Empire Aircraft Detailing
Multi-stage paint correction for private aircraft — restoring gloss and removing oxidation, swirl marks, and exhaust staining. Performed on-site at San Jose International (SJC) and Bay Area airports including San Carlos, Livermore, Hayward, Concord, and Napa. The essential prep work before ceramic coating.
Our Process
Paint correction is a controlled, multi-stage process that mechanically removes a microscopic layer of clear coat to level surface defects. We begin with a paint depth assessment, then progress through cutting, polishing, and refining stages using aviation-safe compounds and dual-action machine polishers. Each stage is inspected under controlled lighting so we correct only what is needed and preserve the integrity of the paint system.
Multi-stage correction removes oxidation, swirl marks, wash-induced micro-marring, exhaust staining, water spotting, and light scratches that surface cleaning cannot touch. The result is a deep, uniform gloss that reflects clearly instead of the hazy, chalky appearance that accumulates on aircraft exposed to UV and ramp contamination.
Ceramic coating locks in whatever condition the paint is in at the moment of application. That is why correction is the essential first step before coating — it ensures the coating bonds to clean, level paint and that any defects are removed rather than sealed under a 10-year layer. Every Empire Excellence ceramic package includes multi-stage correction for this reason.
Composite airframes require different technique and product selection than aluminum. For Cirrus SR20/SR22 aircraft, we perform manufacturer-appropriate correction and never apply ceramic coating, in strict compliance with Cirrus Service Advisory SA25-02. Our approach protects both your finish and your warranty.
Service Tiers
A one-step machine polish that removes light oxidation and haze and restores gloss. Ideal for aircraft in good condition needing a refresh or a cost-effective boost in presentation.
Request Quote →Full cutting, polishing, and refining to remove moderate to heavy defects, swirl marks, and oxidation. Recommended before ceramic coating or for aircraft being prepared for sale or delivery.
Request Quote →For Operators
Restores fleet-wide presentation consistency before the busy season.
Preserves paint value by removing defects before they become permanent.
Ideal correction pass before fleet ceramic coating rollout.
Scheduled around utilization to minimize aircraft downtime.
Paint correction is available for all aircraft types from GA piston singles through large-cabin jets. Correction time depends on aircraft size, paint condition, and the number of stages required. We provide a paint assessment and timeline before beginning any correction work.
Questions
Yes. We measure paint depth first and use aviation-safe compounds and controlled machine technique to remove only defects, never more clear coat than necessary. Our process is designed to preserve the longevity of the paint system.
For best results, yes. Ceramic coating seals the paint in its current state, so correcting defects first ensures a flawless finish beneath the coating. Multi-stage correction is included in our Empire Excellence ceramic package.
Yes, we perform manufacturer-appropriate paint correction on Cirrus composite airframes. We never apply ceramic coating to a Cirrus per Service Advisory SA25-02, but correction, wash, and approved sealant services are fully compliant.
A single-stage enhancement takes 1 day for most aircraft. Multi-stage correction takes 1 to 3 days depending on aircraft size and paint condition. We coordinate hangar access and scheduling in advance.
Build your service package online or call us to discuss your aircraft's specific needs.