Will an exterior detail remove scratches and swirl marks?

An exterior detail focuses on a safe, thorough clean, full decontamination and a protective sealant. It removes bonded contaminants, bug and tar spots and dramatically improves gloss, but it is not a machine paint-correction service — so deeper scratches and swirl marks are not polished out.

How long does the paint sealant last?

Our spray sealant typically lasts around 2–3 months depending on how often the vehicle is washed and the weather it sees. Regular gentle washes help it last longer.

Do you clean the wheels and tires too?

Yes. Wheels, barrels, lug nuts and tires are cleaned individually as part of every exterior detail, and we finish with a tire dressing for a clean, factory-fresh look.

Should I get an exterior detail more often in winter?

Calgary winters are tough on paint — road salt and slush are corrosive and build up fast. A more frequent exterior detail through the colder months keeps that off your paint and underbody trim and protects your vehicle’s finish and resale value.

How do I keep the finish looking good after an exterior detail?

Stick to gentle contact washes — a pH-neutral shampoo and a soft wash mitt rather than a harsh automatic brush wash, which strips protection and can swirl the paint. Washing regularly but gently keeps water beading off the surface and holds the gloss for the full life of the sealant. Avoiding brush washes is the single best thing you can do to make it last.

Exterior Detailing in Calgary

Professional exterior car detailing in Calgary

Exterior detailing is the process of safely deep-cleaning, decontaminating and protecting the outside of your vehicle — paint, glass, wheels, tires and trim. Unlike a quick automatic car wash, a professional exterior detail is done by hand, panel by panel, so dirt is lifted away rather than dragged across your clear coat. At Shine On with Prince we treat every exterior detail as paint care: the goal is not just a vehicle that looks clean today, but paint that is protected, glossy and easier to maintain for weeks afterward. It is one of the most popular detailing services we offer to Calgary drivers who want their car looking its best without the swirl marks a brush wash leaves behind.

Why a hand wash beats an automatic car wash

Automatic and brush car washes are fast, but the same brushes that scrub your vehicle have scrubbed hundreds of others, dragging grit across your paint and leaving the fine spiderweb scratches known as swirl marks. Our two-bucket hand wash keeps your wash water and rinse water separate, uses a soft mitt, and never reuses dirty water on clean paint. We pre-soak with foam to loosen dirt before any contact, clean wheels and tires with dedicated tools, and hand-dry with plush microfibre towels. The result is a genuinely safe wash that protects your finish instead of slowly dulling it.

Protecting your paint through Calgary’s seasons

Calgary is hard on vehicles. Winter road salt and slush are corrosive and cling to lower panels, wheels and the underbody, while summer brings intense UV, bugs and tree sap. A regular exterior detail removes those contaminants before they etch into your clear coat and finishes with a protective sealant that helps salt, water and grime sheet straight off. Staying ahead of the seasons keeps your paint healthy and protects your vehicle’s resale value — a small, routine investment that pays off when it is time to sell or trade in.

Sophie EVerified Google review
“Amazing job on detailing my car. It looks like a brand new car again! Couldn’t be happier with this how clean my car is!!”
Holly BalderstonVerified Google review
“Highly recommend Shine On for your car detailing needs! They were fast efficient and very clean and detailed. Super Happy and will book again.”
K ManviVerified Google review
“Exceptional work on my very dirty minivan covered in a variety of kid messes. Looks and smells new again. They worked over time to get out stains that a previous detailer was not able to remove.”
Minivan
Manpreet KaurVerified Google review
“I had a great experience with this car detailing service. They were super professional and right on time. What impressed me most was how much attention they gave to every little detail — inside and out. My car honestly looked almost brand new when they finished. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone who wants top-quality service without any hassle!”
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Jasjit KaurVerified Google review
“Amazing service and truly outstanding customer care. Every inch of my car was handled with so much care, attention and precision. You can really tell they take pride in their work and focus on quality and detail. I would highly recommend Shine On to anyone who values excellent service and wants their car treated right.”
Palak AroraVerified Google review
“I used this car detailing service, and I was genuinely impressed with the overall experience. They were professional, punctual, and very attentive to detail. They took the time to thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior, and the car looked almost brand new once the work was done. I would highly recommend their car detailing service looking for reliable, high-quality work. Definitely worth it!”
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Action JacksonVerified Google review
“Absolutely astonishing! I feel like I have a brand new vehicle after this detail/clean. I’ve definitely found my go to person for my regular detailing needs! Trust me when I say that you WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED.”
Jimmy SidhuVerified Google review
“Amazing service! My car looks like new. The attention to detail is outstanding. They didn’t miss a single spot — every surface, seam, and vent was perfectly cleaned. Highly recommended for anyone who wants true quality work.”
Mark MurcianoVerified Google review
“I had my small SUV detailed and I’m honestly blown away by the results. It looks better now than the day I bought it! Every inch of the car — inside and out — was cleaned with real care and precision. The exterior shines like new, the wheels and trim look flawless, and they even managed to remove some stubborn marks I thought were permanent. The interior is spotless: carpets refreshed, seats deep-cleaned, every surface polished without leaving any residue or streaks. It even smells amazing. You can tell they take pride in their work because the attention to detail is next-level. If you want your vehicle to look brand new again, this is the place. I highly recommend this family owned business.”
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Exterior Detailing