Qiyaam Adams, owner of Protouch, Polishing, or doing Paint Correction on an Alfa 4C

Experience Professional Car Polishing & Detailing Services in Cape Town by ProTouch since 2006!

ProTouch car care specialises in car polishing, glazing, paint correction, detailing & ceramic coating services in the Cape Town area. Our focus is on delivering exceptional results through our tailored approach, technical expertise and precision, and attention to detail.


Polishing Services Overview

We offer two types of car polishing: Glazing and Paint Correction. If you are interested in Ceramic Coatings, these can only be applied after Paint Correction, not Glazing.

All services are tailored to the condition of your car or your budget.

Glazing is non-abrasive polishing that gives your car a smooth and glossy finish. It fills minor imperfections similar to applying cosmetic makeup. It is the cheapest and quickest option to improve your car’s appearance. From R950 to R2500 depending on vehicle size, condition and product and protection chosen.

Paint Correction involves removing or permanently improving scratches, swirls, and other paint defects. We offer four levels of paint correction, each level removing or improving different depths of scratches and other defects, increase in gloss, allowing closer viewing (i.e. detail).

Think of paint correction as plastic surgery compared to glazing, which is more like cosmetics.

At the end of this page, you will find detailed explanations of what detailing and polishing are, etc.


Our Tailored Detailing Approach

Every car’s condition is different and each client has unique expectations. Whether it’s how you want your vehicle to look and feel or you have a specific budget and time constraints, we tailor our services in technical detail to meet your specific needs and to achieve the fullest potential of your car with the greatest precision.


Glazing/Waxing

Pricing & Time: from R950 to R2500 – from 1.5 hours to 5 man hours. Depends on your vehicle’s size, condition, the products we use, and the level of detail you specify.

Glazing is different from paint correction. It’s a temporary, cosmetic, quick, and affordable option that can remarkably improve the appearance of your car by approximately 50% when viewed normally.

LEARN IN MORE DETAIL: What is Glazing?

Glazing is a polishing process that uses a filler-type polish to conceal light scratches and swirls in the paint surface. It also “cleans” the paint from light dirt stains and also enhances its gloss.

Additionally, it also provides paint protection. We have a wax based option, which is the cheapest, with 3 or more months of longevity or a ceramic sealant based, which is slightly more cost wise, with 6 to 9 month longevity.

It must be note that a proper ceramic coating cannot be applied over a glaze or wax but we can apply extra sealant to increase longevity

The durability of any product or type of protection will always depend on mileage, exposure, and the maintenance its given.

It’s a quick and cost-effective improvement for your car’s paint without cutting and reducing paint like paint correction does. In this regard it is beneficial for cars with thin paint or for preserving originality for example classic or vintage vehicles.

You can think of a Glaze like cosmetics, it conceals and is temporary (in months), where Paint Correction is more like plastic surgery, results are permanent but paint is reduced each time its done.

Glazing Example


Paint Correction & Detailing

Polishing your car is not a “one-size-fits-all” process, so we can’t give a simple answer to how much it costs until we are certain of how many defects there are, how much detail is needed, and after discussing your expectations, budget, and time constraints, etc.

The following points explain why.

If you want to skip this information and go directly to the levels, click the button.


The Condition Of Your Car’s Paint Is Unique.

Every car will be different in terms of the amount and depth of scratches, swirls, and other defects it has. The severity of these defects as well as how hard the paint is determines the amount of corrective polishing needed. Deeper defects require more time, effort, and cost to correct.


The Paint Correction Process

Each car will have a varying number and depth of defects, i.e. scratches and swirls, etc, so there isn’t a single polishing package that can cater to all cars. Each car will therefore require a different number of steps or time for the polishing process.

Our paint correction process defines a structured framework that guides us the appropriate polishing steps and process that should be done on your car based on the amount, type and depth of defects identifiable in your cars clear coat layer of it’s paint. This requires the car to be inspected before we can recommend the appropriate level.

Our polishing framework consists of four levels, each defining the steps to achieve correction. It starts with the least intensive steps and progresses to the most intensive. Each level addresses specific defects seen in the paint, gradually removing or improving them while enhancing gloss. Gloss refers to the depth, richness of colour, and reflectivity or clarity.

The goal of correction is to improve the appearance of your car, preserve the paint for the future, and avoid causing any damage while doing so.


Overall Detail

In addition to a car’s paint condition being different, every car also differs in terms of dirtiness and contamination levels, and how they want it protected which affects the overall detail required.


Customer Expectations

Your expectations play a crucial role in determining the extent of polishing and detailing required for your car’s paint condition and level of detail.

In some cases, your expectations may lead to more extensive detailing and polishing than the actual condition of the car and in others less. For example, if your budget allows for a Level 1 service, which starts from R2000/4hrs, but your car’s condition may require Level 3, which starts from R4000/1-1.5 Days, the chosen service may not remove all the scratches and defects, as it won’t be as extensive as Level 3. Therefore, it’s important to align your expectations with the recommended level of service to achieve the desired results.

  1. Perspective: It’s how you look at your car and how you want it to look. Some clients look at their car from a distance, which is generally cheaper and takes less time, while others closely inspect their car’s paint under a microscope with specific lighting and angles, which takes longer and isn’t cheap.
  2. Time: The more time is spent, the more can go into detail and perfect your car and how closely you can then inspect it. However, this affects the budget.
  3. Budget: Your budget affects how much time can be spent and how the results will look.

Making an Informed Decision

To determine the best level of service for your car, we highly recommend booking a free pre-inspection to narrow down the details. I

f this is not possible, choose a Level that closely matches your expectations, time, and budget. At the very least, we can confirm suitability or provide feedback on what to expect at the booking.


Additional Resources

To help you make an informed decision, we have prepared extensive resources for each service:


LEVELS OF PAINT CORRECTION


LEVEL 1: Paint Enhancement/”Polishing”

Whose this for: Suitable for those who want to improve or enhance the appearance of their car and are satisfied with between 50-75% level of correction. The correction that can be achieved is dependant on the cars condition and hardness of paint and how you look at the car.

Pricing & Time: Starting from R2000/4 man hours up to Sedan size and R2750/6 man hours for SUVS

LEARN IN MORE DETAIL: What is a Paint Enhancement?

Service description:

Our standard paint enhancement process involves using a mild cutting polish and ceramic sealant together, which can reduce scratches and swirls by 50 to 75% above the industry standard of 50%!

The protection provided by this process can last up to 1 year, depending on maintenance.

When preparing for a ceramic coating, a medium to heavy cut grade polish or a primer polish is used without a built-in sealant. This is so that the coating can bond to the paint.

The results of a paint enhancement polish depend on the condition and hardness of the paint. If more cutting and close-up detail is needed, it is recommended to perform a one-step correction.

Close-up detailing is due to either personal preference or your car’s body shape.

What does it correct?

  • Light scratches and swirls
  • Holograms and haze
  • Dullness
  • Light bird poo marks
  • Light water marks or etching
  • Light surface staining

Price & Time

The detailing industry allocates 1-2 man hours for the paint enhancement process alone which excludes washing etc.

Our paint enhancement service for sedans starts with 4 man hours. However, upon inspection, we will determine if this is sufficient time for your car and your specific requirements. It is important to note that detailing a car involves more than just polishing. Cleaning and decontamination aspects are also important and may vary from car to car, and we may need additional time to address those needs. We strongly recommend arranging a pre-inspection before booking our services. Alternatively, we can inspect your car at the time of booking and confirm the necessary work.

For up to Sedan size vehicles: The service starts at 4 man hours and costs R2000.

For SUVs: The service starts at 6 man hours and costs R2750.

This includes a maintenance level wash with standard detailing*, clay treatment, and polishing, as specified in the agreed-upon package and timeframe.

What are the benefits?

  • Increases gloss on all paint types
  • The standard paint protection lasts up to 1 year. However, this duration changes if a different and more aggressive polish is required to achieve better correction.

LEVEL 2: One Step Paint Correction

Whose this for: Recommended if Level 1 doesn’t remove enough defects or for those who closely inspect their car.

Correction level: 80%+- correction depending on paint condition, hardness and how you look at the car.

Pricing & Time: Starting from R3000/6 man hours up to Sedan size and R4000/8 man hours for SUVS

LEARN IN MORE DETAIL: What is a One Step Paint Correction?

Service description:

A one-step paint correction offers more comprehensive cut and better close-up detail compared to a paint enhancement.

It effectively eliminates light and medium scratches, as well as some deep scratches and swirls, depending on your paint hardness and condition.

This option is ideal for vehicles with moderate paint damage or those that are daily drivers and prone to scratches and swirls. Additionally, it is a suitable choice if you desire enhanced detail, either due to your personal preference or the unique body design of your car.

What does it correct?

  • Light, medium, and some deep scratches & swirls
  • Holograms and haze
  • Dullness
  • Bird poo marks
  • Water marks or etching
  • Heavy surface staining
  • Medium single stage paint oxidation/fading (not for clear coat)

Price & Time

The detailing industry allocates 6-8 man hours for a One Step Paint Correction process.

Our paint enhancement service for sedans starts with 6 man hours. However, upon inspection, we will determine if this is sufficient time for your car and your specific requirements. It is important to note that detailing a car involves more than just polishing. Cleaning and decontamination aspects are also important and may vary from car to car, and we may need additional time to address those needs. We strongly recommend arranging a pre-inspection before booking our services. Alternatively, we can inspect your car at the time of booking and confirm the necessary work.

For up to Sedan size vehicles: The service starts at 6 man hours and costs R3000.

For SUVs: The service starts at 8 man hours and costs R4000.

This includes a maintenance level wash with standard detailing*, clay treatment, and polishing, as specified in the agreed-upon package and timeframe.

What are the benefits?

  • Increased gloss on all paint types
  • Better up close detail

LEVEL 3: Two Step Paint Correction

Whose this for: Highly recommended for dark colours, those seeking the best gloss, or cars with light, medium and deep clear coat scratches or with finicky soft paint like Asian manufactured cars, or hard paints. It also offers better up close detail. Its possible to achieve showroom or mirror finish depending on original paint and the condition we are starting with.

Correction level: 80-95% correction depending on paint condition, hardness and how you look at the car.

Pricing & Time: Starting from R4000/8 man hours up to Sedan size and R5000/10 man hours for SUVS

LEARN IN MORE DETAIL: What is a Two Step Paint Correction?

Service description:

A two-step correction is more focused than a one-step correction because it treats the two stages of correction as individual steps of polishing. The first step is dedicated to removing and improving scratches, swirls, and other clear coat defects. As a result, it can correct deeper paint damage compared to a one-step process.

The second step refines the coarser first step and increases gloss and shine. Once again, more gloss will be achieved compared to a one-step correction.

This option is ideal for discerning clients who closely inspect their cars within a distance of 1.5 meters. It is also highly recommended for black or dark colours, as well as for paint that is either too soft or too hard to work with.

What does it correct?

  • All of the imperfections corrected by levels 1 and 2
  • Removes deeper clear coat scratches
  • Best for dark colours, finicky paint i.e. too soft or hard
  • Heavy single stage paint oxidation/fading (not for clear coat)

Price & Time

The detailing industry allocates 8-16 man hours for a Two Step Paint Correction process.

Our paint enhancement service for sedans starts with 8 man hours. However, upon inspection, we will determine if this is sufficient time for your car and your specific requirements. It is important to note that detailing a car involves more than just polishing. Cleaning and decontamination aspects are also important and may vary from car to car, and we may need additional time to address those needs. We strongly recommend arranging a pre-inspection before booking our services. Alternatively, we can inspect your car at the time of booking and confirm the necessary work.

For up to Sedan size vehicles: The service starts at 8 man hours and costs R4000.

For SUVs: The service starts at 10 man hours and costs R5000.

This includes a maintenance level wash with standard detailing*, clay treatment, and polishing, as specified in the agreed-upon package and timeframe.

What are the benefits?

  • A high level of gloss and clarity
  • better up-close detail in terms of scratches, swirl, haze, etc

LEVEL 4: Multi Step (Three or more steps) Correction

Whose this for: For those who want the highest level of correction, detail and gloss, or to “restore” the car without repainting, aka “Showroom” or “mirror” finish. Suitable for cars with bad texture, (perhaps from a respray), or deep clear coat scratches.

Correction level: 95%+ correction up close.

Pricing & Time: Quote on Physical Inspection. Starts from R6000/2-Days-R10000/3/4-days depending on requirements

LEARN IN MORE DETAIL: What is a Multi Step Paint Correction?

Service description:

A multi-step paint correction is when three or more steps of correction are performed. This could involve using multiple grades of corrective polishing or sanding followed by polishing.

This level of paint correction is the most intensive and is usually performed on cars that require more attention to detail. This could be due to the client’s desire for a finish thats beyond showroom quality, or a vehicle that requires extensive correction due to previous poor work or severe neglect.

What does it correct?

  • All of the imperfections corrected by levels 1, 2, and 3 and
  • Remove or improve orange peel texture.
    • We dont recommend changing the factory orange peel rather bad orange peel from a paint repair.
  • Remove dust from the paint
  • Remove fish eyes, sags/runs
  • Fixes any other polishable issues with the paint finish

Price & Time

The detailing industry allocates 16-32 man hours for a Multi/3 Step Paint Correction process.

For this process, we suggest conducting a more thorough pre-inspection than the visual one we normally do for free. This involves measuring the paint thickness and identifying all the issues present. If feasible, we also prepare a test area to ensure we have the right process that minimally impacts the paint, ensuring a safe process and to show you what you can expect.

What are the benefits?

  • The absolute best possible paint finish

CERAMIC COATINGS

We are certified applicators for Ceramic Pro (since 2023), Gtechniq (since 2020), Feynlab (since 2018), and Auto Armor (since 2022). Additionally, we apply Nasiol, CarPro, and other products.

We offer different ceramic coatings that can be applied after a paint correction or without polishing.

Once you have determined the level of paint correction/polishing you require and subtracted that amount from your total budget, we can advise you on the best coating that fits within that amount, ensuring you get the most value for your money.

There are many different ceramic coatings on the market
Protouch, has extensive experience in applying a wide variety of ceramic coatings.
Please note:
  • The pricing of the coatings does not include paint correction or polishing. These services must be added separately.
  • The pricing provided below is specific to ceramic coatings for sedans. For coating options for SUVs, please contact us.
  • If you prefer to have coatings without polishing, some preparation steps need to be taken. These include an exterior wash, iron remover, and a panel wipe. A minimalist preparation like this starts from R850 for sedans and R1000 for SUVs.

CERAMIC PRO “Custom Gold Level”

  • Longevity: Unlimited if maintained with CERAMIC PRO
  • Price: Starting from R8,000 depending on size
  • Description: Multiple layers of coating: Nano Primer, 4 layers of 9H coating, and 1 layer of Top Coat
    • Ultra thick and hard multi-layer coating for unbeatable protection
    • 4-5 microns enough to contain up deep clear coat scratches.
    • Crazy Gloss
    • This coating can be clayed and polished making it easily maintainable and repairable compared to other coatings.
    • Insane water repellency due to high density of ceramic (SIO2 particles) per square inch area
    • “Upgradable” with more layers later on if required

GTECHNIQ Crystal Serum Ultra

  • Longevity: Up to 9 Years depending on maintenance
  • Price: Starting from R4,500 depending on vehicle size.
  • Description: Single layer hard (10H pencil scale) coating
    • Unique water behaviour: sheets water (versus beading)
    • Great clarity with good gloss.
  • Optional Add-ons:
    • EXO top coat available to increase thickness, protection, add gloss, and change water behavior from sheeting to beading
    • Gtechniq EVO Top Coat 1 Layer: Starting from R2,500 depending on size
    • Gtechniq EVO Top Coat 2 Layers: Starting from R3,500 depending on size

CERAMIC PRO “Custom Bronze Level”

  • Longevity: 5 Years if maintained with CERAMIC PRO
  • Price: Starting from R3,800 depending on size
  • Description: Multiple layers of coating: Nano Primer, 1 layer of 9H coating, and 1 layer of Top Coat
    • Great gloss with insane water repellency
    • Easy to repair and maintain
    • “Upgradable” with more layers later on if required

CERAMIC PRO “Custom”

  • Longevity: 3+- Years if maintained with CERAMIC PRO
  • Price: Starting from R3,000 depending on size
  • Description: 1 layer of Nano Primer with 1 layer of 9H coating
    • Distinguishable difference after applied in terms of gloss
    • Great water and dirt repellency
    • Easy to repair and maintain
    • “Upgradable” with more layers later on if required

GTECHNIQ C1 Crystal Lacquer

  • Longevity: 3-5 Years if maintained
  • Price: Starting from R3,000 depending on size
  • Description: Single layer of coating
    • Suitable for older paint types like 2k (i.e., classic cars), gel coat, matte finishes, vinyl wraps, etc.
    • Optional Add-on: EXO top coating for enhanced water and dirt repellency and thickness

NASIOL ZR53

  • Longevity: 3 to 7 Years depending on maintenance
  • Price: Starting from R2,500 depending on size
  • Description: Single layer of coating offering 10H pencil scale hardness
    • Does not require a top coating
    • Good gloss with excellent water repellency

2 Year Coatings

  • Longevity: 2 Years
  • Price: Starting from R1,800
  • Description: We have a few different coating products/brands in stock in this longevity range.

CERAMIC PRO CARE+

  • Longevity: 1 Year
  • Price: Starting from R1,500 depending on size
  • Description:
    • 1 layer of Nano Primer + and one layer of CARE+ coating. (thick stack for a 1 year coating!)
    • Premium 1 Year ceramic coating. To be done once a year without extra maintenance during the year.

NASIOL 1 Year Ceramic Coating Options

F2 Metal Coat

  • Longevity: up to 1 Year depending on maintenance
  • Price: Starting from R1250 depending on vehicle size etc
  • Description:
    • Solvent based. Great performance and strength, in particular chemical resistance, and value from a 1-year coating
    • 2 hours before release 24 hour curing

Rapid shine

  • Longevity: up to 1 Year depending on maintenance
  • Price: Starting from R750 depending on vehicle size etc
  • Description:
    • Water based.
    • 2 hours before release 4 hour curing

Paint Protection Film (PPF)

We also provide high-quality Paint Protection Film (PPF) options with or without self-healing properties and ceramic coating. You can opt for partial coverage on specific areas, full front coverage, or complete vehicle coverage.


LEARN MORE

In the following section, we address some key points that should be understood when deciding on paint correction.


What is Paint Correction?

Paint correction is a part of the overall detailing process.

Paint Correction is the detailing industries term for polishing & buffing, (and sanding as required), to remove or improve scratches, swirls and other paint surface/clear coat defects (Stage 1 of correction) and to refine and increase gloss or shine (Stage 2 of correction). Think of a stage as a “reason” for polishing. We may also mention steps in the subject of paint correction. Steps relates to how much polishing is to be done and the process/method used.

Correction does not include paint repair whether by spray painting or touching up chips and scratches. PS: We do offer paint touch up of chips and scratches within reason.

The deeper the scratches, swirls and other types of defects, as well as how hard the paint is, the more corrective polishing steps is required.

Paint is very thin. When we work with paint we use the micron measurement. Which is 1/1000th of a mm. As a reference point, the average human hair is 80 microns. As car examples go, BMWs are coming in new with less than a 100 microns and Suzukis less than 70.

It must be remembered that you cant polish all of the paint thickness. You can only polish the clear coat. While not a general rule, clear coat is 50% of the total paint system. So if the paint from factory is 100microns we can assume that the clear is approximately 50microns. Of which the first 20-25% percent of the top most of the clear is where your UV protection reside. Not the entirety of the clear coat. In this regard that makes it approximately 10 to 12 microns of the top of the clear that can be technically polished before you’ve removed the factory UV protection.

So lets get a further perspective, our own measured average is 5 microns paint or more specifically clear coat layer reduction for a two step process. This is enough to remove light, medium scratches and swirls and other similar depth defects. Anything that can be felt with your fingernail, considered deep, could be improved but not safely at any rate removed if you are considering that UV factor. If of course you are seeing the base colour, primer, metal, rust or the colour of the base bodywork like plastic etc, there is zero paint there to polish! It will need a respray or maybe touch up.

This is why paint protection is important. The thicker the better. PPF is king at 150-200microns thick, but eye watering expensive. An entire car can be from R35000 and the front can be from R12000. Ceramic coatings goes from 0.3microns, from R750, up to 10microns at best at R25000. Waxes and sealants, whether they contain ceramic or not, is very thin. Even if they were very thick, a bit or all of it washes off each time you are washing or its exposed to rain.

When considering all of these points, it becomes imperative to ensure that you are entrusting your vehicle to an expert. Protouch Car Care has been in business since 2006, with experienced, trained, and certified owner and staff.


What is Detailing?

Detailing refers to both the overall car care process and the level of thoroughness applied to each step of the process.

The overall detail process consists of four major steps:

  1. Washing and cleaning
  2. Decontamination
  3. Polishing (i.e., correction, buffing, glazing or enhancement)
  4. Protection

Each of these steps could be done as simple as can be or as detailed as you want based on it’s condition, or you. (Your expectation and requirements, like how it must look, budget and time)


How much correction polishing do you need?

It’s best that we inspect your car in person to be precise of what your car needs and to discuss your goals. Everyone has a different perception. What may appear as a light scratch to you may actually be deep relative to the paint. When working with paint, we use microns as our measurement. A micron is 1/1000th of a millimeter! The average car paint thickness is 100 microns, while the average human hair is 80 microns!

The amount of paint correction polishing required depends on factors such as; the depth and number of defects, (i.e. scratches, swirls, etching, etc), and the paint’s hardness. Colour is also a factor. Light colours like white, silver, etc you can get away with Level 1 or 2 where Dark colours

Your expectations of what it should look like, they way you look at your car, for example viewing distance, lighting and angle are also important consideration factors.

You should also consider that the overall detail, that is the level of washing, cleaning, decontamination, and protection can be different from car to car. In this regard, we include a maintenance wash level of detail and 30 minutes of clay work, for each of our base packages and adjust to the condition of the car and clients requirements.

This chart displays the most common car defects and the level of correction required to fix them.

Graphic chart to identify paint defects and the level of polishing required to remove or improve them.

The (Protouch) Process Of Paint Correction

The following shows the major steps of the overall detail process and paint correction as part of it the way we as Protouch does it.

Each step itself has multiple procedural steps or detail if you will to follow.

#ThisIsDetail

#1 Pre Inspection:

We offer a free quick pre-inspection before you make a booking with us and a detailed one at booking.

The pre inspection is important so we can advise you on the correct level of correction and detail you require and adjust according to your expectations in terms of how it should look, your budget and time.

During the pre-inspection, we inspect your car with you, do a test spot if required, so you can see how it can look, and provide a precise quote and feedback.

#2 First wash:

We start by washing and cleaning the outside of your vehicle. This can be a maintenance wash, or we may need to go into more detail by using various tools like brushes, cotton buds, picks, toothbrushes, steamers, or air tools to reach into the seams, moldings, rubbers, etc.

Then, we perform decontamination. As a standard procedure, we use clay, and if needed, we use iron, tar, and water spot removers to remove any paint contaminants.

#3 Detailed Inspection:

We conduct a thorough inspection of your car in our dedicated correction studio, using professional lighting, tools and techniques to closely examine your paint. During this process, we take photos and videos, which we send to you.

#4 Measurements:

If necessary, we can optionally take paint thickness measurements either before only, or before, test spot and after, or beginning to end. As detailed as you want it to be.

#5 Planning:

It’s said that failing to plan is planning to fail.

In this regard, we plan out our correction, by first doing test spots and then planning the correction so our team knows who is doing what , when and where.

This allows optimised, consistent, efficient, and maximum results whatever the level of correction we doing for you!

#6 Paint Correction:

The actual correction work begins now! Throughout the correction process, we will keep you updated on what we are observing, including before and after results.

Depending on the level you have chosen, we will use different equipment, techniques and products to correct the defects in your paint to its fullest potential.

We have a range of machines available, ranging in size from 8″ down to 1″ as well as flex shaft cone polishers for tricky areas. These machines allow us to access small spaces give you the best up close detail possible. We also have machines with different movements, such as rotary, forced rotation, long and short Dual Action machines, and even dual-headed machines. Some of the brands we use include RUPES Bigfoot, FLEX, Cyclo, and Shinemate to name a few.

#7 Studio check:

A final check is done in studio under detail lighting.

#8 Sun Check:

We do a final check in the sunlight to ensure everything looks perfect.

#9 Handover:

When we hand the car back to you, we review it together, pointing out any remaining issues or defects.

#10 Aftercare:

After your car has been detailed and corrected begins the maintenance cycle. We ensure when you leave you know what and when this must happen, how to do it and with what. We keep some essentials in store and we can arrange a kit for you. Beyond the work, we are always available to support you via whatsapp or call.

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