Does Paint Correction Increase My Car Value?

When it comes to selling your car or simply keeping it looking its best, appearance matters a lot. A shiny, flawless exterior can instantly make your car look newer, better maintained, and more appealing to buyers. But one question many car owners have is: Does paint correction increase my car’s value?

The answer to this is yes, it does in many cases. Paint correction is used to replenish the glass and the sheen of the paint on your car, and it removes years of scratches and dents. One of the best methods of enhancing the value of your vehicle and ensuring that they are noticed in a crowded market is the way to go. Let us unravel how exactly this is done and why it can be a wise expenditure on your car.

What Is Paint Correction?

We should have a discussion on what paint correction is before discussing its impact on the value of cars. Simply stated, paint correction refers to a professional level of detailing that is aimed at eliminating defects on the surface of the car paint. These defects consist of:

• Swirl marks
  
• Fine scratches
  
• Water spots
  
• Oxidation (faded or dull paint)
  
• Holograms and light scuff marks

Why Paint Correction Matters for Car Value

First impressions are important when selling a car. Once a potential customer approaches your car, he or she makes a conclusion about the appearance of your car. Although your engine might be in great condition, the paint might be dull or the scratches may be noticeable and thus make it look like the car is not well-maintained.

1. Restores Like-New Appearance

A professional paint correction detailing job to the paint makes your car look as if it were a brand new paint. It eliminates years of surface abuse that has accumulated through washing, UV rays and debris. The glossy finish gives the vehicle a very smooth look which in turn raises the visual appeal of the vehicle and you can therefore negotiate a higher selling price.

2. Reflects Proper Maintenance

The buyers tend to connect the condition of the car on the outside with the overall maintenance condition. A vehicle appearing clean, shiny and perfect conveys to the buyer the fact that its owner has taken proper care of it. Conversely, they may doubt the history of the vehicle due to scratches, oxidation, and poor paint.

3. Helps Compete in the Market

When you are selling your car in a competitive market, even the smallest detail counts. The car that has been subjected to auto detailing paint repair will be distinguished amongst other models of a similar type. It takes a better picture to post in online ads and captures the interest of potential customers quickly.

4. Prevents Future Paint Damage

Paint correction is also the way to avoid additional deterioration by fixing the clear coat. It also eliminates dirt that may cause rust or irreparable damage to your car, long-lasting maintenance of your car’s paint. Serious buyers do not overlook such value of maintenance.

How Paint Correction Boosts Resale Value

However, now, we are going to look deeper into how paint correction on a car can in fact add value to the car resales- and why professional detailers will even suggest paint repair before selling a car.

1. It Enhances the Car’s Curb Appeal

It is not only the houses that need curb appeal but cars do as well. When you leave your car in a parking lot or take pictures on the internet, the reflection and gloss of the new pristine paint job can change your car to look more high-end. Older cars can also be made to look like the one that buyers desire which will attract buyers.

A five-year-old car with poorly painted paint could sell for cheaper than a car that is well repainted. That gloss would mean that the car has been well maintained and this offers more confidence to the buyers.

2. It Can Add Hundreds (or Even Thousands) in Value

The value of your resale can increase by hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and the condition of the vehicle. Professional car detailing and paint correction depend on your situation. Although the price of a complete paint restoration may change, it could be a good investment against the value added as a result of the sale.

3. It Improves Paint Longevity

The more you correct and take care of your paint, the less likely it is to fade and be damaged. It implies that there are fewer touch-ups and fewer repaintings to do and therefore saves you money in the long run. This is another useful advantage, in case it lasts a few years before you can sell your car.

4. It Increases Buyer Trust

Suppose you are going to purchase a car and you find a car with faded paint, swirls, and scratches–and another car with smooth and glossy mirror paint. Which would you choose? The vast majority of buyers will naturally gravitate towards the one that appears to be of newer origin, even when of the same model year. A neat outside will create trust and confidence which are converted into high offers.

5. It Complements Interior and Engine Detailing

When you are doing auto paint correction it is often the perfect match with full interior and engine detailing as well. When the car looks immaculate, the whole appearance will justify a high asking price.

Tips for Getting the Best Paint Correction Results

The following are some of the tips to consider in case you are considering having the paint of your car fixed:

• Choose a certified detailer: Find someone close to me who has experience in repairing car paint so that he or she has the right tools and techniques.
  
• Ask for a paint inspection: Before commencing, a professional will examine the thickness and faults of the paint.
  
• Don’t rush the process:  Detailed correction of paint using a proper detailing technique can require hours or even days of time depending on the nature of the correction required.
  
• Protect the finish afterward: Coat with a good quality a high quality wax, sealant or coating to hold in the shine.
  
• Maintain it regularly: Wash it with pH-balanced soaps and soft microfiber towels, so as not to repeat swirl marks.

What Does Paint Correction Cost?

The price will be based on the size of your car, the condition of the paint and the place of the car. Professional paint repair may cost between $300 and $1,000+. Although that might appear as a large investment, keep in mind–it can always put more value into it than it takes away, particularly in the event you are about to sell.

For example:

• Basic correction (light polishing): $300–$500
  
• Medium correction (two-stage polish): $600–$900
  
• Full correction (multi-stage): $1,000 or more
  

It is no comparison to the value of added resale which can far surpass the cost as in the case of luxury or sports vehicles.

Conclusion

Therefore, does paint restoration add to the value of your car? Absolutely. If the paint correction is conducted correctly, it can change the look of your car and fix the years of flaws, as well as make your vehicle appear like a new one. It increases curb appeal, improves buyer confidence and in many cases, increases the offers when selling.

To learn more or book professional detailing services, visit Izzy’s Auto Detailing today.

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