This Porsche 996 Carrera came to AutoFX WA with extensive washing and wiping scratches across the paint, along with stone chips, visible touch-up repairs and several deep scratches that had already reached the metal.
Half of the rear bumper had also been painted previously in a noticeably different colour. Paint correction could improve its gloss and reduce surface defects, but it could not correct the colour mismatch or repair damage that had already passed completely through the paint.
The owner has suffered a stroke and can no longer work on or care for the Porsche as easily as he would like. The goal was therefore to make a worthwhile improvement, protect what remained and make the vehicle more practical for him to maintain—not to pretend that every defect could be removed.
Inspecting the Porsche before beginning
The 996 had accumulated a large number of fine scratches from washing and wiping. These defects interrupted the reflections and left the paint looking duller than it should, particularly under direct workshop lighting.
There were also more permanent issues. Some scratches had reached the metal, numerous small chips were present and earlier touch-ups remained noticeable. Paint correction only works within the paint that is still available. Once damage has broken through the colour, polishing cannot restore what is missing.
The previously painted rear bumper presented a different limitation. Approximately half of it was the wrong colour, and no amount of polishing could make two different paint colours match. Repainting would be required to correct that properly.
Why an accurate inspection is important
Jobs like this demonstrate why we prefer to inspect paint before giving a firm correction quote. Two vehicles of the same make, model and age can require very different amounts of work.
We need to consider the depth and quantity of scratches, previous repairs, paint thickness, stone chips, touch-ups and what the owner reasonably expects from the result.
An honest inspection also allows us to separate defects that can be improved from those that should be left alone. Chasing every deep mark can remove an unnecessary amount of clear coat while still failing to produce a perfect finish.
Removing the hardtop to reach the concealed paint
The removable hardtop was taken off so we could properly clean and polish the painted areas concealed beneath it.
Leaving the roof in place would have saved time, but it would also have left an obvious section untreated. Dirt and residue can build up beneath removable components, and these areas are easily missed if the job is approached only from what can be seen with the vehicle assembled.
Removing the hardtop gave us access to clean the surrounding channels and improve the paint underneath before the protection was applied.
Cleaning beneath the rear vented louvre
The vented rear louvre was also moved upward so we could reach beneath it. Its closely spaced openings and concealed edges had collected dirt that could not be cleaned properly with the louvre in its normal position.
This extra access allowed us to clean the area more thoroughly and work around the rear of the Porsche without simply polishing the most visible surfaces.
Complete drying before masking
Before correction began, the Porsche was thoroughly blown dry. This included panel gaps, trims, badges, vents and other areas capable of holding water.
This stage is important because trapped water can run out later and stop masking tape from adhering properly. It can also carry contamination back onto a panel while it is being polished or while a coating is being applied.
Once the vehicle was dry, vulnerable trims, edges and adjoining surfaces were carefully masked. Masking takes additional time, but it helps protect sensitive areas from polish residue and accidental machine contact.
Seventeen hours of paint correction and preparation
Approximately 17 hours were spent correcting and preparing the Porsche before coating.
The aim was to reduce the extensive washing and wiping scratches, restore clarity and improve the overall appearance without taking unnecessary risks with an older and previously repaired finish.
The correction produced a worthwhile improvement in gloss and reflection. It did not—and could not—erase scratches that had reached the metal, replace missing paint, conceal every touch-up or correct the mismatched colour across the rear bumper.
Those limitations remained visible, but the Porsche looked considerably cleaner and more consistent overall.
Protecting the improved finish with OPTiX FMJ
After correction and final preparation, the paint was protected with OPTiX FMJ graphene ceramic coating.
FMJ has a strong bonding foundation and a tough, slick exterior finish. We notice that slickness remains apparent through repeated washing when the coating is maintained appropriately.
Its strong bond also makes it a demanding coating to install. FMJ can feel sticky during application and requires careful levelling rather than being treated as a simple wipe-on product.
The coating will not stop stone chips, repair existing damage or prevent every future scratch. Its practical role is to protect the corrected surface from normal environmental exposure and make ongoing washing and cleaning easier for the owner.
A better result without making unrealistic claims
This Porsche was never going to become defect-free through polishing alone. Some damage was too deep, some paint was already missing and part of the rear bumper was the wrong colour.
However, that did not mean the vehicle could not benefit from careful work. The many lighter scratches were reduced, the gloss and clarity improved, concealed areas beneath the hardtop and rear louvre were properly addressed, and the remaining finish received a durable ceramic coating.
For this owner, making the Porsche easier to care for was just as important as improving its appearance. The completed job respected the condition of the vehicle and focused on achieving the best responsible result from the paint that was actually there.
Learn more about our paint correction services in Perth or our ceramic coating options.
AutoFX WA is located in O’Connor, servicing Fremantle, Melville, Cockburn and surrounding Perth areas. You can also arrange an inspection and quote.
