What's the difference between paint correction and machine polishing?

Machine polishing is the technique — using a dual-action or rotary polisher with a pad and compound. Paint correction is the goal — measurably removing defects from the clear coat. Light machine polishing is sometimes called gloss enhancement; deeper work is single- or two-stage correction.

Will polishing damage my paint?

Done correctly, no. Each correction removes a few microns of clear coat — modern paint has around 100–150 microns of clear to begin with. A trained detailer measures paint thickness before and after, and stops well short of any layer that would compromise long-term durability. Aggressive cutting on thin clear is what damages paint.

How long does a paint correction take?

Single-stage correction on a Medium car is a half-day to full day on site. A full two-stage correction is a full day, sometimes split across two visits when the prep is heavy. We'll give you a realistic estimate after the photo inspection.

Can you remove every scratch?

Scratches that don't catch a fingernail are almost always correctable. Scratches that do catch a nail go through the clear coat and need wet-sanding or a touch-up — that's a different conversation and not every car or paint is a good candidate.

Do I need a ceramic coating after correction?

Not strictly, but it's the standard pairing. The whole point of correction is a defect-free finish, and a coating helps maintain it by making weekly washing less risky. If a coating isn't right for your situation, a high-grade sealant or wax also works.

Mobile car detailing London

Paint correction & machine polishing in London

Wash marring, swirl marks, holograms from a previous detailer, water-spot etching and oxidation all live in the top few microns of the clear coat. The detailers on the Valetly platform measure the paint, plan the correction, and remove the defects with a dual-action polisher — at your address, not at a studio.

Fixed

All-in prices

from £49 — shown before you book

Every job

Before & after photos

uploaded the moment work finishes

GPP-13

Waterless eco method

zero runoff on At-Home jobs

Live

ETA tracking

follow your valet on the way

Before & after photos Eco low-water method Satisfaction guaranteed Fixed prices, all-in Same-day slots

What's covered

What proper detailing includes

Detailing is a different category from a car wash — paint is treated, corrected and protected, and the interior gets equipment a wash simply doesn't carry. Here's what that means on the day.

Inspection & paint-thickness check

Before any compound goes on a panel, we measure the paint thickness, inspect under direct LED light and decide between gloss enhancement, single-stage correction or a two-stage approach.

Gloss enhancement

A one-pass polish that removes light wash marring and hazing. Best for newer cars or as prep before a ceramic coating on paint in good condition.

Single-stage correction

A medium-cut polish to remove visible swirls and light scratches that don't catch a fingernail. Roughly 60–80% defect removal on most paint, depending on hardness.

Two-stage correction

A heavier cut to remove RIDS (random isolated deep scratches), holograms and oxidation, finished with a refining polish for a haze-free gloss. Recommended for high-value cars and ceramic coating prep on paint with real defects.

Tiers

Detailing tiers & pricing

The Signature Detail and Interior Wash are bookable online at fixed prices for a Medium car (Large/SUV +£15). Ceramic coatings and paint correction are quoted after a quick photo inspection — paint condition matters too much to guess.

Half-day

Gloss enhancement

from £179

One-pass polish to lift wash marring and add gloss. Pairs well with a ceramic spray sealant.

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Half- to full day

Single-stage correction

from £229

Medium-cut machine polish to remove visible swirls. Quoted on car size and paint condition.

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Full day

Two-stage + ceramic

from £449

Cut and refine to remove RIDS and holograms, finished with a long-life ceramic coating. Photo inspection first.

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Why Valetly for detailing

Paint thickness measured before any cutting
Dual-action polishers — paint-safe in trained hands
Defects removed, not filled — corrections last
Honest assessment of what's realistic on your paint

How we work

What you can expect

We're a new London car wash service — so instead of star ratings, here's exactly how every booking runs. Real customer reviews will appear here once verified.

Documented

Every job ends with before/after photos uploaded to your booking, so you see exactly what changed.

On the record

Pay only after the work is captured. If anything isn't right, tell us and we make it right.

ID-checked

ID and references on file for every valet. Insurance and equipment verified before they take their first booking.

Who this detail is for

Cars with visible swirl marks or holograms under direct sun or LED
Detailing prep before a ceramic coating
Pre-sale and end-of-lease cars where presentation matters
Recovery from a previous bad polish or roadside hand-wash damage

How it works

Check coverage → book a fixed-price slot → vetted valet arrives at your address → before/after photos, payment captured on success.

Full step-by-step →

Valetly app — wash on the way, live tracking on iPhone

As easy as an Uber.

We've reimagined car care to fit your life — not interrupt it.

3 steps to an easier life

1Book in seconds
2We come to you
3Enjoy your car, looking its best

With the Valetly app, you'll never have to queue at a car wash or chase a body shop again.

Detailing services

Other detailing services in London

The mobile car detailing hub covers everything below — pick a service to read more about a specific surface.

Hub

Mobile car detailing London

Mobile car detailing across London. Vetted independent detailers come to your address for paint decontamination, machine polishing, ceramic coating and deep interior detailing. Signature Detail from £189, ceramic coating by quote.

Service

Ceramic coating London

Professional ceramic coating applied at your London address by vetted independent detailers. 1–2 year coatings, paint decontamination and machine polish prep included. From £249 by quote.

Service

Interior car detailing London

Mobile interior car detailing across London — hot-water extraction, steam, leather restoration, headliner clean, pet hair and odour treatment. At your address, by vetted detailers.

Frequently asked

Ready when you are

Signature Detail bookable online from £189. Coatings and corrections quoted on the day.

Book a Signature Detail Request a detailing quote

Looking for a regular wash instead? See our London car wash services →