Do not use automatic car washes, hand washing is the safest way to maintain your car. Return to TidyRide on an annual basis for a coating maintenance check. Wash your vehicle using the correct products listed in this maintenance guide and try to wash every 2 weeks on average. Car Care Process Wheels & Tyres Safely and effectively clean your wheels and ensure your coating is maintained. Pre Wash Safely remove visible road film from your vehicle using dedicated chemicals. Contact Washing Eliminate scratching and safely contact wash your ceramic coated vehicle. Drying Efficient drying procedure to eliminate water spots on your vehicle. Additional Contamination Learn how to tackle various types of contamination that can develop throughout your coatings life. Wheels & Tyres Make sure your wheels have cooled down before starting the wash procedure. Pressure wash the wheels and arches first to remove loose debris. Spray a 10:1 dilution (or weaker) wheel cleaner on the complete wheel and tyre, allow to dwell for 2-3 minutes but do not allow to dry. Using your chosen wheel brush or or mitt, agitate the soloution gently on the wheel and tyre. Follow up with a thorough rinse and ensure you only clean one wheel at a time. Pre-Wash Ensure your vehicle has cooled down or is out of direct sunlight before starting the process. If heavy insect deposits can be seen, we recommend the use of Insect Strip to remove with ease. Winter Prewash: Dilute Infinity Wax Citrus Prewash 10:1 in a pump sprayer or trigger bottle with warm water. Spray on the lower or more contaminated areas of the vehicle and allow to dwell for 2-3 minutes. Rinse well and do not allow to dry on the vehicle. If you have access to a foam lance, use Infinity Wax Powerfoam diluted 10:1 and spray over the entire vehicle. Allow to dwell for 5 minutes before rinsing. Summer Prewash: The use of Citrus prewash is recommended if the vehicle is very contaminated. If not, skip this step and use Infinity Wax Wipeout snowfoam at 10:1. Allow to dwell on the vehicle for 5 minutes before rinsing well. Contact Washing Always use a safe wash method such as the 2 bucket method. Fill both buckets with 10L of cold or warm water. Use 15-25ml of Infinity Wax Pure Shampoo in the wash bucket, then agitate the water with your pressure washer to create suds. Start washing your vehicle from top to bottom in a straight line motion. We recommend the use of a microfibre wash pad, never use a sponge as this can cause micro scratches on your coating. Rinse the wash pad in the rinse bucket after each panel and dont allow the shampoo to dry on the vehicle. Rinse thoroughly after the wash process. Drying Drying your vehicle will prevent water spots and the chance of etching or damage to your coating. We recommend a dedicated drying towel like the Infinity Wax Twist or similar. Dry your vehicle top to bottom and avoid using excess pressure when doing so. You may want to dry your wheels and we would recommend a seperate drying towel for this purpose. Drying towels used for wheels should never be used on the vehicle bodywork. A pet blower may also help disperse trapped water. Contamination Over the years, your vehicle may collect additional contamination such as tar or tree sap. Most organic contamination like this can be removed at home safely using Infinity Wax Liquefy tar & glue remover. Following the directions on the product, apply to localised area only. For expert advise, please contact TidyRide. If your vehicle has contamination that cannot be removed by the maintenance wash routine or dedicated decontamination products like Tar & Glue, you should contact TidyRide for guidance and possible coating inspection. Do not use caustic or acidic chemicals as this will invalidate your coatings warranty. If you require any of the maintenance products mentioned above please visit our shop at www.tidyride.co.uk

Have a special someone who is hard to buy a present for? Someone that has just bought a new car? Or maybe their car is just in desperate need of a TidyRide service. This would be a great present for them. Giftcards can easily be redeemed against Valeting, Detailing, Machine Polishing & Ceramic Coatings. E-gift certificates availble here . We can also issue Plastic, Reloadable Credit Card Style Gift Cards

If you are a car or bike dealership offering your customers a new vehicle, TidyRide can offer you a bespoke service to ceramic coat your customer purchase with exclusive packages. Ranging from one year to seven years protection with our high quality ceramic coatings. Message today to arrange a chat. Customers who are about to or have recently purchased a new vehicle are also welcome to contact us to take advantage of this service. TidyRide is the only Autobead accredited, Coating Farm accredited, Angel Wax accredited & Infinity Wax accredited detailer in Newton Abbot and only one of four in the whole of Devon. We are fully trained and accredited to apply the full range of Coating Farm Ceramics, from 3 months to 7 year coatings for a variety of surfaces including vehicle body, windows, interior, leather, wheels, suitable for cars, bikes, vans etc. Long lasting 9H hardness ceramic coatings with high levels of protection and super glossy finishes. Studio based in Newton Abbot. plus we also offer a fully mobile service. ——————————— 🌎: www.tidyride.co.uk ✉️: info@tidyride.co.uk 📞: 07396366584 ——————————— #cfcaccredited, #coatingfarm, #autobead

Remove Milk, Urine, Tobacco & other lingering smells permanently Bad smell in your car? looking for a professional car odour removal service? This cannot be done at your local hand car wash, you need a professional valeter / detailer with the Autosmart Aromatek odour neutralisation machine, a professional car odour eliminator. ​ TidyRide is the only valeter in Newton Abbot to have the technology to remove unwanted odours / bad smells from your car interior permanently. The Autosmart Aromatek machine uses dry-vapour to fill the car with an invisible ‘fog’ which contains 32 natural oils used to neutralise and eliminate bad odours such as animal, food & smoke. Aromatek Benefits Unlike using conventional methods such as fogging machines, air fresheners, household products or ‘magic trees’, the Aromatek machine uses natural essential oils to offer a clean, safe but most of all, permanent solution to removing unwanted odours. The main benefit of using such a machine is the ability to deodorize areas of the interior which cannot be seen, and therefore reached, by usual manual methods thus being able to clean the air vent system & between all areas of the interior which will also helps to create a cleaner, fresher environment. Odour Removal – Aromatek uses a blend of over 32 natural essential oils, designed to chemically neutralise and permanently eliminate odours caused from pets, food or nicotine sources. Fragrance Refresher –  Available in Lemon, Orchard (fruity), Vanilla and Leather, these fragrances have been designed to mask malodours and refresh the vehicle interior for an alternative to freshen stale interiors. What are the alternatives? Like anything there are always alternatives which in this case are often in the form of: Ozone fogging – This method can damage plastics and fabrics with its toxic output and can be dangerous to the operator using it which isn’t going to do your vehicle any good. Fogging – Often used by DJ’s these steam based fog machines use wet vapour which can damage electrics as well as lifting glued surfaces such as tax disk holders. This causes residue on windows and leaves interior damp, car requires re-valeting and drying out. Air fresheners/’Magic Tree’ – Cheap odour designed to mask the unwanted odours offering no odour removal benefit and very short shelf life. Household products – Designed for use around the house, these won’t eliminate odours in vehicle interiors as they don’t penetrate porous surfaces nor do they neutralise or remove bacteria. They can also stain interior fabric and trim, causing more damage than they are worth. Aromatek is the Solution The solution to remove odour is to use dry-vapour machines due to the safe, cleanliness of use and doesn’t require further valeting after treatment to remove any unwanted mess or condensation. This also ensures that your vehicle stays completely dry and won’t damage any trim or delicate surfaces. The natural oils which are vaporised and pumped around the interior penetrate porous surfaces and neutralise odours for a permanent solution. Best used after the interior has been fully vacuumed and cleaned, TidyRide will leave the Aromatek machine running in your vehicle for at least 2 hours to remove any odours and unwanted bad smells. You also have the option using the re-odourising service which pumps a long last fragrance into your vehicle WHY IS AROMATEK SUPERIOR TO THE ALTERNATIVES? ​ * AROMATEK is manufacturer approved for use on all vehicle marques * Guaranteed fabric and trim safe * Completely and permanently removes the malodour from deep within all porous surfaces * Won’t leave behind any residue or moisture * After extensive testing we have found none of the alternatives even come close to the results of AROMATEK Contact TidyRide today, they know how to permanently remove bad smells from your vehicle

TidyRide was fortunate enough to secure a stand at this years Southwest Autosport show held in Newton Abbot Racecourse. As well as a few new customers signing up for work to be done and others requiring us to visit them for quotes, we managed to catch up with several previous customers who were exhibiting their vehicles. It was nice of our competition winner Chris Earnshaw who won 2 weekend passes to come and say hello.

It’s about beauty for sure but its more than just a cosmetic issue, clouded lenses can pose a serious threat to safety, compromising night vision and reducing the effectiveness of your headlights by up to 80 percent, hence why they can fail an M.O.T With a quality headlight restoration process, the results can: Last several years; Cost significantly less than replacement; Improve safety Help your vehicle pass an M.O.T keep them out of our landfills. Headlights are usually moulded from polycarbonate polymer - tough stuff that really takes a beating and holds up amazingly well. However, over time, dust, debris, atmospheric chemicals, automatic car washes and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can break down the surface. Not only does it make the lenses look dull, it reduces the amount of light hitting the road whilst driving at night so they require maintenance at least once every few years, depending on driving conditions. Some types of damage, like cracks and stone chips may necessitate replacement of the headlight assembly but most foggy headlights can be returned to a like-new condition with a professional headlight restoration. So why not just buy new headlight Lenses? Headlights can be very expensive, ranging all the way up to and over £1,000 for some luxury cars. Professional headlight polishing provides a low-cost option to purchasing new lenses. You can buy after-market lights for some cars but they are not made as well, dont fit the same and dont last as long. Four Things to Know About Headlight Restoration Maybe you’re considering a do-it-yourself restoration and wondering how the results will compare to a professional job. Before you buy that kit or spray that insect repellent, here are four things you should know: 1. Pro Headlight Restoration Improves Driving Safety We tend to take our headlights for granted, as long as light keeps coming out of them. Even for those of us who faithfully check the fluids, pump up the tyres and wash and wax the body, headlights require so little maintenance that we tend to forget about them altogether. Headlight lenses are engineered to give you the best possible view of potential hazards when you drive at night, any dullness to the finish changes the amount and dispersion of light on the road, making it harder to see pedestrians, animals, vehicles and other objects. Because foggy lenses reduce light transmission, your vehicle is also less visible to oncoming traffic at a distance. Headlights are made of high-tech plastics that last for years and are overall safer than glass but plastic is subject to cloudiness and discoloration from radiation, chemicals and abrasives in the atmosphere, so it requires special care. Professional restorers use polishes and cleaners specifically designed for these materials, achieving optimal results without harming the lens or surrounding materials. 2. Headlight Restoration is Inexpensive We tend to associate big price tags with vehicle repairs, too often, it’s true. Headlight restoration doesn’t fall into that category. It costs around £50 for each lens. Compare that to a replacement cost of £250 to £1000 for a single headlight assembly and restoration becomes a no-brainer. While it can be tempting to cut corners and do the job yourself, professionals use custom designed tools and professional grade products, providing a better looking, longer lasting result for only a few pounds more than the cost of a do-it-yourself kit. So… 3. Should it Be Done Professionally? Sometimes the best tools and techniques make all the difference, and this is one of those times. You may have read about “home remedies” for headlight polishing, but some of these chemicals harm paint, gaskets and trim components around the headlight. Many people use insect repellent to restore headlights without realising that they are damaging the surface of the lens. Unlike polishes, this method chemically melts the headlight lens so that when you polish it with a cloth or paper towel, you’re actually rubbing the molten plastic into a smoother finish - very bad. As the surface of the headlight is chemically softened, it will attract even more particles and impurities, which usually makes the finish look dull again within a few days. Toothpaste polishing is another popular do-it-yourself method, but this type of abrasive is not specified for lens material (which is much softer than tooth enamel), and it can prematurely wear down the surface, shortening lens life. Professional restoration products and methods polish the plastic with micro-fine abrasives designed to bring the lenses back to a glass-like finish without unnecessary wear or chemical degradation to the plastic. 4. Professional Restoration Lasts Longer Professional restorers finish the job by applying a UV-resistant clear coat on the polished lens that keeps harmful ultraviolet rays from discolouring the plastic, like sunscreen for headlights. By using the right products and methods, professional restorers avoid damage to seals, chrome and the lens itself. As with a TidyRide valet / detail, headlight restoration can make a dramatic difference to the appearance (and functionality) of your headlights helping them pass an M.O.T. At £50, it’s some of the best money you’ll ever spend on your vehicles maintenance. TidyRide Headlight Restoration at a glance Step 1 – Inspect & Operation First we do a visual inspection of your vehicles headlights to check for chips or cracks that could compromise the restoration process. If they have previously been restored then there may be additional work needed especially if 2k paint clear coat has been used. This is a big no no. Step 2 – Clean & Prepare We clean the area around the lights to prevent contamination during the restoration process, then we carefully protect the bodywork around your vehicles headlights with valet-grade protective tapes and coverings. Taking care around and paint issues on the bumper. Step 3 – Restore Using a selection of specialist power tools, hand tools, sanding discs, polishing discs and compounds we gently power, hand sand and polish your vehicles headlights removing the expired finish and restoring the factory clarity and sparkle to the headlight lenses. Step 4 – Clean & Protect We high speed polish the lenses with a dedicated cleaner and sealant which also adds acrylic resins to aid in preventing future yellowing. Step 5 – Final Finish We use a spray on dedicated headlight clear coat which is resistant to UV rays and environmental conditions, adds a non yellowing, tough scratch and impact resistant coating over the lens surface. Finally we remove the protective tapes and coverings and clean the area as necessary.

People ask "what's the difference between a Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 Paint Correction, Paint Defect Removal or Machine Polishing?. If you are a detailer or enthusiast, you may already know that this refers to how many pad/polish combinations we use to complete a job. Although abrasive technology is changing very quickly and the introduction of diminishing abrasives can and sometimes do alter the stages somewhat, here is a general break down of the 3 different stages as they would be using traditional cutting grades. Stage 1 Paint Correction or Single Stage Paint Enhancement is just that, polishing the paint work in one stage or one step with only one type of polish and pad combination. This is suited to paint work in good condition already that have no real visible swirls and only very minor marring – the Stage 1 or Single Stage Machine Polish involves refining the paint work with a finishing polish and a finishing pad only and is generally not abrasive enough to remove swirl marks and scratches, it is then followed by a wax or paint sealant to protect the paint work. Stage 2 Paint Correction is suited to cars that have moderate swirl marks and light scratches and involves using 2 different polish and pad combinations; the first step is generally a cutting (abrasive) polish or compound to remove imperfections such as swirl marks, light scratches and other moderate paint defects. This is followed by a finishing polish and finishing pad to refine the paint work even further by removing any marring or holograms left by the previous step, it is then followed by a wax or paint sealant to protect the paint work. Stage 3 Paint Correction is suited to cars that have heavy swirl marks, scratches and other paint defects, it involves using 3 different polish and pad combinations, and this can also include spot wet sanding for heavier scratches. The first step is a heavy cutting compound with a heavy cutting pad to remove those deeper swirl marks and scratches, the second step is a cutting polish and polishing pad to remove further swirls marks followed by the finishing polish and finishing pad to further refine the paint work to a swirl, mar and hologram free finish, it is then followed by a wax or paint sealant to protect the paint work. Paint correction is a term that is now commonly used by both professional car detailers and car cleaning enthusiasts worldwide to describe the process of restoring and rejuvenating the paintwork of a vehicle, mostly through the elimination of surface imperfections, that dull, oxidize, or haze the surface by reflecting light off in various directions, therefore detracting from a true and proper, clean, sharp, reflection. These imperfections include things like swirl marks & fine scratches, bird dropping etching & acid rain etching, hologramming & buffer trails, and random isolated deep scratches (or RIDS). The term paint correction should only really be used if these imperfections are properly removed and are not just merely covered up or hidden with filler based products. The actual corrective process itself comprises of a small amount of clear coat or paint being removed from the surface with the use of abrasive polishes, which are applied and worked in with appropriate polishing machines, in order to level out the surface. Before any paint correction is undertaken, a thorough wash and decontamination of the vehicle is performed. Paintwork is properly washed and cleaned to remove any loose dirt and debris, then after the wash process is clayed with a specialist automotive clay bar, which safely removes any bonded surface contaminants such as tar spots and industrial fallout. It is important these contaminants are removed before the paint correction process because if they were to become dislodged and caught up in the pad of a polishing machine, they could easily inflict damage onto the surface very quickly. It also helps to leave the surface very smooth, which in turn, allows the polishing machine to move freely over the surface, reducing the possibility of hopping or sticking occurring. Lastly, claying the paintwork helps you to properly observe the progress of the correction process because you can see the true condition of the surface as you are working. The polishing is usually a multistage process as a range of different grades of polish are used, ranging from heavier cutting compounds, which remove the surface material, to finer products which then remove any marks that the heavier products may have inflicted and generally refine the finish. During the paint correction process it is common for a paint depth gauge to be used. This measures the thickness of the paint on the metal panel and is used before, during and after the process to monitor how much material is being removed and ensure an excess is not removed which could leave the paint too thin or even cause irreversible damage such as a strike through the paint. Specialist halogen or LED lamps which replicate the effect of direct sunlight on the surface are also used during the process to check the condition of the paintwork and see how successfully the surface scratches and imperfections are being removed. Some scratches or imperfections may actually be too deep or severe to safely remove without risking removing to much surface paint or clear coat and so are minimized and reduced as best as possible using techniques with the machine polisher and polish products that round off the edges of the scratches and make them far less apparent in direct light. After correction, the panels are wiped down with an isopropyl alcohol which removes any oils that may have been left over from the polish and reveals the true finish, including any areas that may have been missed or require a little more work. Once complete, fully corrected paintwork will shine brilliantly and produce stunning reflections because there are now no longer any scratches and imperfections to scatter and reflect the light rays off in different directions. Paint correction is a very labor intensive process and is usually the most time consuming part of the car detailing process. Consequently, it commands high premiums from professional detailers & car cleaners, and amateurs or enthusiasts should only attempt to correct their own paintwork if they are completely confident in doing so or have enough experience to carry it out safely. In conclusion, paint correction is the process of removing surface scratches and imperfections from a vehicles paintwork, which involves the use of machine polishers and a range of different polish products. A fully corrected vehicle when viewed in direct sunlight will show only true reflections and no swirl marks, scratches or blemishes will be visible to the naked eye. Lastly, it is important to distinguish between paintwork that has been truly corrected and paintwork that has been treated with products that are designed to mask and fill surface imperfections such as an all in one polish for example. This should not be referred to as paint correction even if no scratches or blemishes are apparent, because they have not been genuinely removed and are still present under the products fillers, which in time, will wash away and reveal them once more.