Exterior Detailing
Bring Back the Shine You Expect
Complete exterior detailing for vehicles in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Your vehicle's paint collects road grime, brake dust, tree sap, and oxidation that dull the finish and make the color look flat. Winters in Grand Rapids leave behind salt residue that clings to door jambs and wheel wells, while summer sun bakes contaminants into the clear coat. CANNcustoms removes these layers and restores the gloss that gets lost over time.

Exterior detailing begins with a hand wash using pH-neutral soap to lift dirt without scratching the surface. Wheels are scrubbed with brushes designed to reach between spokes and brake calipers. Clay bar treatment removes embedded particles that washing alone cannot touch. Paint is then polished to eliminate light swirls and sealed with a protective wax or ceramic coating to guard against future damage.

Contact CANNcustoms in Grand Rapids to schedule your exterior detailing and see what a full restore can do for your vehicle.

What Happens During a Full Exterior Service

The service starts with a foam pre-soak that loosens dirt and road film before any contact is made with the paint. A two-bucket hand wash method prevents cross-contamination and reduces the risk of scratching during the cleaning process. Wheels and tires are treated separately using degreasers that break down brake dust and tar buildup.

You will notice that the paint feels smooth to the touch after clay bar treatment removes bonded contaminants like rail dust and industrial fallout. The finish reflects light evenly instead of appearing hazy or dull. Chrome trim regains its shine, and plastic moldings return to a deep black instead of the faded gray that develops from sun exposure.

Glass is polished to remove water spots and film, and mirrors are cleaned inside their housings. Door jambs and trunk edges are wiped down to remove the dirt that collects in those hidden areas. The service does not include paint correction for deep scratches or heavy oxidation, which requires a separate multi-step process if needed.

What vehicle owners in Grand Rapids want to know

Drivers ask about the difference between detailing and a standard car wash, how long results last, and what kind of protection is applied to the paint.

How is exterior detailing different from a regular car wash?
Detailing involves hand washing, clay bar treatment, polishing, and sealing to remove contaminants and restore gloss. A car wash uses automated brushes or touchless systems that clean the surface but do not address embedded dirt or protect the finish.
What does clay bar treatment do to the paint?
Clay bar removes bonded contaminants like tree sap, tar, and rail dust that washing cannot lift. You will feel a noticeable difference in smoothness when you run your hand across the surface after treatment.
How long does wax or sealant protection last?
Traditional wax typically lasts two to three months depending on weather and washing frequency. Synthetic sealants and ceramic coatings offer longer protection, often lasting six months to a year or more.
When should I have my vehicle's exterior detailed?
You should schedule detailing when the paint feels rough, looks dull, or no longer beads water after washing. Seasonal detailing helps protect against salt in winter and UV damage in summer.
Why do my wheels look dirty even after washing?
Brake dust bonds to wheel surfaces and requires dedicated cleaners and brushes to fully remove. CANNcustoms uses wheel-specific products that break down the metallic particles without damaging the finish.

CANNcustoms provides the thorough exterior care that keeps your vehicle looking the way it should, with attention to the areas that standard washes overlook in Grand Rapids. Reach out to book your detailing service and see the difference hands-on work makes.