Will Paint Correction Fix Rock Chips When Done by Professionals in Irvine, California?

Paint correction does not fix rock chips. It improves surface gloss by removing swirl marks, oxidation, and light scratches from the clear coat. Repairing rock chips requires touch up paint or professional bodywork. In Irvine, professionals often combine both services to restore paint finish and minimize chip visibility.

At OC Mobile Detailing, we often help customers who want both cosmetic correction and chip repair done in one visit. While paint correction can improve shine and clarity, it won't cover chips. That's why addressing both with proper tools and techniques is the best way to restore and protect your car's finish.

What Are Rock Chips?

Rock chips are small marks caused by small stones or debris hitting the car, usually while driving. These chips often happen on the front bumper, hood, or near the wheel wells. Some chips are tiny and only scratch the surface. Others go deeper and remove layers of paint.

Deeper chips can show the gray primer or even bare metal underneath the paint. These areas are not just a cosmetic problem, they can rust over time if left open. Because paint correction only removes defects on the surface, it can't reach or cover these deeper spots.

How Do Professionals Fix Rock Chips?

To fix rock chips, detailers or body shops use touch up paint or other repair methods. The goal is to fill the chipped area with paint that matches the car's color. This helps protect the surface and reduce how noticeable the chip is.

There are a few ways professionals in Irvine repair chips:

• Touch Up Paint: Small amounts of matching paint are applied to each chip using a fine brush or pen. This works well for small chips, though they may still be slightly visible afterward.
• Paint Blending: For larger or many chips in one area, a repair tech may blend new paint into the surrounding area. This looks smoother but is more expensive.
• Spot Repainting: This is a small scale paint job over a specific part of the panel. It may include sanding, repainting, and applying a new clear coat.
• Paint Protection Film or Coating: These are applied after the repair to help prevent new chips from forming.

Why Irvine Professionals Combine Services

In Irvine, many detailing services offer both paint correction and rock chip repair. This is helpful because it allows the surface to be treated as a whole. Instead of just polishing or just filling chips, these shops can handle both tasks together.

Here's how it usually works:

• Chips are cleaned and filled with touch up paint.
• Once dry, paint correction is done over the area.
• Then, a protective layer like a ceramic coating or film is applied.

This order helps protect both the repair and the polished surface.

Irvine's Local Conditions Matter

Drivers in Irvine often deal with conditions that affect car paint. There is a lot of sunlight year round, which can fade and weaken paint over time. There's also plenty of road traffic, especially on highways like I-5 and the 405, which increases the chances of getting rock chips.

Because many cars in Irvine are newer or high value, drivers often want their vehicles to look clean and well kept. That's why many local detailers offer full appearance packages, including chip repair, correction, and protection.

Tools Used by Irvine Detailers

Here are some common tools and products used by professionals in the area:

• Buffing machines with adjustable speed
• Microfiber pads for polishing
• OEM color matched touch up kits
• Clay bars to remove surface dirt
• Paint thickness meters to check clear coat levels
• LED lights to spot paint defects
• Sealants and ceramic coatings for added protection

How Much It Might Cost

Here are estimated prices for services commonly offered in Irvine:

Prices depend on the size of the vehicle, the condition of the paint, and the number of chips. Some detailers offer bundles if you combine multiple services.

What to Think About Before Scheduling

Before you get any service done, it's good to ask a few questions:

• Will the rock chips be repaired before or after paint correction?
• Do you use paint that matches my car's color code?
• How long will the work take?
• Can I wash or wax the car right after?
• Do you apply any protective coating once the work is done?

This helps you understand what you're getting and how to take care of your car after the service is finished.

Should You Fix Chips Before Paint Correction?

Yes, it's usually better to fix chips first. If you polish over chipped paint, it can draw more attention to the damaged spots. The polish reflects light evenly, so the rough parts of the chips can stand out more. Fixing the chips first gives the surface a more even look.

Also, applying a ceramic coating or paint protection film works better after the surface is clean and repaired. The coating will bond better and last longer if the base layer is smooth and sealed.