3-Stage Show-Quality Paint Correction
What we see in Portland garages
3-Stage Paint Correction is our most aggressive, highest-clarity correction service. Heavy compound, medium polish, fine refining polish - three machine-polishing passes designed to bring even severely defective paint back to show-quality, swirl-free clarity.
How we approach it
It's the right service for restored classics, neglected paint that needs serious work, deep-color paints (black, dark blue) where every defect shows, or any car where 'good enough' isn't the goal. The result is paint that looks better than the day it left the factory - under any lighting.
What to expect on the day
Multi-day project. Vehicles typically stay at our partner facility for indoor controlled-light work. We strongly recommend pairing 3-stage with our 5 or 9-year ceramic coating to lock in the result.
What's included
Every job comes with the same checklist. No surprises.
- Full pre-wash, decontamination, iron-remover, clay-bar
- Stage 1: heavy cutting compound on every panel
- Stage 2: medium polish to remove compound haze
- Stage 3: fine finishing polish for ultimate clarity
- IPA panel-wipes between stages
- Inspection under multiple lighting types between stages
- Final sealant or coating-ready prep
- Glass polished and refined as final step
- Paint thickness measurement throughout
How it works
Detailed quote
Under inspection lighting we map every defect, measure paint thickness, and confirm 3-stage is the right level.
Strip and decontaminate
Full wash, iron-remover, clay-bar, IPA wipe - paint perfectly clean before compounding.
Three machine stages
Heavy compound, medium polish, finishing polish - each panel inspected before moving on.
Reveal and protect
Final IPA wipe under multiple lighting types confirms swirl-free finish. Sealant or coating prep follows.
Why this matters in the Pacific Northwest
The PNW is brutal on paint
Restored classics and high-end show cars routinely need 3-stage to reach concours-level clarity. We work on enough of these locally to know what each color and clear-coat type wants.
Why technique actually matters
Black, dark blue and red paints in PNW conditions show every swirl. 3-stage is often the only way to get them truly clean.
City vs. backroad realities
Pre-coating, this is the prep level we'd recommend before a 5 or 9-year ceramic. The coating then locks in years of show-quality finish.
What affects the price
Every property is different. These are the things we look at when we quote.
- Vehicle size
- Color and paint hardness
- Severity of defects
- Whether followed by a 5 or 9-year ceramic coating
- Specialty paint (matte, satin, candy, PPF)
Related services
Ready to book your detail?
Tell us your vehicle, your zip, and what kind of finish you're after. We'll come back same-day with a real quote and a slot on the calendar.