SUV covered in thick foam during an exterior wash by Herd Detailing in Missoula

What I Do

What an exterior detail actually includes.

It starts with a foam bath that loosens the dirt before I ever touch your paint. Then I do a two-bucket hand wash so the grit comes off instead of getting dragged across the paint and leaving swirl marks.

After the wash I use an iron remover and a clay bar to pull out the stuff a normal wash leaves behind. Your paint will feel really smooth after that. Then I clean the wheels and tires, put on tire shine, clean the outside glass and finish with a wax or sealant to protect everything.

See the full price menu

Three Ways to Go

Pick how far you want to go.

Exterior Detail · $80–$120

The exterior detail

This is the full hand wash, decon and protection. It is priced by the size of your car and the condition it is in. A sedan is at the low end and a three row or a big truck is at the top. It usually takes 1 to 3 hours.

Ceramic Spray · $40–$60 add-on

Protection that lasts

I can add a ceramic spray coating at the end of your exterior detail. It lasts months and water and dirt slide right off. It only adds about 15 minutes and you will see it the first time it rains!

Full Package · $260–$360

Inside and out

If you want the inside done too the Full Package is the better deal. You get the whole exterior detail and the whole interior detail in one visit.

Around Here

Montana is hard on paint.

In the winter the roads put salt, sand and grime all over your car. In the summer it is dust and bugs. The longer that sits on your paint the harder it is to get off.

The wax or sealant at the end of every exterior detail gives your paint a layer of protection so all of that comes off a lot easier next time.

If your paint has swirl marks or scratches a wash will not fix those. I also do polishing and paint correction for that and I quote it one car at a time.

Book Your Exterior Detail

Clean blue Subaru after an exterior detail by Herd Detailing in Missoula

Exterior Detailing FAQ

Questions I get about exteriors.

How long does an exterior detail take?

Usually 1 to 3 hours depending on the size of your car and how dirty it is. A small car that gets washed a lot is on the quick end.

How much is an exterior detail?

$80 to $120 depending on the size and condition of your car. When you book I will give you a range and the number I expect, then I will confirm the exact price on your driveway before I start.

What do you need from me?

A water spigot and an outlet nearby if you have them. I bring everything else including the foam cannon, pressure washer and all the chemicals. If you don't have water just tell me when you book and I will figure something out.

Can you get out scratches and swirl marks?

A wash and clay bar will not take them out. That takes machine polishing, which I also do. I do have to tell you some scratches are too deep to fully polish out, but most paint can still look a lot better. Just mention it when you book.

Do you come to me?

Yes, every detail is mobile. I come to your house or work anywhere in Missoula and down the Bitterroot Valley.

Exterior Car Detailing in Missoula, MT