Getting Rid of RIDS (Random Isolated Deep Scratches) and Restoring Your Vehicle’s Shine
What Are RIDS?
Even the most careful drivers deal with scratches. Random Isolated Deep Scratches (RIDS) are the ones that stand out against your car’s otherwise glossy surface. Unlike light swirl marks or hazing, RIDS cut deeper into the clear coat. Left untreated, they can wear down further and eventually reach the paint layer beneath.
Why Gloss Isn’t Always What It Seems
From a distance, your car might look spotless. But shine a light directly on the surface, and the truth shows up: swirls, scratches, and etching that dull the finish. Enough of these imperfections can make even a well-maintained vehicle look tired.
Your car’s exterior has several layers:
Clear coat: the protective layer that’s most often scratched
Base coat: your vehicle’s actual color
Primer coat: the foundation layer that bonds everything together
Most scratches, including RIDS, live in the clear coat. The good news? Paint correction can remove them before they cause permanent damage.
How Paint Correction Works
Paint correction is the art of restoring your vehicle’s paintwork. At Capitol Shine, our team uses advanced tools and techniques to safely level out imperfections in the clear coat. The process addresses:
Swirl marks
Hazing
Acid rain marks
Buffer trails
Fine scratches
RIDS
By carefully polishing the clear coat, we restore depth, clarity, and gloss, letting your paint’s true color come through.
The Results Speak for Themselves
Take a look at the Mercedes we recently completed. Under direct light, the hood was riddled with swirls and RIDS. After our paint correction service, the transformation was clear — rich color, deep gloss, and a scratch-free finish.
Before Paint Correction
After Paint Correction
Why Choose Capitol Shine for Paint Correction?
Experienced professionals who understand every layer of your paint
Services for vehicles of all makes and models
Convenient locations serving Arlington, Washington D.C., McLean, Alexandria, Springfield, Fairfax, and the greater DC metro area
Ready to Remove RIDS?
If Random Isolated Deep Scratches are keeping your car from looking its best, now’s the time to fix them. Schedule your paint correction with Capitol Shine today and bring back the showroom shine your car deserves.