Love's Detail

When it comes to the chemicals/products for a detail job, selecting the right product is essential to being a successful, professional detailer. It is even more important with aircraft due to FAA and EPA restrictions, FBO guidelines and regulations, etc. Perhaps the most important is the aircraft itself. Picking the wrong chemical/product can potentially damage the aircraft paint, systems, components, etc. 

 With this in mind, I suggest you only select products that are aviation approved, that are environmentally friendly, when applicable, and that are non-corrosive.  Whether you wash your own aircraft or do detailing professionally for customers, it is extremely important you choice the right products and make sure you've tested them on a safe surface area first if you have never used it. Also, ask your local pilots, FBO's and aircraft owners what products they use.

Lets go over a few of these products and their uses, Pros and Cons, etc.

Aircraft Washing Solution (Wet Washing)

 I will always say Wet Washing an aircraft is the most effective and thorough way to clean an aircraft and should be done on an aircraft even if it is being kept up with periodic dry washes.

That being said, picking the best washing solution is crucial. Why? Using the wrong chemical will do more harm than good down the runway! ;-) Always choose a cleaning solution that is environmentally friendly, non-corrosive and when possible aviation approved or recommended.  Aircraft have extremely sensitive equipment and parts and with many different materials , metals, composites, etc.  and they must be protected from corrosion.

Dry Wash Cleaners/Systems

Although wet washing is the most thorough, dry washing is definitely the most convenient and easiest method of detailing an aircraft. It is also great for those in-between wet washes to keep it looking like new.

Dry wash cleaning systems are very effective and useful but they can come at a risk. No matter what a manufacturer says, anything, even using just water and soap can potentially scratch the surfaces of an aircraft and using a dry wash system on a heavily soiled aircraft can lead to disaster.

A great way to minimize these risks is to "prep" the aircraft first. Check out my blog for articles on "preping" an aircraft effectively. And as a rule, always use extreme caution and your discretion when working with dry wash cleaning systems.

Wax, Polishes, Sealants:

When it comes to cars, I can't really say waxes or sealants are actually needed and if polishes are used it should be sparingly and only when necessary.

However, when it comes to aircraft, they provide a lot of interesting advantages. Most waxes/sealants and polishes that are used with aircraft are formulated differently and generally come with UV protection and corrosion inhibitors which protect aircraft paint/parts from the extreme elements they are exposed.   They also help the aircraft to stay cleaner longer and make furture detailing jobs much easier. Most dry wash systems come with some kind of built in wax/polish/sealant formulated within the cleaner.

Often it is claimed that using a sealant, polish or wax will help with a phemonena called "Parasitic drag". Parasitic drag is drag caused by moving a solid object through a fluid. Although making the aircraft have less drag will help, I don't believe wax/sealants/polishes will be of any great significance. That being said, it certainly won't hurt. :-) Any reduction in friction will be a major benefit to the performance of the aircraft and for it's general up keep.

Glass Cleaners

First off, aircraft "glass" is much different from what you find in your home or car.  In general aviation applications usually plexiglass is used for windows. Plexiglass is just a thermoplastic and transparent plastic. Chemically, it is the synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. Oddly, they are not particularly strong but they are low cost items to produce, lightweight and easy to handle.

Another commonly used alternative to glass is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is temperature resistance, impact resistance and has great optical properties. They are easily molded, shaped, etc.  More expensive than plexiglass but still very widely used in the aviation industry.

When it comes to "high speed" aircraft/jets, although the cabin windows usually will still be composed of some form of arylic glass (multiple layers), the cockpit windows must be much more resistant to impact and temperature changes. They are made of multiple layers of glass and plastic, bonded together and with a heating element inside them to prevent ice from obscuring the view. Usually they are also coated on the outside with a material to help shed rain in flight.

In either case, the most important thing to realize is they are extremely sensitive to chemicals and abrasive materials.  Use only aviation approved glass cleaners with soft, non-abrasive, lint free, static free cleaning cloths. I suggest Micro Fiber Cloths or Dupont Sontara Wipes. Diapers are an ok alternative if you know for sure they don't contain nylon stitching!!! Also, always rub in one direction, perpendicular to the Horizon!

Below is a list of products that I have worked with and trust along with recommendations of products I have either tried or trust the quality. 

Typical Cleaning Solutions (Wet Wash or Dry Wash)

Dend Dextair: A user friendly all purpose cleaner which can be used for interior and exterior aircraft cleaning. The product is non-toxic, non-flammable and has virtually no odor.  I used this product extensively and it works great.

 Fleet Wash: Highly concentrated and effective, Fleet Wash leaves a wax-like finish. Contains a special blend of detergents which causes water to literally sheet away, minimizing spotting and the need to hand-dry

Nuvite SS-9-3:  An effective and safe all-purpose wet wash cleaner. Streak-free! Biodegradable!

Nuvite's citrus-based CitriCut: Gives exceptional cleaning capabilities and ease of use, whether wetwashing, cleaning by hand or even when used as a degreaser.

XC-11 Aviation Spray & Shine Cleaner-Color Brightener: Designed for spray application to give a just polished shine to your aircraft. Special high-lubricity formula which removes and lifts dirt without scratching, leaving a high-gloss look. Boeing, Douglas and Airbus approved.

XE-5 Hard Surface Cleaner Concentrate A milder solution designed for post flight wipe downs or general dry wash cleaning of complete airframe. Boeing, Douglas and Airbus approved.

Thor Aero Dry Wash:  (Dry Wash Application) This unique product also has a polish in it to protect the painted surface. So when you have a dirty job of removing exhaust fumes, oil, and other residues, it cleans and shines in to one step. It also contains a corrosion inhibitor which protects the painted surface.

PowerFoam:  An aircraft exterior spray and wipe foam cleaner.  It will effectively clean carbon exhaust, engine cowlings, oil, bugs and fly dirt from surfaces while leaving a clean, streak free finish.

Dry Wash Only Systems

Flyers Speed-Wax : is a specially formulated waterless aircraft dry wash and high gloss protectant. Flyers is a Carnauba Enriched product with an easy-on, easy-off application process

Nuvite's NuPower II: It will put a beautiful, slick, glossy surface on lightly oxidized paint or composite surfaces, and it will maintain a really supurb, glossy deep image finish on good paint and composite gelcoat surfaces.

AeroGlaze (ArrowMagnolia) : Simply wipe this liquid on your aircraft, let dry and wipe off dirt and grime. Absolutely no need to use water. Removes exhaust soot, carbon, oxidized paint, fuel stains, etc.

Supreme Glaze:  A thick, creme wax that cleans, shines, resurfaces, seals and protects aircraft painted surfaces. It safely removes light to medium oxidation and swirls, restoring the brilliance of the original color. It will even remove carbon exhaust stains.

Degreasers/Heavy Cleaners (Wet Wash or Dry Wash)

Carbon X: Removes exhaust deposits, fuel stains, oil and grease from the underside of fuselage, engine cowlings, wheel wells, etc. Pleasantly scented and stainless, it leaves no oily film or residue. Safe to use on all aircraft finishes including exotic metals and composites. (Don't recommend as a common cleaner)

Nuvite's citrus-based CitriCut Gel : Uses it's fluid viscosity to cling to vertical and overhead surfaces, and it provides increased wet-out time and penetration of stubborn dirt or caked grease. CitriCut Gel extends Nuvite's extremely popular CitriCut formulation and its exceptional cleaning capabilities to even the most difficult situations.

Nuvite Impact HD-III : uses deep penetrating degreasing and gel-cling action to soften tar, asphalt, caked up grease and dirt, and it will clean burnt-on carbon deposits. It has superior corrosion control for all metals, including both steel and aluminum, and will not deteriorate
rubber, acrylics, vinyls or paint.

Nuvite NuGear SC : is a heavy-duty aqueous cleaning compound for aircraft engine and component degreasing operations. NuGear SC can be used for hand cleaning as well as in hot immersion tanks and spray cabinets.

XE-3 Zero V.O.C. Degreaser Concentrate : Great for a strong wipe down solution for Engine Nacelles, Wheel Wells and Belly Skins. A powerful solution for those hard to clean fuselage areas. Boeing, Douglas and Airbus approved.

Wax/Polishes/Sealants

Racers Edge Aviation Polish : The ultimate in polymer polish to clean and maintain the operator's airframe for that wet look. US Air Force Tested for drag reduction after application. Built in UV 30 protection. For commercial and general aviation aircraft use. Boeing, Douglas and Airbus approved.

Nuvite's NuPower II :  (Drywash/Wax) An extraordinary product for easy and effective care of painted or gelcoat surfaces on aircraft, boats and RV's. It will put a beautiful, slick, glossy surface on lightly oxidized paint or composite surfaces, and it will maintain a really supurb, glossy deep image finish on good paint and composite gelcoat surfaces.

Nuvite NuPol : (Polish/DryWash) Easy to use. Just mop on with spun cotton scrub pad, agitate (more agitation removes more dirt and oxidation) to a thin layer and let dry. Then wipe off dry haze to reveal a clean, shiny and U/V-protected paint surface.

Nuvite NuGlaze : (Sealant/Finishing Polish) creates a super high gloss “show quality” finish for paint in new or excellent condition, and it adds a U/V and sealant protection . It will put that final “wet-look” finish on good paint, and can be used as a final step for maximum gloss after using a drywash cleaner/polish.

Supreme Glaze:  A thick, creme wax that cleans, shines, resurfaces, seals and protects aircraft painted surfaces. It safely removes light to medium oxidation and swirls, restoring the brilliance of the original color. It will even remove carbon exhaust stains.

AeroGlaze (ArrowMagnolia) : As well as a great dry wash solution, it  leaves a wax coating.

Window Cleaners

Prist: Acrylic and Glass Cleaner. Attacks tough surface grime without harming delicate finishes. Non-abrasive, anti-static foam. Exceeds federal test standards. Formulated specifically for aviation and for all types of windscreens.

Plexus Plastic Cleaner: Developed specifically, for cleaning and protecting aircraft windshields and painted surfaces.

ClearView Plastic and Glass Cleaner: Originally designed to clean airplane windshields without fogging, the cleaner's anti-static formula helps reduce dust and dirt build-up.

210 Plastic Cleaner: Anti-static and anti-fog. It will remove marks from crayons, magic markers and paint oversprays.

Tend Plastic Cleaner and Polish: The Tend family of windshield care products is an exceptional collection of cleaners guaranteed to give you crystal clear optics, vitally important in today’s air traffic environment. Tend Anti- Static Windshield Cleaner keeps acrylic surfaces clean and dust free by attacking fingerprints, lint, and smudges to maintain a crystal clear brilliance.

Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner: Removes fine hairline scratches from all types of clear plastic. Unique, non-abrasive formula. *Not recommended for larger corporate aircraft. General Aviation only*

LP Aero Plastics Acrylic Polish : Acrylic Polish and Sealant for aircraft windshields. A no-wax, non-yellowing formula with polyethylene polymers. Recommended for use as a cleaner, polish and sealant. Can be used on painted surfaces, fiberglass, plastic, clear coat, stripes and decals.

Tar and Bug Removers

Nuvite NuImage: Debugs and cleans without fogging the depth and image reflection of highly polished metal. Imparts a chemical barrier against soil redeposition. Safe to all aircraft components and exterior finishes.

Aluminum/Metal Cleaners

Leather Cleaner/Conditioners

(It is usually a good idea not to mix different chemical companies if not necessary, especially when it comes to interior surfaces. If you can find a company that provides a specific line of products that work well for you stick with it.)

Perrone Leather Care Product Line: A great complete line of products you will need for any aircraft leather cleaning, conditioning, etc. I recommend the entire line of products.

Cloth Cleaners

Window Cleaners

Prist: Acrylic and Glass Cleaner. Attacks tough surface grime without harming delicate finishes. Non-abrasive, anti-static foam. Exceeds federal test standards. Formulated specifically for aviation and for all types of windscreens.

Plexus Plastic Cleaner: Developed specifically, for cleaning and protecting aircraft windshields and painted surfaces.

ClearView Plastic and Glass Cleaner: Originally designed to clean airplane windshields without fogging, the cleaner's anti-static formula helps reduce dust and dirt build-up.

210 Plastic Cleaner: Anti-static and anti-fog. It will remove marks from crayons, magic markers and paint oversprays.

Carpet Cleaners

 Nuvite's Interior Care Products:

Quick n Brite: Great all purpose cleaner!