Exterior Detailing
Hand wash, decontamination, and gloss enhancement. At our shop in Washington, NJ.
Exterior Detailing in Washington, NJ
Exterior Detailing is about more than getting a car clean. It is about cleaning it safely, removing the contamination a normal wash leaves behind, and finishing with protection that keeps the paint looking deep and glossy. Our exterior detail includes a multi-stage hand wash, clay bar decontamination, wheel and tire detailing and a protective wax or sealant.
Every exterior detail is done by hand by Rob Torres in our indoor shop in Washington, NJ. Working indoors keeps the paint out of direct sun, which can dry soap and water onto the surface and cause spotting, and it keeps wind-blown dust off the finish while protection is being applied.
New Jersey roads are hard on paint. Winter salt, brake dust, tar, tree sap and industrial fallout bond to the surface and slowly dull it. A proper exterior detail removes that buildup, restores slickness and gloss, and gives your paint a layer of protection against what comes next.
- Multi-stage hand wash
- Clay bar decontamination
- Wheel & tire detailing
- Wax or sealant protection
What's Included
Foam pre-wash
A pH-neutral foam pre-soak loosens and lifts surface dirt before the paint is touched, reducing the risk of grinding grit into the clear coat.
Two-bucket hand wash
The vehicle is hand washed with clean mitts using the two-bucket method, keeping dirty rinse water separate from the wash solution to help prevent swirl marks.
Iron and tar removal
An iron remover dissolves embedded brake dust and rail dust, and a tar remover takes care of road tar and stubborn spots on lower panels.
Clay bar decontamination
A clay treatment pulls out bonded contaminants that washing cannot, leaving the paint smooth to the touch and ready to accept protection.
Wheels, tires and wheel wells
Wheel faces and barrels are cleaned with dedicated brushes, wheel wells are scrubbed, and tires are cleaned and dressed.
Wax or sealant protection
A protective wax or sealant is applied for a deep, wet-look shine, water beading and easier cleanup between visits.
Glass and trim
Exterior glass is cleaned streak-free, and plastic and rubber trim is cleaned and dressed to bring back a rich, even finish.
Our Process
- 1
Inspection
We look over the paint, wheels and trim with you at drop-off, noting heavy contamination, scratches, chips or anything else that may need extra attention.
- 2
Wheels first
Wheels, tires and wheel wells are cleaned before the body so brake dust and road grime are not splashed onto freshly washed paint.
- 3
Pre-wash and hand wash
Foam pre-soak, rinse and two-bucket hand wash, including door jambs, fuel door and badges.
- 4
Decontamination
Iron and tar removers are applied and rinsed, followed by a clay treatment panel by panel until the paint feels glass-smooth.
- 5
Dry, protect and inspect
The vehicle is dried with soft towels and filtered air, wax or sealant is applied, trim and tires are dressed, and the finish is checked under shop lighting.
Options & Related Services
Paint Correction
If your paint has swirl marks, haze or light scratches, Paint Correction uses machine polishing to level the clear coat and restore clarity. An exterior detail is the first step of that prep.
Ceramic Coatings
For longer-lasting protection than a wax or sealant, our Ceramic Coatings bond to the paint for strong gloss and easier washing. Ask how it fits after your exterior detail.
Headlight restoration
Oxidized, yellow headlight lenses are sanded, polished and sealed to improve clarity, appearance and night visibility.
Engine bay cleaning
A careful degrease and rinse with sensitive components protected, followed by dressing for a clean, maintained look under the hood.
Wheel Powder Coating
If your wheels are curb-rashed, peeling or you want a new color, our Powder Coating service refinishes them with a durable baked-on finish, right here in the same shop.
Paint Protection Film
For front bumpers, hoods and mirrors that take the brunt of rock chips, Paint Protection Film adds a clear physical barrier over the paint.
Why Appearance Plus
Plenty of places will wash a car. At Appearance Plus, exterior detailing is done by hand, one vehicle at a time, by the same detailer from start to finish. Rob uses safe wash methods, proper decontamination and careful drying because those steps are what keep paint looking good for the long run, and they are the steps that get skipped when a job is rushed.
Because we also offer body repair, paint correction and powder coating under one roof, we can spot chips, scuffs or wheel damage during your detail and give you straight answers on what can be fixed. We serve Washington, NJ and nearby towns across Warren, Hunterdon and Morris counties. Book online or call (908) 894-8147.
Recent Exterior Detailing Work
What Customers Say
“This is the place to go if you need your car detailed!! Rob did such an amazing job. I had a mobile detailing service bail on me the morning of my appointment and Rob was able to squeeze me in the same day I called. He worked late into the night on my car and made sure my ride was looking pristine. Went above and beyond and even properly wired my dash cam for me. Highly recommend if you want great work done and good people looking after your car.”
“After twenty-one years, including eight years of unprotected outdoor storage, my 2005 Mustang had lost its luster and the paint had become a scratching post for neighborhood pets. After two days of diligent work, Rob restored the car's original shine, making it comparable to a mirror. Nearly a month later, the car still retains its pristine appearance as if it were the day I purchased it.”
Exterior Detailing FAQ
What is the difference between wax and sealant?
Both add gloss and protection. A traditional wax gives a warm, deep look, while a synthetic sealant typically lasts longer and holds up better to weather. We can help you choose based on how you use and store your vehicle.
How much does Exterior Detailing cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the vehicle and the condition of the paint and wheels. Contact us online or by phone for a quote, and we will confirm it after an inspection.
How long does an exterior detail take?
It depends on vehicle size and how much contamination needs to come off. Heavily neglected paint takes longer to decontaminate. We confirm the timeframe when you drop off.
Will an exterior detail remove scratches?
It will clean, decontaminate and protect the paint and improve gloss, but it does not remove swirls or scratches. For that, we recommend Paint Correction, which we can quote after looking at your finish.
Why not just use an automatic car wash?
Automatic washes often use harsh chemicals and brushes that can leave swirl marks, and they do not remove bonded contamination. A hand exterior detail cleans more thoroughly and far more gently.
How often should I get an exterior detail?
Many drivers book one in spring to remove winter salt and again in fall to add protection before the cold months, with regular safe hand washes in between. The right schedule depends on how much you drive and where the car is parked.