What is the difference between 1/2/3 Step/Stage Correction?

June 20, 2022
GET A QUote

CALL MATT TODAY

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 MATT TODAY

See Us In Action

Paint Protection Film Services
By SEO Team November 17, 2025
Discover whether premium paint protection film upgrades deliver real value, offering enhanced durability, aesthetics, and resale benefits for your vehicle.
Window Tinting Services
By SEO Team November 17, 2025
Upgrade your car’s look instantly with premium window tinting that adds sleek style, elevates presence, and boosts comfort with privacy plus UV protection.
Paint Protection Film Services
By SEO Team November 17, 2025
Professional installers use advanced techniques to prevent silvering, lift lines, and bubbles in PPF. Learn how experts ensure smooth, flawless paint protection results.
By Matthew Jones November 3, 2025
October was a packed and exciting month at Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings (HHCC), proudly serving drivers across Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Temple, Belton, Fort Cavazos, and beyond. From community events and charitable outreach to high-end pa
By Matthew Jones October 30, 2025
Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings Thanksgiving / Shutdown Fundraiser Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings, a small business that is focused on helping the community, located in Nolanville, TX, is looking to raise funds (we will match every dollar up to $2000) to feed those in need this holiday season. We donate to the Nolanville food pantry (this will not affect our donations), cancer charities, and much more. We also pick one person per month to give a $250 HEB gift card to, to buy groceries. Initially, we were going to buy turkeys and Thanksgiving meals for people, but being in a military town during the shutdown with people unsure of future paychecks, we thought this might be a better option to allow people to buy what they want. Right now, we have over 100 nominations for the $250 gift card and can’t possibly fulfill every person as they come pouring in each day. We will use this money to buy $100 gift cards for more people. Any money above and beyond the goal of $2000 will go towards more gift cards. Please join us in helping those in need! Matthew Jones Owner, Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings
By Matthew Jones October 21, 2025
What Is HHCC? The Story Behind Harker Heights Ceramic Coatings in Nolanville, TX
Window Tinting Services
By SEO Team October 16, 2025
Protect your drive from glare, UV rays, and distraction with window tinting that enhances safety, improves focus, and strengthens your vehicle’s glass integrity
Paint Protection Film Services
By SEO Team October 16, 2025
Learn the difference between matte and satin paint protection film to find the ideal finish that matches your vehicle’s style and keeps it protected longer
By Matthew Jones October 13, 2025
Nominate new parents for FREE WINDOW TINT each month in the Killeen TX Area
By Matthew Jones October 11, 2025
Nominate a family in need for a $250 gift card!