Keep Your Aircraft Looking Flight Ready

Professional airplane and aviation detailing services in San Rafael, California

Your aircraft represents a serious investment, and keeping it in top condition matters whether you fly for business or personal reasons in San Rafael. Between coastal moisture, dust from inland areas, and the wear that comes from regular flight operations, your plane's exterior and interior both take a beating that shows up in faded paint, streaked windows, and worn cabin surfaces.

Paradise Detailing provides airplane and aviation detailing designed to restore and protect your aircraft using products and techniques specific to aviation surfaces. The work covers everything from washing and polishing the fuselage to cleaning the cockpit, treating leather seats, and restoring clarity to windscreens. Each service addresses the unique demands of aircraft materials, which differ significantly from automotive finishes and require specialized care to avoid damage.

If your aircraft is based in San Rafael and needs attention, reach out to discuss what your plane requires and schedule a detailing session that fits your flight schedule.

What Goes Into Detailing an Aircraft

Detailing an airplane in San Rafael starts with a thorough wash using pH-balanced solutions that safely remove dirt, exhaust residue, and salt accumulation without harming the paint or decals. The fuselage, wings, and tail sections are cleaned by hand, followed by polishing to remove oxidation and restore the original shine. Windscreens and windows are treated with scratch-resistant cleaners that leave them clear and streak-free.

After the exterior work, you will notice that your aircraft looks sharp on the ramp, with paint that reflects light evenly and windows that offer unobstructed visibility during preflight inspections. Inside the cabin, seats are vacuumed and conditioned, control panels are wiped down without leaving residue, and carpets are cleaned to remove dirt tracked in from the tarmac. The cockpit ends up looking organized and maintained, which matters both for resale value and for your own comfort during flights.

The service also includes treating rubber seals and applying protective coatings to high-wear areas, which helps slow down future deterioration. Paradise Detailing uses products formulated for aviation use, meaning they meet standards for chemical compatibility with aircraft materials. The process typically takes several hours depending on the size of the aircraft and the level of cleaning required, and scheduling can be coordinated around your hangar access or tie-down location.

Questions pilots and aircraft owners often ask

Owners who fly out of San Rafael or nearby airports often want to know how aviation detailing differs from regular vehicle cleaning and what results they can expect. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the service.

What makes aviation detailing different from car detailing?
Aircraft surfaces are more sensitive to certain chemicals and abrasives, so aviation detailing uses products specifically tested for compatibility with aviation paint, plexiglass, and composite materials. The techniques also account for the thinner paint layers and delicate decals found on many planes.
How often should an aircraft be detailed?
Most aircraft benefit from a full detailing every six months to a year, depending on how often you fly and where the plane is stored. Planes kept outdoors or flown frequently in coastal areas like San Rafael may need more regular cleaning to prevent salt buildup and UV damage.
What parts of the aircraft are included in the service?
The service covers the exterior fuselage, wings, tail, landing gear, windscreens, and windows, as well as the interior cabin, cockpit, seats, carpets, and control surfaces. Engine cowlings and wheel wells are also cleaned if accessible.
How long does the detailing process take?
A typical single-engine aircraft takes between four and six hours to detail thoroughly. Larger or more complex planes may take longer, and the timeline depends on the condition of the aircraft when it arrives.
Can detailing remove scratches or oxidation from the paint?
Light oxidation and surface scratches can often be polished out using safe buffing techniques. Deeper scratches or damage to the clear coat may require touch-up painting, which is handled separately from the detailing service.

Paradise Detailing works with aircraft owners in San Rafael who want their planes maintained to a standard that reflects the care they put into flying them. The service is scheduled around your availability and can be performed at your hangar or tie-down location. If your aircraft is due for a cleaning or you want to restore its appearance before a trip or sale, contact Paradise Detailing to arrange a detailing appointment that keeps your plane looking as good as it flies.