5 Aircraft Detailing Mistakes That Cost Owners Thousands
Jet has seen some things. Owners who genuinely care about their aircraft accidentally causing thousands in damage. The road to paint correction is paved with good intentions and bad products. Here are the five mistakes we see most often.
Mistake #1: Using Automotive Products
Your car and your aircraft have different needs. Automotive wash soaps, waxes, and cleaners can damage aircraft surfaces in ways you won't notice immediately.
The Problem
- Automotive soaps are too harsh for aircraft paint
- Car waxes contain silicones that interfere with future paint work
- Wheel cleaners eat through aircraft brightwork
- Tire dressings damage aircraft tires and seals
The Damage
We recently detailed a Bonanza where the owner had used automotive wheel cleaner on the prop spinner. The clear coat was completely destroyed. Repair cost: $1,800.
The Fix
Only use aviation-approved products. Yes, they cost more. They're also formulated for the specific materials on your aircraft. Ask us for product recommendations.
Mistake #2: Washing in Direct Sunlight
It seems logical to wash when it's warm and sunny. Big mistake.
The Problem
Water droplets act as magnifying glasses. The sun heats the surface unevenly. Soap dries before you can rinse it. All of this causes water spots etched permanently into clear coat.
The Damage
Etched water spots require machine polishing to remove. Depending on severity, that runs $500-2,000 for a full aircraft.
The Fix
Wash early morning, late evening, or in shade. If you must wash in sun, work in small sections and rinse immediately. Keep the surface wet at all times.
Jet's schedule: We start details at dawn during summer. By 10am, we're finishing up before the sun gets intense.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Towels
That old bath towel seems soft enough. It's not.
The Problem
Cotton towels, paper towels, and shop rags all contain fibers that scratch paint. Some towels have stitched edges that act like sandpaper. Even "soft" cotton creates swirl marks over time.
The Damage
Swirl marks cover the entire aircraft, visible in any light. Correction requires cutting and polishing the entire surface: $3,000-8,000 depending on aircraft size.
The Fix
Use only high-quality microfiber towels. The kind rated for paint, not the cheap ones from the hardware store. Wash them separately, no fabric softener, and replace when worn.
Mistake #4: Pressure Washing Everything
Pressure washers are fast and powerful. Too powerful for many aircraft components.
The Problem
- Behind window seals
- Into static wicks
- Past door seals into cabin
- Through engine baffles
- Into avionics compartments
The Damage
Water intrusion causes corrosion, electrical problems, and mold growth. We've seen pressure-washed aircraft with corroded wiring, water-damaged headliners, and seized control cables. Repairs ranged from $500 to $15,000.
The Fix
Use low pressure and high volume. A garden hose works for most cleaning. If using a pressure washer, keep it under 1,200 PSI and never direct it at seals, vents, or openings.
Jet's rule: If you can't see where the water goes, don't spray there.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Rinse
You're tired. The plane looks clean. One more rinse won't matter. Wrong.
The Problem
Soap residue left on surfaces attracts dirt, dulls paint, and can cause staining. Degreaser residue is even worse, slowly etching through clear coat over days and weeks.
The Damage
Residue damage shows as hazy areas, streaks, or discolored patches. Depending on severity, correction ranges from $200 for spot polishing to $2,000+ for full paint correction.
The Fix
Rinse thoroughly. Then rinse again. Use a sheeting action (gentle flow, not spray) to check for soap residue. If water beads unevenly, residue remains.
Bonus Mistake: Ignoring Small Chips
This isn't a cleaning mistake, but Jet sees it constantly. A small paint chip seems minor. "I'll fix it later."
Later never comes. Moisture gets under the paint. Corrosion spreads under the surface. By the time you notice, a $50 touch-up has become a $3,000 repaint.
The Fix
Address paint chips immediately. Keep touch-up paint matched to your aircraft color. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, ask us during your next detail.
The Bottom Line
Most damage comes from trying to save money or time. Professional aircraft detailing costs a fraction of the repairs these mistakes cause. Our mobile team serves 15 airports across PA, NJ, and Delaware from our home base in Robesonia, near Reading Regional. We're proud to serve Reading Aero Club members and pilots throughout Berks, Lancaster, Chester, and Lehigh counties. Get a quote and protect your investment the right way.
Jet's seen it all. Don't become another cautionary tale.
