plane detailing

**Envious Eric** · 05-10-2008, 02:38 PM

who here has done them? I got asked yesterday is I can detail a plane. I told the guy I havent, but I could as its basically the same process, but with different chemicals/products...

I dont know exactly what he meant by detailing as it was a quick 20 second conversation at my restaurant (he was waiting for a business meeting), but he said "I dont know, just make it clean again"

so what types of things should I look out for, and if this does go through, is ONR a feasible way to wash it? should I add anything to the ONR, make it stronger?

**imported_themightytimmah** · 05-10-2008, 03:17 PM

Planes burn their oil and spit it out on the bottom, so the bellies get greased up something terrible. ONR probably won`t cut it, you`ll likely need a solvent degreaser (we used to use Tarminator) and a pressure washer to get it clean in any reasonable amount of time.

Aircraft paint is pretty tough to get swirl-free, it`s *much* harder than auto paint. We used M66 on an orange pad @1400rpms, it did no correction but it got things perfectly clean and didn`t introduce any holograms of its own.

**Envious Eric** · 05-10-2008, 03:37 PM

yeah I dont think that he is looking for detail work, just a good thorough washing...

damn, so without a PW and degreaser, I am out of luck huh?

**imported_advs1** · 05-10-2008, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by toyotaguy

yeah I dont think that he is looking for detail work, just a good thorough washing...

damn, so without a PW and degreaser, I am out of luck huh?

when are you doing it/planning? if i`m not busy i can bring my power washer and you can use it. i would love to add that i detailed a plane to my resume so to speak.

BTW i`m in whittier

**JonP** · 05-10-2008, 07:19 PM

I was able to clean the belly of a small plane wiithout a pressure washer. I just used a foam sprayer with Simple Green, sprayed the belly good, let it soak a few mins, then wipe off and rewash the area. A simple washing will do just fine without a pressure washer although it`s easier with one. This plane was a dull no gloss tan color, when finished, it was glossy all over. There are some small sensor holes that you must not get wax/water in, so tape over them then proceed to clean. Good luck.

**jimmybuffit** · 05-11-2008, 06:01 AM

Insurance.

The FBO may not let you the premises without adequate (millions) insurance.

It is a little more complicatedand involved than you may be aware. For example, make sure he shows you the pitot tube(s).

Suggest you chat with Renny Doyle at Attention To Details. Here`s their forum

Tread lightly.

Good Luck

Jim

**beachcities** · 05-11-2008, 06:41 PM

I am pretty sure john wayne airport required 4 million in liability to detail there last time I checked.

**imported_advs1** · 05-11-2008, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by beachcities

I am pretty sure john wayne airport required 4 million in liability to detail there last time I checked.

:shocked

:shocked

**Envious Eric** · 05-11-2008, 10:41 PM

hopefully this is at a smaller airport and he was serious about it...its been all weekend and no word from the guy...I dont need to open up an insurance policy like that if this is going to be a one time thing...lol

**Superior Shine** · 05-14-2008, 07:31 AM

The whole airplane detailing is a pain unless you go for it 100%.

1- In addition to your biz license your going to need an airport permit ($200-$800)

2- Water reclaim an absolute must

3- 2 million + insurance