Platinum Brothers
CUT & POLISH
PAINT CORRECTION
A Understanding About and What Goes into the Process of Cut & Polish (Paint Correction)
With a couple of years of knowledge and understanding about Cut & Polish, it's best to always do your research and learn the process what goes into paint correction.
Especially how easy it is to damage your paint if not done correctly...
What is a Cut & Polish?
A Cut and Polish is a timely task that removes fine layers of clear coating using a cream compound and buffing machine. This requires a tedious amount of attention as it compacts the layers and smooths the surface in result removing any light to medium imperfections. This means a Cut and Polish enhances the vehicles' appearance by removing imperfections and giving it glossier glamorous look.
What can a Cut & Polish fix?
A Cut & Polish, also known as paint correction…effectively addresses and fixes a variety of paint imperfections including Faded Paint, Light to Medium Scratches, Swirl Marks, Early on Water Spots, Entry Marks, Trail Marks, Holograms, Light Oxidations, Ghosting and Bird Droppings.
This procedure not only restores clarity and shine to your paint but enhances the overall aesthetic by removing contaminants and revealing the true colour of the paint, ultimately restoring your vehicles' natural appearance.
What You Can Expect and Guarantee From Us!
Faded Paint
Trail Marks
Light to Medium Scratches
Holograms
Swirl Marks
Early on Water Marks
Entry Marks
Light Oxidations
Ghosting
Bird Droppings
Improved Paint and Shine
Improved Gloss and Clarity
Increased Value
Swirl Marks
• Light thin circular scratches, hardly noticeable but visible in natural lighting or indoor lights, appearing like a spider-web. Formed by improper washing techniques, car washing machines or environmental factors. The most common being dirt and sand being caught on sponges or wash mitts when washing, even after drying and not using a suitable microfabric cloth.
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Depending on the variety, this problem can be solved with Single Stage or Dual Stage Cut and Polish, achieving great results.
Entry Marks
• On your way to your vehicle's door handle, you could possibly notice marks. These marks contribute to fingernails, rings, keys or other objects in your hand while opening your door. Not easy to fix but doable with our smaller polisher machines to get into tight spaces. Leave it to us!
Trail Marks
• Trail Marks, also known as "trail rash" or "pinstripes," are caused by bushes, plants or low-hanging tree branches. Typically, it can happen from coming in-out of driveways or even on tight narrow roads, leaving scratches and scrapes.
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This can be difficult depending on how deep the scratches and scrapes go. But in most cases, this can be fixed with Single Stage or Dual Stage Cut and Polish.
Note: if too deep, this is something we can’t fix.
Early on Water Spots
• With numerous types of watermarks, we’ll focus on the main two for this subject. Firstly, Type 1 being primarily dirt or mineral (calcium and magnesium) deposits in water droplet forms that end up drying if not cleaned off, in return leaving watermarks. It can be easily fixed with clay barring or watermark chemicals.
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• Type 2 watermarks are formed by type 1 but left untreated can form type 2, becoming an issue and sticking to the paint. This is known as light etchings, chemically bound when sunlight hits and paint is consumed or dissolved.
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This can be solved with a Dual Stage Cut and Polish, returning your paint to once what it was!
Light Oxidations Defects
• Oxidation Defects, also known as sun fading, are due to extreme relentless UV rays of the sun, water and oxygen. Resulting in a dull and chalky aged appearance on a vehicle as well as in worse cases, White Rings or Patches.
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This can be corrected IF Not Damaged By Heavy Oxidation, with a Single Stage to Dual Stage Cut and Polish. ONLY if there is enough CLEAR COAT to work with.
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In the worst cases, this can lead to extreme problems down the line if not corrected sooner like Clear Coat Failure.
Holograms
• Holograms are caused by improper technique on the rotary polisher/buffer machine or, in other cases using the wrong equipment and having polisher/buffer pads worn out. In return, leaving buffer trails or in other terms, known as "zebra stripes."
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This can be fixed with Single Stage or Dual Stage Cut and Polish depending on the damage, BUT it’s always good to make sure a professional does the job.
Ghosting
• Ghosting refers to the faint, nearly invisible outline stains of a sticker or decal appearing after being removed. With the underneath the sticker/decal being well-preserved, surrounding areas of the paint may be oxidised, creating a contrast.
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Without trying to cause any more damage, this can be resolved with a Dual Stage Cut and Polish.
Bird Droppings
​• One of the worst imperfections is Bird Dropping, which can be very damaging if NOT removed sooner. IF not removed, this cause the droppings to eat away on any painted vehicle because of how acidic it can be. AND, especially when parked outside in extreme hot and dry weather, it only amplifies more damage.
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NOTE: some cases can be unfortunate to the point where it eats through clear coat But there will be more on this topic down below…
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Most times, this can be fixed with a Single or Dual Stage Cut and Polishes depending on the results, BUT most importantly it’s always to consider washing off any droppings IMMEDIATELY!
Promblems That Platinum Brothers CAN’T FIX with a Cut & Polish
Deep Scratches
Unfortunately, overtime scratches can appear all over a vehicle due to circumstances or wear and tear. Light to medium scratches can be corrected BUT once deep scratches appear where they have broken through the Clear Coat, then unfortunately will need to be resprayed with new paint.
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A Cut and Polish will make little to no effect of a difference, only making the scratch thinner But still being visible.
Missing Paint
Simply, if there is any missing paint striped past undercoat, bare metal or chips, then the only solution here is for a body shop to respray or touch up your vehicle.
Key Marks
Nothing worse than needless vandalism, and once again, unfortunately there is no solution we can offer. The only other option is a respray or touch-up.
Heavy Water Spots
Heavy water spots or Type 3 watermarks as what we call them and, is where it’s consumed or dissolved most clear coat eating away at the paint. This is known as deep etching and is NOT recommended to Cut and Polish as there is not much clear coat to work with.
Clear Coat Failure
Clear Coat Failure is an extreme version of oxidation, BUT this time it breaks away and destroys Clear Coating over time, resulting in peeling, flaking, and dullness. The requirement to fix this issue is to get a respray.
Egg Damage
The thought of egging a vehicle to be harmless, just like Shrapnel. When the egg explodes, the shell digs into the paint on impact, causing a circular crater of fragments. The only way to fix this is a touch-up or respray.
Aged Bird Droppings
​Some Aged Bird Droppings CAN be removed depending on how deep the etching is. HOWEVER, when it’s aged, that’s a big problem. And when the Bird Droppings have formerly bonded to the paint, it creates a corrosive compound. Hardening and fusing itself, leaving a nasty stain. When you see cracking and crazing, that means it has penetrated through Clear Coat. In other words, no amount of polishing will remove all signs of the defect.
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Ideally, if you can live with it or get a professional to respray that defected panel.
Rust is on a different level and requires a PROFESSIONAL to look at and repair.
Rust
STEP TO STEP IN THE PROCESS WE TAKE INTO GIVING YOU THE BEST CUT AND POLISH
1. FULL WASH
Thoroughly clean, removing any contaminants, bugs, iron particles, dirt and other grimes. Using the best chemicals and equipment to get the job done.
4. TAPING
Full prep up before we commence with Cut and Polish, taping any areas/surfaces around and on top of the vehicle that needs protection.
2. FULL CLAY BARRING
Making sure there are no other contaminants left on the vehicle, leaving a clean, smooth finish ready for a Cut and Polish
5. CUT & POLISH TIME
Proceeding to give your vehicle the full CUT treatment and measuring in-between to get the best results.
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Moving onto a Full POLISH treatment finishes making your vehicle standout like a mirror.
3. FULL WALKTHROUGH INSPECTION AND MEASUREMENTS
Using our measuring gauge to level out and see how much clear coat we can work with, making sure the paint isn’t too thin.
6. FULL RINSE
Cleaning off and removing any compounds left from our POLISH, making sure your vehicle gets the best review.
7. ADD ON PROTECTION (CERAMIC COATING)
Preferring what you desire, we can add CERAMIC COATING for the needed extra protection, ensuring the best high-class results.
WHAT PLATINUM BROTHERS HAS TO OFFER (CUT & POLISH PACKAGES)
PLEASE NOTE: DOESN’T INCLUDE Interior Clean. MUST be added if interested.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQS) About Cut & Polish (Paint Correction)
1. How does Cut & Polish (Paint Correction) work and what goes into getting the job done?
​​Cut and Polish (Paint Correction) involves using specialised machine tools built to attract thin layers of Clear Coat, with buffing pads, special cream compounds and precision and rightful technique to get the job done. All this needs to be exact, as if unsure and inexperienced could make an error.
2. Is Cut and Polish (Paint Correction) a safe method for my Vehicle?
Absolutely, if done right with professionals. Then it’s a straight yes! There are many ways and methods that can be implemented and done correctly, BUT are they the right equipment, tools, buffing pads, the right compounds and technique? Always ensure first before making your choice.
3. What is a measuring gauge tool used for and why is it needed?
To put it simply, this tool is used to measure how much Clear Coat we can work with, as this is very important for the health of your vehicle. Also, it allows us to establish a base ground ensuring the paint in-between, on both steel and aluminium body panels. Making our point if it’s safe to work on your vehicle or not due to thin layers of clear coat.
4. How long does it take for a Cut and Polish (Paint Correction)?
This varies on the type of vehicle, size and how much work is needed to get the job done correctly.
5. Can a Cut and Polish (Paint Correction) be done on all paint jobs?
No, paint jobs such as Matte paint, Satin finishes and certain chrome paints can actually change the original look of appearance or even damage the paint entirely. It’s best to look at a professional that qualifies in Paint Protection Film (PPF) as that’s the best choice for those special paints.
6. Is Cut and Polish (Paint Correction) an Investment?
A big definite YES as it not only improves resale value of your vehicle but is also like buying brand new all over again. Enhancing the overall appearance and bringing clarity.
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It’s also recommended to add Ceramic Coating as it protects the work done on your vehicle, ensuring your vehicle lasts longer and stays glamorous.
7. Rules and information needed before your booking.
Due to our circumstances being mobile, the following are required before we make the appointment go ahead. With Cut and Polish being a very delicate and technical job. We must be in an open space away from any trees that may drop debris or areas that may be dusting or with pollen, as it’s crucial that we don’t damage or scratch paint while attending the service.
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IF on the day it’s HOT outside, we may ask to relocate under a carport or garage as the heat affects the result of the finishing product.
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IF on the day it rains, depending on the factor, we’ll ask for undercover locations. IF this cannot be provided, we will reschedule for another day that suits your convenience.
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NOTE: We will also ask about the information and health on your vehicle, and that you could provide photo evidence so that we know what we are working with.