Citation Mustang Receives Expert Care from Tim's Complete Detail and Paint Correction

By Carmelo Turdo

Well-maintained aircraft can operate safely for decades, though the original exterior paint may not remain attractive or functional over time. The tried and true aircraft of the previous generation are showing their true colors as their paint fades and chips away. A new paint job is in their future. For those aircraft that still have a viable exterior paint scheme, there is a way to preserve and protect it for years to come - ceramic paint protection. This detailing specialty has been available in the automobile market for years, and it is now making its way to the aviation industry.

To find out more about this process, The Aero Experience recently met with Tim Hazelwonder of Tim's Complete Detail & Paint Correction as he worked on a Citation Mustang managed by our sponsor, Gateway Jets. Over two days, Hazelwonder, a veteran automotive detailer who now has a growing aviation customer base, completed the interior and exterior detailing of the Citation Mustang and a Cessna 172 housed in the same hangar. Below, and in the accompanying video, we illustrate the major steps of the treatment.

Step 1: Waterless Wash

The waterless wash removes physical contaminants, such as dust, dirt, grease, etc. without forcing water on or into the airframe where corrosion may become an issue over time. Aero Belly Soap is the preferred waterless wash product, able to cut through the grime that collects in the wheels and under the aircraft. Meets Boeing Aircraft Exterior Cleaning standards. 

Step 2: Detail Spray

This step involves using Wizard's Mystic Spray Wax to provide a detail finish to the hard-to-reach areas such as the wheel rims, seams, windows, door frames and around the engine cowlings. This product provides excellent bonding and water resistance properties.

Step 3: Compound Polish/Wax and De-Icing Boot Care

This step involves the use of polish and wax to correct and seal the paint before progressing to the final coating. The Wizard's Mystic Polish and Nano Wax products can be applied by hand or with a buffer to remove haze and provide a base for the ceramic coating.  

Aero Rubber Care is applied to the de-icing boots on the wing  and tail leading edges. This treatment restores and protects the rubber material and gives a semi-gloss look without residue. Meets Boeing Aircraft Exterior Cleaning standards.

Step 4: Alcohol Wipe

The alcohol wipe step is necessary to strip off wax residue and provide a clear view of the paint correction results. Successful application of 99% isopropyl alcohol with a microfiber cloth will provide the basis for the ceramic coating to bond with the aircraft exterior.

Step 5: Ceramic Coating 

The ceramic coating, Simoniz GlassCoat, is then applied. Highly concentrated, only several drops at a time are needed to cover a large area. The aircraft exterior will then be protected from particulates, chemicals, UV rays and other surface wear associated with general use. The protection lasts about 5 years, and longer with an additional surface treatment. 

The results, both inside and outside of the hangar, are stunning. Here we show the Citation Mustang as it rolls out for the first flight following the complete detail process. 

The video below features Tim Hazelwonder as he performs the steps mentioned above and introduces the products he uses to detail both the exterior and interior of the aircraft. For more information, or to schedule your aircraft, contact Tim's Complete Detail & Paint Correction.