What's included
Our exterior detailing covers the whole outside of the car, from the wheel barrels to the roof. It's more than a wash. Decontamination removes bonded grit that washing leaves behind, and a protective layer goes on at the end so the paint stays cleaner for longer. The interior isn't included.
| Area | What we do |
|---|---|
| Pre-wash | Foam or pre-rinse to loosen grit before we touch the paint |
| Hand wash | Hand wash with clean mitts and a careful dry |
| Wheel cleaning | Wheel faces, barrels where reachable, tyres and arches |
| Decontamination | Iron fallout remover, then clay bar |
| Glass | Exterior glass and mirrors |
| Trim | Exterior plastics cleaned and dressed |
| Protection | Sealant or wax applied by hand |
Why clay bar matters
A clay bar picks up contamination that's bonded to the clear coat. Think tree sap, brake dust, overspray and fallout from rail lines and industrial areas. Paint that's been clayed feels smooth as glass. It also lets the sealant or wax bond properly instead of sitting on top of grit.
Sealant or wax?
Both add gloss and make washing easier. A sealant generally lasts longer. A wax gives a warm look that some owners prefer on darker paint. Tell us your preference at booking, or we'll recommend one for your car.
Who it suits
Car exterior detailing suits cars with a tidy interior but a tired outside. Cars parked under trees, near the coast or by busy roads collect the most bonded contamination.
It's a good fit for:
- owners who keep the inside clean themselves
- cars that look dull and feel rough to the touch after washing
- black and dark cars, where every speck shows
- getting the paint ready before ceramic coating or paint correction
If your paint has swirl marks or scratches, exterior detailing will make it cleaner and shinier, but won't remove them. That's what a cut and polish is for. White, crusty marks on the glass or paint after the sprinklers run are mineral deposits. Those need water spot removal.
How a mobile visit works
We set up next to the car, wash it where it's parked and do the protection in shade where possible. A driveway, carport or covered car park all work. Sealants and waxes behave better out of direct midday sun, so we may ask to move the car into shade for the last step.
Here's the order: pre-wash, wheels, hand wash, decontamination, dry, glass and trim, then protection. We arrive self-sufficient where access allows, and we'll confirm water and power needs when you book.
Unit and office car parks
Washing in a basement may not be allowed in every building. Check with your body corporate or building manager, and tell us where we'll be working when you book.
Pricing (from)
Exterior detailing is from $XX for a small car. Larger vehicles have more paint to wash, clay and protect, so SUVs, 4WDs and vans cost more.
Our size bands are small car, sedan, SUV, 4WD or ute, and 7-seater or van. Heavy tar, sap or water spots may need extra time. Every size is on our pricing page, and you'll see your price when you book. Not sure if your paint needs claying? Call 0402 723 464.
Insured to $20 million
All exterior work is covered by public liability insurance up to $20 million, and we've been trading for 8 years.
- Insured to $20 millionPublic liability cover on every service
- We come to youHome, work or unit complex
- 8 years tradingBrisbane-based, Moorooka head office
- Book onlinePick a service and a time
Before & after
Exterior details on real Brisbane cars. Look at the gloss and the wheels.
Our before-and-after photos are being added. Check back soon, or book a detail and see the difference yourself.
There are more in our before and after gallery.
Areas we cover
We cover greater Brisbane from Moorooka, across the northside, southside, inner city, bayside, westside and Logan. Bayside and coastal cars benefit most from regular exterior work because of salt air. See your area on our service areas page.
FAQs
What is exterior car detailing?
Exterior car detailing is a thorough clean and protect of a car's outside. It goes beyond a wash to include wheel cleaning, decontamination with an iron remover and clay bar, glass, trim dressing and a protective sealant or wax on the paint.
How is exterior detailing different from a car wash?
A car wash removes loose dirt. Exterior detailing also removes bonded contamination with clay and iron remover, cleans the wheel barrels and arches, dresses the trim and adds a protective layer. It's done by hand, at your place.
How often should I get exterior detailing?
Every few months suits most daily drivers, with gentle hand washes in between. Cars parked outside, under trees or near the bay may need it more often.
Will exterior detailing remove scratches?
No. It cleans and protects the paint, which makes it look glossier, but scratches and swirls need machine polishing. Our paint correction service covers that.
Can you detail the exterior at my workplace?
Often, yes. We need permission to wash in the car park and somewhere the run-off is allowed. We'll confirm water and power needs when you book.
Book your detail
Book Exterior Detailing online, call 0402 723 464, or upgrade to a Complete Detail to get the inside done too.