Paint Correction & The Art of The Test Spot

Paint correction is art, skill, knowledge and of course product. But for paint correction to be profitable it also needs to be a repeatable system that can be taught to anyone. Unfortunately for many, this means going on a forum and asking “hey what pad should I use for…?” Our honest answer should be “how the heck should we know, ask the paint!”

A few years ago. I’m not sure exactly how many. I opened a detail shop with little experience, no customers and a frustration with how the industry worked in my area. I signed up for a 3 day advanced training, that I had no business attending. That training changed my life, in so many ways. At the time, I didn’t know who he was, but Jason Rose was the main instructor. I entered the class afraid to polish on my own vehicle. I returned and was damp sanding on a Porsche.

Today I have been part of teaching many paint correction classes. I have had several industry greats out to my area and hosted classes they taught and got to teach alongside them in many cases. While there was a lot to learn, the single most important thing I take away from every class I teach or attend is the art of the test spot.

Let’s be clear. The brand does not matter. The equipment does not matter. The vehicle does not matter. There are two simple things you should do at the beginning of every paint correction project. Measure the paint thickness and perform your test spots.

For me, I tend to reach for my Flex cordless DA random orbital polisher or my Barjack 15mm. I grab a Buff and Shine “Oreo” pad, Maroon and Blueberry. If I am looking to do a one step correction, I reach for my P&S Rehab Correction Creem.

You’ll hear me say this next part over and over again. Three spots. One with each pad. Shoulder width. Two pads high. Cross-hatch. 45 seconds to a minute working time. That process should help you find the right pad. If it does not. We may be looking at a two step correction. We’ll cover than soon.