Aircraft Exterior Detailing
A closer look at the walkaround — wash, polish, and protection built around the finish, not against it.
Exterior detailing goes past a rinse-and-wipe wash. It's a multi-step process — wash, oxidation removal, polish, and a protective sealant — aimed at both appearance and protecting the finish over time. Every step is done with aircraft-safe products and technique, working around control surfaces, static wicks, and antennas.
Exterior hand wash
Oxidation removal & polish
Ceramic paint sealant
Belly & leading edge
Windshield & glass
Wash & Prep
A full hand wash to strip dirt, bugs, and exhaust residue before any polishing begins.
Oxidation Removal & Polish
Machine and hand polish where oxidation or dullness has set in, worked panel by panel.
Seal & Protect
Ceramic sealant and glass treatment applied to help the finish hold up and make the next wash easier.
Exterior pricing depends on aircraft size, how much oxidation or polish work is needed, and whether ceramic sealant is included. See our pricing page for typical ranges by aircraft category.
Questions, Answered.
What is oxidation on an aircraft, and why does it matter?+
Oxidation is the dulling and chalky buildup that forms on bare aluminum and painted surfaces as they're exposed to UV and weather. Left alone, it accelerates and becomes harder to remove without aggressive polishing — catching it early keeps the finish, and the aircraft's resale presentation, in better shape.
How does ceramic coating help an aircraft?+
A ceramic sealant applied after polish adds a protective layer that slows future oxidation and makes bugs, exhaust residue, and grime easier to wash off — meaning less aggressive polishing needed at the next detail.
Can you polish bare aluminum aircraft skins?+
Yes — bare aluminum is one of the more common surfaces we polish, using aircraft-appropriate compounds and technique to cut oxidation without thinning the metal.
Will exterior detailing affect decals or paint?+
We work around decals, registration numbers, and painted graphics with appropriate products and technique. Let us know about any recent paint or decal work when you request a quote so we can plan around it.