At KLF Detailing, every vehicle we work on is treated with care, precision and attention to detail. Some come to us for regular maintenance valet services, while others need a more advanced correction process to remove imperfections and restore the paintwork.
Recently, we worked on a 2021 Porsche Cayman 4.0L GTS PDK, finished in soft and delicate Gentian Blue Metallic paint. The vehicle was booked in for a two stage paint correction and a 7 year ceramic coating to improve overall visual appeal and add long-term protection.
The Cayman already has a strong road presence, but in direct sunlight, the paintwork had a couple of swirl marks that hindered the gloss and clarity. Any defects in the paintwork can quickly detract from the vehicle’s overall appearance, and we were tasked with restoring it to its former glory.
The Story Behind the Booking
The owner, Ashley, had already entrusted us with his cars after having a previous bad experience with another detailing company. He originally booked four of his vehicles in for our deep clean package, including his Porsche Taycan, Porsche Cayman, Lotus Eletre and Ford Transit Custom MSRT. Following this, the vehicles were added to our 4-weekly maintenance schedule, helping to keep them clean, protected and properly maintained regularly.
After we deep-cleaned the Cayman, we noticed a couple of swirl marks and recommended paint correction as the best way to properly improve the finish. After two maintenance visits, Ashley decided to book the paint correction in. The swirl marks were becoming more noticeable in the sun, and once he had seen them, he could not help but keep noticing them. He wanted the paintwork corrected and protected before summer, so he could enjoy the car looking its best.
Initial Paintwork Condition
Before starting any correction work, we carried out a full inspection of the paintwork. This stage is important because it allows us to understand the vehicle’s current condition, identify any defects, and choose the appropriate correction process for the paint.
The Porsche had heavy swirl marks, rotary buffer trails and sanding marks left by a previous detailer. There were also deeper scuffs across the vehicle, and the paint had an overall dull finish. On a delicate metallic paint, this level of damage needs to be approached carefully. Paint correction involves using the right tools, pads, compounds and techniques to safely improve the surface while protecting the integrity of the paintwork.
The goal for this Cayman was to remove as many visible defects as safely possible and create a clean, glossy finish ready for ceramic coating.
Preparing the Porsche Cayman for Paint Correction
A thorough preparation was carried out before any machine polishing began. This ensures the vehicle is properly decontaminated and ready for correction. The preparation process included:
- Wheels, barrels and arches pre-wash and clean
- Two stage pre-wash using citrus pre-wash and snow foam
- Two bucket method contact wash using intricate brushes and two separate wash mitts for both the top and bottom of the car
- Blow dry and towel dry
- Clay mitt
- Paintwork inspection
This stage removes any loose dirt, road film and bonded contamination from the vehicle. It also helps reduce the risk of dragging dirt across the paint during the next stage. Once the car was fully cleaned and dried, we inspected the paint again under suitable lighting. This gave us a clear view of the defects and allowed us to plan the correction panel by panel.
Two Stage Paint Correction
For this Porsche Cayman, we carried out a two stage paint correction. This process is designed to remove heavier defects first, before refining the finish to restore gloss and clarity.
The first stage involved heavy cut compounding with a heavy cutting pad on a dual-action machine to cut out heavy defects. This allowed us to reduce the appearance of swirl marks, buffer trails, sanding marks and deeper surface imperfections across the vehicle.
The second stage focused on refining the finish. We used a fine finishing polish and soft finishing pad to boost and restore the gloss and clarity. This stage is what helps bring the paintwork back to life. On Gentian Blue Metallic paint, it made a noticeable difference.
Once the defects were reduced and the surface was refined, the colour looked richer, cleaner and far more impressive under direct sunlight.
Ceramic Coating for Long-Term Protection
Once the correction work was complete, the vehicle needed to be prepared for ceramic coating. This type of coating should only be applied once the surface has been properly refined and cleaned, as it will lock in the finish underneath.
We began with an IPA wipe to strip any remaining oil and residue from the paintwork. This helps create a clean surface so the ceramic coating can bond correctly. We then applied the Performance PPL Reign Ceramic Coating to the paintwork and glass.
A ceramic coating adds a durable protective layer to the vehicle, helping to preserve the finish and make future maintenance easier. It also helps the paintwork stay cleaner for longer. For a vehicle already on a regular maintenance schedule, ceramic coating is a great choice. It supports easier washing, better protection and a consistently sharp finish between visits.
The Final Result
The result was a huge improvement. Across the car, we managed to remove 85% of the defects, dramatically improving the overall appearance of the paintwork.
The Cayman was left with a deep, mirror-like gloss, giving the Gentian Blue Metallic paint the clarity and depth it had been missing. The ceramic coating then added long-term protection, helping to preserve the finish and keep the vehicle looking its best.
Ashley was over the moon with the result and said the car looked “magnificent”. He was extremely happy and said it looked better than brand new.
Watch the Full YouTube Video
You can watch the full video of this Porsche Cayman paint correction and ceramic coating here:
Book Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating With KLF Detailing
If your vehicle has swirl marks, dull paintwork, buffer trails, or defects from previous polishing, our professional paint correction services can make a significant difference.
At KLF Detailing, we pride ourselves on delivering expert valeting and detailing, including paint correction and ceramic coating services, and we have a genuine passion for what we do. Whether your car needs a deep clean, regular maintenance, or advanced paint correction, we can recommend the right service to deliver a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Get in touch with KLF Detailing today to discuss your vehicle and learn how we can help protect and enhance it.