What is the difference between 1/2/3 Step/Stage Correction?
June 20, 2022
GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

What Is Different Between Paint Correction Stages?

We get this question quite frequently. After all, you’re spending double the money above and beyond a one-step polish, right?


Our paint enhancement / paint correction process is part of what we call our prep work to prepare for ceramic coatings. Where the ceramic coating cost is more in the material cost of the ceramic coating itself, the primary cost of paint enhancement / paint correction is the labor. 


We do not charge more for a three-step paint correction differently than we charge for two-step, primarily because a lot of times we don’t know for sure if it will be required until we are in the middle of the paint correction. Since HHCC doesn’t want to charge you extra in the middle of a ceramic coating job, we only charge for a two-step. 


What is a one-step or one-stage paint correction / paint enhancement?

A one-step paint correction or paint enhancement is where we only have to make one pass over your vehicle’s paint with our polisher/buffer. This sounds pretty self-explanatory, and many people just call this “simple polish” – but it doesn’t always have to be just a polish. Sometimes, it can be a proper compound (cutting agent) on a proper pad and technique without having to polish afterward. We use, almost exclusively, Meguiar’s M110 Ultra Pro Speed Compound, which given the right pad and technique, can sometimes finish like a polish on certain paints.


What is a two-step or two-stage paint correction / paint enhancement?

Typically, with a two-stage paint correction, this is a compound followed by a polish. Many people call this “cut and buff.” The reason it is twice as expensive is that it takes almost twice the time. In this instance, we are compounding or cutting the paint to remove defects with an aggressive compound and pad on our machine polisher, followed by a polish on a polishing pad. The reason two stages are required in this type of auto detail, is because an aggressive pad and product can (not always) leave smaller scratches visible in the sunlight that we call holograms. The polishing removes the holograms and creates that mirror/shiny finish on your car’s paint.


So, what is a three-step or three-stage paint correction / paint enhancement?

Typically, in a three-step paint enhancement, we need an even finer polish because the heavier cutting polish might still leave micro-scratches or holograms. In this case, we need to go over it again. This happens a lot on softer paint which is more difficult to finish, or polish. 

GET A QUote

CALL (254) 550-4142

See Us In Action

C8_Color_Change_PPF_Corvette_Killeen_TX
By Matthew Jones July 10, 2025
June 2025 at Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings: A Record-Breaking Month of Growth, Protection, and Five-Star Results
Window Tinting Services
By SEO Team June 16, 2025
Learn how auto window tint blocks harmful UV rays, reduces interior heat, and protects your health. Discover the real benefits of professional tinting.
Paint Protection Film Services
By SEO Team June 16, 2025
Boost your car’s resale value and protect its paint from damage with PPF. Learn why paint protection film is a smart investment for every vehicle owner.
May 1st through 15th- Hail Repair, Window Tinting, Paint Protection Film
By Matthew Jones May 19, 2025
reason is simple: hail damage, scorching heat, and smart vehicle owners protecting their rides. After the April 30th hail storm hit Killeen, TX, our shop saw a rapid increase in demand for hail damage repair, paint protection film (PPF), and ceramic window tint. Now, just two weeks into May, our bays are full, phones are ringing nonstop, and the community is turning to us to keep their vehicles protected, cooled, and dent-free.
April 16th - 30th Paint Protection Film, Window Tint, Hail Repair Projects in Killeen TX
By Matthew Jones May 18, 2025
As we moved through the second half of April 2025, it became clear that hail damage repair, paint protection film (PPF), and window tint were the major drivers of business at Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings. The hail season in Central Texas has refused to take a break, and neither have we. It’s hard to believe that we’re still repairing vehicles damaged in the Mother’s Day 2024 hailstorm, but that’s the nature of hail season in Texas—there’s never really an “off” season. Even with the more modest hailstorms that struck the Killeen and Harker Heights areas in late April and early May 2025, the damage still warranted insurance claims for many vehicle owners. (See our guide on hail damage insurance supplements). Within just a few days of the latest storms, our waiting list for hail damage repair services grew to over 30 cars. Why? Because our clients are car lovers—people who care about their vehicles and don’t want to live with dings, dents, or scratches caused by unpredictable Texas weather.
Window Tinting Services
By SEO Team May 16, 2025
Learn how auto window tinting reduces interior heat, boosts energy efficiency, and protects your vehicle’s interior from harmful UV rays and sun damage.
Paint Protection Film Services
By SEO Team May 16, 2025
Discover why paint protection film is essential for high-performance cars. Learn how it guards against damage and preserves your vehicle’s flawless finish.
Window Tinting Services
By SEO Team April 16, 2025
Get the facts on window tint film longevity. Learn what shortens or extends its life so you can enjoy lasting protection and a sleek look.
Paint Protection Film Services
By SEO Team April 16, 2025
Protect your paint with the right PPF. This guide breaks down key options so you can pick the perfect film for your vehicle’s style and protection needs.
April 1-15th Paint Protection Film, Window Tint, Hail Repair Projects in Killeen TX
By Matthew Jones April 15, 2025
It's shaping up to be an exciting first half of April 2025 around our Nolanville, TX shop! As March wrapped up, we've been incredibly busy, completing some standout paint protection film (PPF, clear bra), window tint, and hail repair projects and hosting events for car enthusiasts and our local RC car community. Here's a detailed look at what's happening around our Nolanville location as we move into April. Corvettes, Tesla Cybertrucks, RC cars, and more!
More Posts