Correction %

I have have been reading about detailing for a while and have been confused on how a percentage of correction is determined. Shops offer 50-70% 70-90% 90-99% How do you determine when you have done enough correction? Is there a scale?

 

They're just educated guesses really. No one is measuring the total surface area of the car and that of the uncorrected areas to come up with an percentage.

 

To me it would be how many steps you add to the process, one step about 50%, with each additional adding another 25%, but I am just guessing.

 

I don't think it has to do with the steps. Some paint that's new and very little swirls from shipping can easily correct out with one step. Some softer paint that is very swirly can fully correct with one step also.

 

To me, 100% is like the paint is better than factory condition. Meaning no factory sanding marks and no orange peel.

 

This situation is exactly why I don't use % when explaining my work to a client. I explain with what is visually calculable. For example: "Corrected almost to perfection" or "corrected to get rid of the spider-webs and some deep scratches" or even "polished to slightly brighten up the paint" The client understands much easier and is not trying to measure the work himself, which could cause issues if we don't agree on what %90 is.

 

well in that case you would not be doing a 50% if its that light then you would just remove it all, more work= greater precentage.
I think JoeyV said it best.

 

With experience, you'll be able to tell people very closely what they can expect from a one, two or multi step correction based on what kind of car they have and what products you have in your arsenal. Your definitions are probably a better way to go about it because, as we all know, shit happens.

 

Ken hit it right on the nose as well as JoeyV, both valid points. For the last 3 years I only do 100% corrections just due to the fact if I correct something say 50-70% and someone asked hey who did your car and they throw my name out there without explaining they only paid for a 50-70% job it looks bad on my part.

 

That makes sense but what happens when you receive a car that has certain areas with low paint readings. It wouldn't make sense to correct that area with the possibility of premature clear coat failure.

 

I always take my paint thickness meter, a couple of Brinkmann Lights, a bottle of Zaino Z-6 QD, and a few microfibers to clean, measure, look at the paint condition, and determine from experience what I can do vs what the Client wants and is paying for. I then evaluate all this and set the expectations for the Client in a way that they understand. I show them and tell them I will be able to remove "these defects, etc.," and where the low paint is, and explain what is coming out and what may not be able to come out for that price point. Some people are interested in this, more people are not really, but are extremely happy with the results because the paint looks so much better and clearer under the halogen lights, and outside when we actually have sun here.

And as Jimmy Lucci has also said, I try to make it as much a perfect correction as possible, so that no one can look at it later and say - "who did that" ? with disdain..

The one thing that will always help make up for possibly not the best results or surprises after all of this careful pre-work, is if you are working with someone else, so you can keep it all in balance with more volume and more opportunities to get some "easier" ones mixed in there..

Just have to go with your experience, gut feelings, and hope for the best; give your best estimate balanced with what the Client is paying for, and go with it..

Dan F

 

I just pass on the car or refer someone else who will do a one or two step!

 

Elitist!!

 

:afro: I'll call you tomorrow Ken! How did the 612 turn out by the way!

 

Just finishing it up in the am. Turned out great. Paint was soft as hell. Everything was marring the shit out of it.

 

These are just estimate, actual results will depend on exact paint conditon.
1-Step correction will correct 50-70%
2-Steps correction 70-90%
3 or/and more steps correction - 90-99%.
Again, results will vary depending on paint condition and your skill level...Paint correction is time consuming and tiring process...