Exterior Car Detailing Calgary
Professional Hand Washing - No Automatic Car Wash Damage
Automatic car washes are convenient but terrible for your paint. Spinning brushes scratch your clear coat every time. Harsh chemicals strip protection. Detaily brings professional mobile exterior car detailing directly to your Calgary location. While you're at home or office, we hand wash, clay bar, and wax to protect your paint from Calgary's harsh climate — no scratches, no swirl marks, just safe professional care.
Exterior detailing prices: $129 to $329
What's Included in Exterior Detailing
Every service includes professional-grade care and attention to detail
Real Exterior Detailing Results
See the transformation we achieve with professional hand washing and paint protection in Calgary
Complete exterior transformation
Paint protected and glossy
Wheels and tires detailed
Headlights restored and clear
Why Calgary Vehicles Need Professional Exterior Detailing
Calgary's unique climate creates specific challenges for vehicle exteriors
Winter Road Salt Corrosion
Problem: Calgary applies road salt for 5-6 months annually. Salt penetrates paint imperfections, creates corrosive solution, and reaches bare metal causing rust. White residue visible on paint and trim accelerates damage.
Solution: Wash every 2-3 weeks during winter. Wax or sealant creates barrier preventing salt bonding. Focus on undercarriage where salt accumulates most. Mobile service means no driving through more salt to reach detailing shop.
Extreme UV Exposure (2,300+ Hours)
Problem: Calgary receives 2,300+ hours of sunshine annually (more than Miami!). UV rays break down clear coat causing oxidation, hazy appearance, and eventual peeling. Red and black paint most vulnerable to fading.
Solution: Wax with UV inhibitors every 2-3 months. Synthetic sealants provide stronger UV protection than natural wax. Regular protection prevents oxidation and maintains paint depth and gloss for years longer.
Temperature Extremes (-30°C to +30°C)
Problem: Calgary's 60-degree temperature range creates expansion-contraction stress on paint. Clear coat and base coat expand at different rates creating micro-cracks. Chinook winds make this worse with rapid temperature changes.
Solution: Protective wax or sealant adds flexible layer that absorbs stress. Reduces micro-crack formation and slows clear coat aging in extreme climate. Regular application maintains protective barrier year-round.
Hail Damage Risk (Spring/Summer)
Problem: Calgary experiences frequent hail storms during spring and summer months. Hail can cause dents, dings, and paint chips on vehicle exterior and glass. Storm damage happens quickly and unexpectedly.
Solution: While protection can't prevent hail damage, regular waxing helps minor chips and scratches from worsening. Keep paint sealed and protected year-round so small damage doesn't turn into major paint failure.
Understanding Your Vehicle's Paint
Not all automotive paint is the same - proper identification ensures proper care
Single-Stage Paint (Older Vehicles, Some Work Trucks)
Construction: Color and gloss in single layer. No separate clear coat.
Common on: Vehicles manufactured pre-1985, some commercial trucks, fleet vehicles
Characteristics: Softer paint (easier to scratch but easier to polish). Color fades with oxidation (sun exposure degrades pigment). Requires frequent waxing (paint has no clear coat protection).
Calgary challenge: UV exposure directly affects color pigment. Road salt attacks color layer. Oxidation visible as fading and chalking.
Our approach: Gentle hand washing preserves remaining paint. Wax application creates protective barrier. More frequent protection needed (every 4-6 weeks).
Two-Stage Paint: Base Coat / Clear Coat (Modern Standard)
Construction: Color base coat covered by separate clear coat layer. Clear coat provides gloss and UV protection.
Common on: All vehicles manufactured post-1990s (virtually all modern vehicles)
Characteristics: Clear coat typically 1.5-2.0 mils thick. Clear coat protects base coat from UV, chemicals, physical damage. Swirl marks appear in clear coat (not color layer). Harder clear coat = more scratch-resistant but harder to polish.
Calgary challenge: Clear coat faces UV degradation (Calgary's 2,300+ hours sun). Road salt chemicals attack clear coat. Temperature cycling creates micro-cracks over time.
Our approach: Protect clear coat with wax or sealant. Clay bar removes contaminants before they bond permanently. Gentle washing prevents swirl marks.
Paint Hardness Variations (Why Some Cars Scratch Easier)
German Paint (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen):
Hardness: Soft (easier to scratch, easier to polish)
Why: German manufacturers prioritize glossy appearance and easy repair
Calgary consideration: Soft paint shows swirl marks more readily from improper washing
Our approach: Extra gentle technique. Softest wash mitts. Minimal pressure. Frequent wax protection.
Japanese Paint (Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Nissan):
Hardness: Hard (more scratch-resistant, harder to polish if damaged)
Why: Japanese manufacturers prioritize durability and longevity
Calgary consideration: More resistant to automatic wash damage but still damages over time
Our approach: Standard gentle technique. Can withstand slightly more pressure but still avoid aggressive methods.
American Paint (Ford, GM, Dodge):
Hardness: Medium (varies by model and year)
Why: Balance between gloss and durability
Calgary consideration: Varies—newer models softer (easier to damage)
Our approach: Adjusted based on specific model and paint condition assessment.
Complete Exterior Detailing Process
Professional hand washing technique that protects your paint instead of damaging it
Initial Rinse and Foam Pre-Wash
Thoroughly rinse entire vehicle to remove loose dirt and debris. Apply thick automotive foam that dwells for 3-5 minutes. Foam safely loosens bonded dirt before any physical contact with paint.
Why this matters: Pre-wash removes 70-80% of dirt without touching paint. Prevents scratching during hand wash phase.
Two-Bucket Hand Washing Method
Use soft microfiber wash mitt with gentle automotive soap. One bucket contains soapy water, second bucket rinses mitt between panels. Work top-to-bottom washing cleanest areas first. Light pressure lets soap do the work.
Why this matters: Two-bucket method prevents dirt re-application. Avoids swirl marks that automatic washes create.
Wheel and Tire Detailing
Deep clean wheels, rims, and wheel wells using dedicated wheel cleaner and brushes. Remove brake dust, road grime, and salt buildup. Apply tire dressing for rich black finish.
Why this matters: Brake dust is corrosive iron particles that damage wheel finish if left long-term. Clean wheels complete the detailed appearance.
Clay Bar Treatment (Deep Clean Package)
Use detailing clay to remove bonded contaminants that washing can't remove: industrial fallout, tree sap, brake dust, rail dust. Clay glides across paint pulling embedded particles. Paint feels glass-smooth after treatment.
Why this matters: Bonded contaminants prevent wax from properly adhering. Clay bar creates perfectly smooth surface for maximum protection.
Drying with Microfiber Towels
Immediately dry entire vehicle using plush microfiber drying towels. Prevents water spots that can etch into clear coat. Gentle blotting technique instead of wiping.
Why this matters: Calgary's hard water contains minerals that etch clear coat when allowed to air dry. Proper drying prevents permanent water spot damage.
Hand-Applied Wax or Sealant Protection
Apply carnauba wax (6-8 weeks protection) or synthetic sealant (2-3 months protection) by hand. Work in small sections allowing proper bonding. Buff to brilliant shine revealing deep gloss and water-beading properties.
Why this matters: Protection layer shields paint from UV, salt, contaminants, and water. Creates hydrophobic surface where water beads and rolls off.
Final Glass Cleaning and Inspection
Clean all exterior glass streak-free. Detail door jambs and trim. Apply UV protectant to exterior plastic trim preventing fading. Final quality inspection ensuring every surface is perfect.
Why this matters: Clean glass improves visibility and safety. UV protectant prevents trim from becoming brittle and faded in Calgary's intense sun.
Mobile Detailing Packages Calgary
Professional mobile detailing packages designed for every need and budget
Express Wash
$129 - $159
Light Interior Vacuum with Full Exterior
Service time: 1-2 hours
Best for: Regular upkeep, maintaining already-clean interiors
Standard
$219 - $249
Complete Interior Deep Clean Only
Service time: 3-4 hours
Perfect for: Family vehicles, pet owners, Calgary winter salt removal
Deep Clean
$299 - $329
Complete Interior and Exterior Transformation
Service time: 4-5 hours
Best for: Neglected interiors, post-winter refresh, pre-sale preparation
All packages include mobile service — we come to your home, office, or parkade anywhere in Calgary
Exterior Add-On Service
Professional engine bay detailing available with any package
How Often Should You Detail Your Exterior?
Recommended exterior detailing frequency based on Calgary climate and your vehicle use
Basic Maintenance
Every 4-6 weeks
Express Wash provides hand wash and wax protection for regular upkeep. Ideal for garage-kept vehicles with moderate use.
Calgary Winter Priority
Every 2-3 weeks
During salt season (Nov-Mar), wash more frequently to remove corrosive road salt. Essential for preventing rust and paint damage.
Complete Protection
Monthly + Seasonal
Express Wash monthly plus Deep Clean seasonally (spring and fall). Maximum protection for show cars and luxury vehicles.
Calgary-Specific Timing
Calgary Exterior Detailing Common Issues and Solutions
Professional solutions for Calgary-specific exterior problems
Road Salt Corrosion (November - March Priority)
Problem: Calgary applies road salt (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride) for 5-6 months annually. White crusty residue visible on paint and trim. Salt penetrates paint imperfections, reaches bare metal, and causes rust formation.
Why it happens: Salt solution contacts paint and trim, penetrates clear coat micro-cracks, dries leaving crystalline residue that attracts moisture. This creates corrosive environment under clear coat. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles expand cracks, eventually reaching base coat or metal causing permanent damage.
Our solution: Professional hand washing removes bonded salt that automatic washes miss. Thorough undercarriage rinse targets where salt accumulates most. Wax or sealant creates protective barrier preventing salt from bonding to paint. Focus on wheel wells, rocker panels, and door edges where salt deposits concentrate.
Prevention: Wash every 2-3 weeks during salt season (Nov-Mar). Schedule wash after major snowfalls when salt application highest. Maintain wax protection year-round. Mobile service means no driving through more salt to reach shop.
UV Paint Oxidation (2,300+ Hours Sunshine Annually)
Problem: Calgary receives 2,300+ hours of sunshine annually (more than Miami!). Clear coat becomes hazy, chalky, loses gloss depth. Red and black paint most vulnerable to visible fading. Eventually leads to clear coat peeling ($1,500-3,000 repaint cost).
Why it happens: UV rays penetrate clear coat breaking molecular bonds in polymer chains. Broken bonds create free radicals that oxidize clear coat (similar to rust but in plastic). Oxidized clear coat progressively degrades: healthy → slight dullness → hazy appearance → chalky texture → peeling/delamination.
Our solution: Wax with UV inhibitors absorbs UV before reaching clear coat. Synthetic sealants provide stronger UV protection than natural wax (2-3 months vs 6-8 weeks). Regular application every 2-3 months maintains protective layer. Clay bar treatment removes bonded contaminants allowing wax to properly adhere and protect.
Prevention: Spring application crucial (prepares for intense summer sun May-Sept). Fall application protects during winter preventing UV + salt combination damage. Garage parking when possible. Regular waxing prevents oxidation and maintains paint depth for years longer.
Temperature Stress Damage (-30°C to +30°C)
Problem: Calgary's 60-degree annual temperature range creates expansion-contraction stress on paint. Clear coat and base coat expand at different rates creating internal stress. Chinook winds cause rapid 15-20 degree changes in single day (frozen to warm in hours).
Why it happens: Paint expands in heat (molecular spacing increases) and contracts in cold (molecular spacing decreases). Different expansion rates between layers create stress. Repeated stress creates micro-cracks over time. Rapid temperature changes (chinooks) more stressful than gradual seasonal transitions.
Our solution: Wax or sealant adds flexible protective layer that absorbs some expansion-contraction stress. Reduces micro-crack formation rate and slows clear coat aging in extreme climate. Mobile service means vehicles detailed in climate-controlled garage at proper temperature (15-25°C ideal) for better product curing and bonding.
Prevention: Maintain protective wax layer year-round (not just summer). Schedule detailing during moderate temperatures when possible. Avoid washing frozen vehicle then immediately parking in heated garage (thermal shock). Regular protection prevents cumulative stress damage.
Hail Damage Prevention (Calgary Spring/Summer)
Problem: Calgary experiences frequent hail storms May through September. Hail causes dents, dings, and paint chips on vehicle exterior and glass. Storm damage happens quickly and unexpectedly. Repair costs can exceed vehicle value for severe storms.
Why it happens: Calgary's location east of Rocky Mountains creates atmospheric conditions perfect for hail formation. Warm moist air meets cold mountain air creating severe thunderstorms. Hail sizes range from pea-sized to golf balls (occasionally larger). Impact energy sufficient to dent metal and crack glass.
Our solution: While protection can't prevent dent damage, regular waxing helps minor chips and scratches from worsening. Protected paint (wax/sealant) minimizes surface impact damage. Contaminant-free paint (clay bar) less vulnerable to chipping. Post-hail cleaning removes storm debris and prepares paint for insurance inspection.
Prevention: Keep paint sealed and protected year-round so small hail damage doesn't turn into major paint failure. Well-maintained vehicles with documented detailing history may receive higher pre-damage valuations for insurance claims. Garage parking during hail season when possible.
What Calgary Customers Say About Our Exterior Detailing
Real reviews from satisfied Calgary vehicle owners
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Detailing
Everything you need to know about our professional exterior detailing service
Is hand washing really better than automatic car washes?
Yes, absolutely. Automatic brush washes create swirl marks with every use because spinning brushes scratch clear coat. They also retain dirt from previous vehicles causing cross-contamination. After 10-15 automatic washes, you'll see visible swirl marks especially on dark colors.
Touchless washes are better but use extremely harsh chemicals that strip ALL protective wax and sealant. Professional hand washing with two-bucket method, soft mitts, and gentle soap protects your paint instead of damaging it.
How long does wax or sealant protection last in Calgary?
Carnauba wax lasts 6-8 weeks in Calgary's climate. Synthetic sealant lasts 2-3 months and provides stronger UV protection. Duration depends on parking (garage-kept lasts longer), driving frequency, and weather exposure.
Calgary's intense UV (2,300+ hours sunshine), road salt, and temperature extremes break down protection faster than milder climates. We recommend Express Wash every 4-6 weeks to maintain protection year-round.
Will this remove swirl marks on my black car?
Our exterior detailing prevents NEW swirl marks from forming (unlike automatic washes), but cannot remove existing swirl marks. Swirl mark removal requires professional machine polishing.
Clay bar treatment (included in Deep Clean) removes bonded contaminants and creates glass-smooth paint. Hand wax fills in minor scratches temporarily making them less visible, but doesn't permanently remove them. Regular hand washing prevents new swirl marks from forming.
Can you detail in my condo parkade?
Yes! We regularly service vehicles in Calgary parkades — both office buildings and residential condos. We bring all equipment and supplies, and only need your parking stall and access to a nearby electrical outlet.
You provide parkade access instructions (building address, level, stall number, access code), we arrive at scheduled time and complete full exterior detail in your parking spot. Popular for downtown workers and condo residents. Just ensure your building allows commercial services in parkade.
How often should I wash my car in Calgary?
Regular season: Express Wash every 4-6 weeks maintains protection and appearance for most drivers.
Winter (Nov-Mar): Wash every 2-3 weeks to remove corrosive road salt. Calgary applies salt for 5-6 months annually and it WILL cause rust if left on paint long-term.
Seasonal deep cleans: Spring (April-May) and Fall (Sept-Oct) Deep Clean with clay bar provides maximum protection for upcoming season.
What's the difference between Express and Deep Clean for exterior?
Express Wash ($129-159): Complete exterior hand wash, wax protection, wheels, tires, glass, plus light interior vacuum. Perfect for regular maintenance every 4-6 weeks. Takes 1-2 hours.
Deep Clean ($299-329): Everything in Express PLUS clay bar paint decontamination, wheel well degreasing, complete interior deep clean with shampooing and leather conditioning. Best for post-winter refresh, pre-sale prep, or neglected vehicles. Takes 4-5 hours.
Will rain ruin the wax protection right after detailing?
No! Wax and sealant need 12-24 hours to fully cure and bond to paint. We recommend avoiding rain and washing for 24 hours after application if possible.
However, light rain after 6-8 hours won't ruin protection — it just means wax hasn't reached maximum bonding yet. Once cured, rain actually demonstrates protection working — you'll see water beading and rolling off instead of sheeting across paint.
Do I need to be present during service?
No, you don't need to stay with your vehicle. Most customers drop keys and go about their day. We're fully insured and background-checked professionals who treat every vehicle with care.
For mobile service at your home or office, we just need access to your vehicle and a nearby outdoor electrical outlet. You can be inside working, at home, or anywhere else. We text updates and photos during service, then notify you when complete.
Related Exterior Detailing Services
Ready to book your exterior detailing?
Join hundreds of satisfied Calgary customers who trust us with their vehicles