How Long Does Paint Correction Take?
Short answer: a single-stage correction takes 4–6 hours; a multi-stage correction on neglected paint takes 1–2 full days. Anyone quoting "90 minutes" is polishing over the problem.
Why the range is wide
Correction is measured work: wash + decontamination (1–2 hours), paint inspection and thickness readings, then machine polishing panel by panel. Light swirls need one polishing pass; deep oxidation and water-spot etching need compounding *then* refinement passes. Big vehicles add surface area.
Stage guide
| Condition | Stages | Time | |-----------|--------|------| | Light swirls, newer car | 1 | 4–6 h | | Moderate swirls + oxidation | 2 | 8–10 h | | Neglected / show-car finish | 3+ | 1.5–2 days |
Can it be split across days?
Yes — mobile correction is often split: decon + heavy compounding day one, refinement day two. The car can be driven between sessions.