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CLASSIC & COLLECTOR CAR PAINT CORRECTION
& CERAMIC COATING
SERVING CLASSIC CAR OWNERS ACROSS QUINTE, PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY & NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Every classic or collector car begins with an inspection of its original or restored paint. At our Brighton studio, Scott assesses the finish before recommending paint correction and ceramic coating options suited to the vehicle and how it is used.
At 201 Lisgar Street in Brighton, our climate-controlled studio welcomes classic car owners from Quinte West, Belleville, Prince Edward County and Northumberland County. Scott tailors each correction to the paint’s history, thickness and condition, with careful attention to vulnerable areas.
Scott uses paint-thickness readings and colour-correct inspection lighting to plan a correction suited to each finish. After assessing the car, he can recommend ceramic coating options based on how it is stored, displayed and driven. This same careful approach extends to luxury and exotic collector vehicles.
For more on how we assess and care for older finishes, read our guide to classic and collector car paint correction.
Owner-operated in Brighton. Certified ceramic coating installer since 2017.
INSPECTING ORIGINAL & RESTORED PAINT
ASSESSING YOUR CAR’S FINISH
Original paint, older repaints and fresh restorations can vary across the same car. Scott examines the finish under colour-correct lighting, takes paint-thickness readings where possible, and looks for previous repairs, oxidation and vulnerable areas.
The inspection helps determine which areas can be corrected and where a gentler approach is appropriate. A test spot can show how the paint responds before a correction plan is agreed upon.
The goal is a finish that looks its best while respecting the paint the car has today. The recommended work depends on its condition, history and how you intend to enjoy it.
INSPECTION LIGHTING FOR CLASSIC PAINT.
On this 1967 classic, professional inspection lighting helps Scott see the paint as it is today. Adjustable colour and brightness reveal swirls, oxidation, previous repairs and areas that need closer attention.
Original paint and older repaints can respond differently to correction. Scott combines what he sees under the lights with paint-thickness readings where possible, then tests how the finish responds before choosing an approach.
Each stage of paint correction and ceramic coating is carried out under professional paint inspection lighting. Scott checks the finish as he works, from correction through to the final coating application.
PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR CLASSIC & COLLECTOR CAR PAINT CORRECTION
Classic and collector vehicles may combine original paint, older refinished panels and fresh restoration work on the same body. Before correction begins, Scott evaluates paint thickness, paint condition, previous repairs, visible defects and body contours so the safest and most effective combination of machines, pads and compounds can be selected.
Scott’s Custom Auto Spa uses corded and cordless rotary and dual-action polishers, specialty long-neck machines and backing plates ranging from 1 inch to 7 inches. A wide selection of wool, lambswool, microfiber and foam pads allows Scott to match the machine and pad to broad panels, narrow pillars, recessed areas, raised edges and the complex curves found on classic vehicles.
Before work begins, Scott recalibrates the digital paint-thickness gauge and takes reference readings where possible. These readings can help identify thin original paint, older repaints and panels with heavier restoration work. Same-panel 60-degree gloss-meter readings may also be recorded to track improvement through the correction and refinement stages.
Three professional ScanGrip paint-inspection lights provide up to 24,000 combined lumens with adjustable colour temperature and brightness. This controlled lighting reveals swirls, scratches, sanding marks, haze and polishing trails. On classic and restored paint, Scott uses it to check the finish during every correction stage and throughout the final ceramic-coating application.
PAINT CORRECTION FOR ORIGINAL, REPAINTED & RESTORED FINISHES
Original paint may be thin, uneven or more vulnerable around edges and body lines. Scott adjusts the correction process to the condition of each panel, improving clarity and gloss while preserving as much paint as possible.
Older repaints and restored finishes can vary in hardness, thickness and quality across the same vehicle. Test spots, paint-thickness readings and inspection lighting help determine the safest combination of compounds, pads and machines for each area.
Wet sanding and heavier correction are considered only where the paint condition and available material allow it. Every correction plan reflects the vehicle’s history, its intended use and the finish the owner wants to achieve.
CERAMIC COATING FOR CLASSIC & COLLECTOR CARS
PROTECTION MATCHED TO HOW YOUR CLASSIC IS USED
Classic and collector vehicles are used in very different ways. Some are driven regularly, while others are reserved for shows, seasonal outings or indoor collections. Scott recommends a ceramic coating based on how the vehicle is stored, maintained and enjoyed.
Before any coating is installed, the paint is properly prepared and corrected to the level agreed upon during the assessment. Ceramic coating does not conceal defects, so the condition of original paint, older repaints and restored finishes must be considered first.
The selected coating adds a durable, easy-to-maintain protective layer while enhancing gloss, depth and clarity. Protection can also be extended to exterior glass, wheels, trim and other suitable surfaces.
CLIMATE-CONTROLLED APPLICATION & INDOOR CURING
Ceramic coatings are sensitive to temperature and humidity during application. Our Brighton studio is climate controlled so the selected coating can flash and level consistently according to its installation requirements.
The vehicle remains indoors with the doors closed while the coating is applied. Professional paint-inspection lighting helps Scott check each panel for complete coverage and properly leveling of the coating before it begins curing.
Every coated vehicle remains inside for an initial 12-to-24-hour cure before pickup. This protects the fresh coating from rain, dew, dust and changing outdoor conditions during its most important curing stage.
This controlled process is used for original paint, restored finishes and modern exotic collector vehicles. Each owner also receives maintenance guidance suited to how the vehicle will be stored, displayed and driven.
Every classic and collector vehicle is evaluated individually. The recommended level of paint correction and ceramic protection is based on the condition of the finish, how the vehicle will be used and how it will be stored and maintained.
✓ Paint correction tailored to the condition and history of the finish
✓ Coating selected for how the vehicle is stored, displayed and driven
✓ Paint-thickness measurement and colour-correct inspection lighting
✓ Climate-controlled indoor coating application
✓ Manufacturer-certified coatings and registered warranties
✓ Optional protection for exterior glass, wheels and trim
✓ 12-to-24-hour indoor initial cure before pickup
CLASSIC & COLLECTOR CAR PAINT CORRECTION RESULTS
A selection of classic, restored and modern collector vehicles personally paint corrected by Scott. Each finish is evaluated individually, with the correction process matched to its paint history, thickness and condition to improve clarity, depth and gloss while preserving as much material as possible.
Collaboration with Running Horse Restorations
Scott’s Custom Auto Spa has worked on vehicles restored by Running Horse Restorations, including a 1969 Chevelle, a 1967 Chevelle and three Plymouth Arrow Motorama cars. The work is planned around each vehicle’s stage of restoration and the condition of its finish.
Some vehicles are trailered to Scott’s studio with trim or glass removed, and some have already been sanded up to 5,000 grit before paint correction begins. After Scott refines the finish, they return to Running Horse for final assembly, interior work and delivery to the owner. Other vehicles arrive after body and paint work for interior detailing and paint polishing, followed by ceramic coating or paint sealant when appropriate.
Running Horse Restorations is based in Trenton, Quinte West, and is owned and operated by Scott Thompson and Dylan Tsichlas. Both take pride in their workmanship and bring considerable skill and care to classic and collector car restorations. Working together allows each shop to focus on its part of the finished vehicle.
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We’re proud to work with Running Horse Restorations on classic and collector vehicles. Their restoration work and Scott’s paint correction and finishing each play a part in bringing these cars back to their owners.
