What does a 'full exterior detail' include and how long does it take?
A full exterior detail is comprehensive restoration and protection of all outside surfaces. It includes thorough wash, clay bar decontamination to remove embedded particles, paint correction or polishing to remove oxidation and swirl marks, application of wax, sealant, or ceramic coating for protection, complete brightwork polishing, window cleaning and treatment, and tire/wheel detailing. For a single-engine piston, expect 4-6 hours. Turboprops require 6-10 hours. Light jets need 8-12 hours, while large cabin jets can take 12-20+ hours. Condition significantly affects time—heavily oxidized aircraft may need additional correction passes.
Before
After
What It Is
Full exterior detailing goes far beyond washing. After thorough cleaning, the aircraft surface is clayed using a synthetic clay bar to remove bonded contaminants like industrial fallout, overspray, and tree sap that washing alone cannot remove. Paint is then polished using dual-action or rotary polishers with aviation-approved compounds to remove oxidation, restore gloss, and eliminate swirl marks. Protection is applied via carnauba wax, synthetic sealant, or ceramic coating. Brightwork receives dedicated polish to restore mirror finish. Windows are treated with plastic-safe polish and sealant.
Why It Matters
Full detailing isn't just about appearance—though a properly detailed aircraft commands 3-8% higher resale value. The process removes contaminants that cause long-term paint failure and corrosion. Polishing eliminates microscopic oxidation that, left unchecked, leads to clear coat failure. Protection products create a sacrificial barrier against UV, pollution, and environmental damage. For brightwork, regular professional polishing prevents the pitting and corrosion that eventually requires expensive replacement. Think of full detailing as preventive maintenance that protects your six-figure paint investment.
Owner Checklist
- ✓Schedule full detail annually at minimum, quarterly for high-utilization aircraft
- ✓Request detailed scope of work before service begins
- ✓Verify detailer uses aviation-specific products only
- ✓Ask about paint thickness readings before aggressive polishing
- ✓Ensure brightwork gets dedicated attention—not just wipe-down
- ✓Confirm window treatment uses FAA-approved products
- ✓Request before/after photos for documentation
- ✓Add detail date and scope to maintenance records
Time & Cost
Typical Time
4-6 hrs (piston) | 6-10 hrs (turboprop) | 8-20+ hrs (jet)
Cost Range
$800-2,000 (piston) | $1,500-3,500 (turboprop) | $3,000-10,000+ (jet)
Pricing reflects aircraft size, current condition, and protection level chosen. Heavily oxidized paint requiring multi-stage correction adds 25-50% to time and cost. Ceramic coating applications add $500-2,000 depending on aircraft size. Hangar work typically commands premium pricing.
Risks To Avoid
- ⚠Don't skip paint thickness measurement—over-polishing removes clear coat permanently
- ⚠Never allow non-aviation compounds on your aircraft—damage and warranty issues result
- ⚠Avoid 'detail shops' without aviation experience—aircraft surfaces are unique
- ⚠Don't rush the process—proper curing time for protection products is essential
- ⚠Skip the discount detailer—cheap work often means cut corners and damage
- ⚠Never detail in direct sunlight—products fail and surfaces get damaged
Airports We Serve
CleanJets connects you with professional detailing specialists at airports in Missouri, Florida, New England:
St. Louis Lambert
SUSSpirit of St. Louis
MCIKansas City Intl
MKCKC Downtown
SGFSpringfield-Branson
COUColumbia Regional
JEFJefferson City Memorial
BKGBranson Airport
CGICape Girardeau Regional
SUAWitham Field
FPRTreasure Coast Intl
VRBVero Beach Regional
DJTPalm Beach (President Donald J. Trump Intl, formerly PBI)
LNAPalm Beach County Park
BCTBoca Raton
FLLFort Lauderdale-Hollywood Intl
FXEFort Lauderdale Executive
PMPPompano Beach Airpark
OPFMiami-Opa Locka Executive
TMBMiami Executive
MIAMiami Intl
EYWKey West Intl
MTHFlorida Keys Marathon Intl
APFNaples
RSWSouthwest Florida Intl
FMYPage Field
PGDPunta Gorda
VNCVenice Municipal
SRQSarasota Bradenton Intl
MLBMelbourne Orlando Intl
TIXSpace Coast Regional
DABDaytona Beach Intl
ORLOrlando Executive
MCOOrlando Intl
SFBOrlando Sanford Intl
ISMKissimmee Gateway
HVNTweed New Haven
BEDHanscom Field
BOSBoston Logan Intl
MVYMartha's Vineyard
OWDNorwood Memorial
BVYBeverly Regional
PVDRhode Island T. F. Green Intl
BDLBradley Intl
PWMPortland Intl Jetport
MHTManchester-Boston Regional
Related Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a full exterior detail?
Most aircraft benefit from full exterior detail annually, with quarterly details for high-utilization aircraft or those in harsh environments. Between full details, regular washing and quick maintenance details preserve the work. Ceramic-coated aircraft can extend intervals but still need maintenance washes.
What's the difference between polish, wax, and sealant?
Polish is abrasive—it removes a thin layer of clear coat to eliminate defects and restore gloss. Wax and sealant are protection products applied after polishing. Wax (usually carnauba-based) provides warm glow and 2-3 month protection. Synthetic sealants offer 6-12 month protection with easier application. Ceramic coatings provide 2-5 year protection.
Can full detailing remove all scratches?
Light scratches and swirl marks in the clear coat can typically be removed through polishing. Deep scratches that penetrate to base coat or primer require touch-up paint or professional refinishing. A skilled detailer will assess each defect and set realistic expectations before beginning work.