A paint correction detail is a meticulous, multi-stage process that uses machine polishers, compounds, and pads to permanently remove or significantly reduce imperfections like swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and water spots from a vehicle's clear coat, restoring its original gloss, clarity, and depth, making it look better than new.

Unlike simple waxing or polishing, it involves carefully leveling microscopic layers of the clear coat to eliminate defects, not just mask them.