The terms get used interchangeably, but they're different services. Here's what each one actually removes from your paint.
Paint correction is a machine-polishing process that levels the clear coat to remove swirl marks, light scratches, and holograms — restoring gloss and depth on paint that's structurally sound.
Paint restoration is broader: it may include heavier compounding, multi-stage polishing, wet sanding on isolated defects, and treatment of oxidation on older or heavily neglected paint.
A one-step polish enhances gloss. A two- or three-stage correction is what removes real swirl marks. Restoration is what we recommend for oxidized single-stage paint or cars that have never been properly detailed.
After either service, we always recommend sealing the freshly corrected paint with a ceramic coating so the work lasts years instead of months.
