When most people hear the word "detailing," they picture a spotless car, polished wheels, and a shiny coat of wax. But aircraft detailing is an entirely different world—one that blends technical precision, safety standards, and mechanical understanding into a specialized service essential for preserving aircraft value and readiness.
Whether you operate a turboprop, a super-mid jet, or a large-cabin aircraft, professional detailing isn't cosmetic—it's part of responsible ownership and maintenance.
Why Aircraft Detailing Matters More Than Most Owners Realize
Aircraft live in one of the harshest operating environments of any vehicle:
- • Jet fuel exhaust coats the belly in oily residue
- • High heat and UV exposure break down paint and coatings
- • Moisture and humidity cause corrosion
- • Ramp grime and industrial fallout bond to surfaces
- • Bugs, salts, and contaminants damage leading edges
- • Brightwork dulls and oxidizes quickly
- • Carpets, seats, and soft goods get heavy wear from passengers and crew
Detailing is the frontline defense against all of these.
Consistent aircraft detailing:
High-quality cleaning prevents oxidation, fading, and premature repainting costs.
Polishing and sealing stainless steel and aluminum prevents pitting and corrosion.
Smooth, clean surfaces reduce drag and can improve fuel efficiency.
A clean cabin reflects professionalism, luxury, and attention to detail.
Aircraft with documented detailing history command higher resale and inspection confidence.
Improper cleaning can damage sensors, static ports, windows, and coatings. Proper detailing prevents maintenance problems.
Aircraft detailing is not optional for serious operators. It is maintenance.
What Makes Aircraft Detailing Different From Car Detailing?
Aviation detailing standards are dramatically higher than automotive detailing for one simple reason:
Aircraft are safety-critical machines.
A car wash mistake might cause scratches.
An aircraft wash mistake can cause:
- Corrosion
- Sensor malfunction
- Windshield damage
- Paint degradation
- Static port or pitot tube contamination
- Sealant softening
- Brightwork pitting
- Avionics screen damage
This is why detailers need OEM-approved products, knowledge of aircraft structure, and the ability to work around:
Everything on an aircraft has a purpose—and a risk if mishandled.
The A&P Advantage: Why Jet Owners Choose AeroShine
Many detailers come from the automotive world. AeroShine comes from the aviation world.
Every detailer at AeroShine is an A&P mechanic, which means:
We know what can be touched, avoided, protected, or masked.
OEM manuals matter. We use only aviation-approved cleaners and materials.
A&Ps know what corrosion looks like, how fluids behave, and what harmful residue can do over time.
No guesswork. No shortcuts. Everything is done with airworthiness, safety, and longevity in mind.
You're not just getting cleaners—you're getting licensed technicians working with precision.
This mechanical background is your guarantee that your aircraft is cared for at the highest professional standard possible.
What's Included in a Professional Aircraft Detail?
Aircraft detailing typically falls into two main categories:
1. Exterior Detailing
Exterior detailing protects the aircraft's outer surfaces from contamination, UV exposure, chemical damage, and wear.
A standard exterior detail may include:
- Pre-rinse and foam wash – Removes surface dirt and protects the paint from micro-scratching.
- Belly degreasing – The belly collects hydraulic fluid, oil, carbon soot, and baked-on contaminants.
- Landing gear cleaning – Gear assemblies are exposed to hydraulic mist, brake dust, and ramp debris.
- Brightwork polishing – Stainless steel, aluminum, and leading edges are polished and protected.
- Sealant or ceramic coating application – Advanced coatings protect paint from UV, oxidation, and contaminants.
- Window cleaning with approved materials – Aircraft windows scratch easily—incorrect products cause irreversible damage.
- Exhaust stain removal – Jet A soot is acidic and should not be allowed to build up.
A proper wash often takes several hours or more, depending on aircraft size and surface conditions.
2. Interior Detailing
Aircraft interiors experience heavy use and require meticulous, material-specific care.
Interior detailing includes:
- Leather cleaning and conditioning – Using pH-balanced, aviation-safe products.
- Carpet and upholstery extraction – Removing deep contamination and stains.
- Lavatory and galley sanitation – Using non-corrosive, aircraft-approved disinfectants.
- Cabin disinfecting – Critical for passenger comfort and safety.
- Cockpit screen-safe cleaning – Avionics screens can be damaged by standard cleaners.
- Trim, vents, and panel crevice cleaning – Precision work enhances both cleanliness and cabin air quality.
- Odor removal and air purification – Mold, food spills, and moisture can cause persistent odors if not treated properly.
When paired with regular maintenance, interior detailing extends the lifespan of seating surfaces, fabrics, and cabin finishes.
The Step-By-Step Process of a Professional AeroShine Aircraft Detail
Here's what a real A&P-led service looks like:
- Aircraft inspection – We identify paint condition, oxidation, contamination, brightwork condition, and sensitive zones.
- Hazard & sensor protection – Static ports and other critical openings are masked per OEM guidance.
- Safe wash procedure – Starting top-down, using approved cleaners and filtered water.
- Microfiber-only contact – No abrasive brushes or automotive tools—only aircraft-safe materials.
- Belly degreasing & contamination removal – Using approved degreasers with controlled dwell times.
- Brightwork polishing (if applicable) – Multi-stage mechanical polishing restores clarity and shine.
- Drying and surface inspection – Spot-free drying prevents mineral deposits.
- Post-wash inspection – We verify no residue remains in sensitive areas and ensure protective layers are properly applied.
The result is an aircraft that looks better, performs better, and lasts longer.
How Often Should Aircraft Be Detailed?
Frequency depends on usage, climate, ramp exposure, and owner preference.
General guidelines:
Exterior: Every 3–4 months
Interior: Every 2–3 months
Exterior: Monthly or bi-monthly
Interior: Bi-weekly to monthly
Exterior: Monthly + quarterly protection
Interior: Weekly touch-ups + monthly deep cleans
Full polish: 1–2 times per year
Touch-ups: As needed
Inspection and light refresh every 6–12 months
Consistent detailing is cheaper than restoring a heavily neglected aircraft later.
The Cost of Not Detailing Your Aircraft
Ignoring detailing leads to:
- ❌ Oxidation and dull paint
- ❌ Corrosion behind panels
- ❌ Stained brightwork
- ❌ Cabin odor and reduced passenger comfort
- ❌ Hydraulic fluid and soot buildup
- ❌ Lost resale value
- ❌ Faster wear of interior materials
- ❌ More frequent paint corrections
- ❌ Preventable maintenance issues
Detailing is a fraction of the cost of repair or repainting.
Why Jet Owners Choose AeroShine
AeroShine delivers something most detailing operations can't:
The power of mechanical expertise + detailing precision.
- A&P-led services
- OEM-approved chemicals only
- Safety-first wash procedures
- Experience with super-mids and large-cabin jets
- Brightwork specialists
- High-end interior care
- Maintenance-focused attention to detail
- St. Louis–based and ready to serve regional operations
We don't just clean aircraft—we protect them.
Ready to Protect Your Aircraft the Right Way?
A detailed aircraft is a safer, cleaner, and more reliable aircraft. Whether you fly privately, operate a corporate fleet, or manage a charter operation, proper detailing is essential.
If you want mechanical awareness, attention to detail, and a long-term preservation mindset, AeroShine is ready to help.
Explore more or schedule your next detail