Your car’s paintwork is more than just colour, it’s the first thing people notice and a major factor in your vehicle’s value. Unfortunately, paint is also one of the most vulnerable parts of a car. From automatic car washes to harsh weather, defects quickly build up and dull the finish.
At A2B Elite Detailing, Bicester, Oxfordshire, we specialise in paint correction and protection. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 most common paint defects, explain what causes them, and show how professional detailing can restore your vehicle’s shine.
1. Swirl Marks
What They Are:
Fine circular scratches that look like cobwebs under direct sunlight.
Causes:
- Automatic car washes with harsh brushes
- Poor wash techniques (dirty sponges, one-bucket method)
- Dry wiping dust or dirt off the car
How We Fix Them:
At A2B Elite Detailing, we use machine polishing and safe wash methods to remove swirl marks. A multi-stage paint correction process restores clarity and depth, leaving your paint looking flawless.
2. Scratches & Scuffs
What They Are:
Visible lines or marks on the paint surface ranging from light clear coat scratches to deep gouges.
Causes:
- Keys, shopping trolleys, accidental brushes against walls
- Road debris like stones
- Poor car wash practices
How We Fix Them:
- Light Scratches: Machine polishing and finishing compounds.
- Moderate Scratches: Wet sanding + machine polishing.
- Deep Scratches: While detailing can improve appearance, some may require a bodyshop respray.
3. Water Spots & Etching
What They Are:
Circular marks left by mineral deposits or acidic etching from rainwater.
Causes:
- Hard water drying on paint
- Acid rain
- Bird droppings or bug splatter left untreated
How We Fix Them:
We safely remove bonded contaminants during the decontamination stage (clay bar, chemical treatment), then polish the surface to restore gloss. Applying a ceramic coating prevents future etching by creating a protective barrier.
4. Oxidation (Faded Paint)
What It Is:
Paint that looks dull, chalky, or faded due to exposure to the sun and elements.
Causes:
- UV rays breaking down clearcoat
- Lack of protection (no wax, sealant, or ceramic coating)
- Age and neglect
How We Fix It:
Paint correction with professional polishing compounds removes the oxidised layer, restoring vibrancy. A ceramic coating or sealant is applied to lock in shine and prevent future fading.
5. Bird Dropping & Tree Sap Etching
What They Are:
Permanent marks or etching in paint caused by acidic bird droppings or sticky sap.
Causes:
- Parking under trees or near birds
- Not cleaning droppings quickly enough
How We Fix Them:
We carefully polish the etched area and neutralise acids. In severe cases, wet sanding may be required. Again, ceramic coatings are the best preventative measure.
Why Paint Correction & Protection Matter
Ignoring these defects doesn’t just affect looks—it reduces resale value and can lead to long-term paint damage. Professional detailing not only restores your car’s appearance but also adds protective layers to keep it looking better for longer.
At A2B Elite Detailing, we offer tailored paint correction packages and ceramic coatings designed to:
- Remove defects safely
- Restore depth and gloss
- Protect your investment long-term
From swirl marks to oxidation, paint defects are common but completely fixable with professional detailing. Instead of letting damage build up, invest in proper correction and protection.
👉 Ready to bring your car’s paintwork back to life? Book your paint correction or ceramic coating service with A2B Elite Detailing in Bicester today: a2belitedetailing.co.uk