Chevrolet Silverado Exterior Detail
A full-size Silverado taken through the complete exterior process — decontamination, wheels, trim and protection — in Anchorage.
Vehicle: Chevrolet Silverado
Drag to compare
Before & after
Slide the handle across each photo to see the same panel before and after the work.
Project notes
What went into this detail?
How did the truck arrive?
This Silverado came in after a normal Anchorage winter: calcium chloride and road salt baked into the lower panels, a grey film across the paint, brake dust welded onto the wheel faces, and tar spotting along the rockers and behind the wheel arches. Nothing unusual for a work truck here — but it is exactly the kind of build-up a drive-through wash smears around instead of removing.
What did the exterior detail involve?
The truck was pre-rinsed and foamed to soften the loose grime, then the wheels, wells and tyres were cleaned separately with dedicated brushes so the brake dust never touched the paint. A two-bucket contact wash followed, then chemical decontamination for iron and tar, and a light mechanical decontamination to lift what was still bonded to the clear coat. After drying, the paint was sealed for winter, the glass cleaned inside the sweep of the wipers, and the plastic trim and tyres dressed to an even satin — not a wet, greasy shine.
How long did it take, and what does it cost?
A full-size truck in this condition is roughly a four to five hour exterior detail for one person. Pricing on a vehicle this size starts around $220 and is confirmed in person once the paint and the amount of contamination have been evaluated — you will never get a surprise total at pickup.
How long will the finish last?
The sealant used here holds up for several months of Alaskan driving. With a maintenance wash every two to three weeks through the winter, the lower panels stay protected and the next full detail takes far less correction work. Vehicles that stay outside year-round are better candidates for a ceramic coating.
Questions
Common questions about this work
Can road salt damage be reversed?
Surface staining and etching from de-icer usually cleans up with proper decontamination. Once salt has caused actual corrosion under trim or on bare metal, detailing can slow it down but not undo it — which is why regular winter washes matter here.
Do you detail lifted trucks and work vehicles?
Yes. Full-size trucks, lifted rigs, vans and fleet vehicles are all welcome at the indoor shop on Old Seward Hwy. Larger or heavily contaminated vehicles simply take more time, and that is reflected in the quote up front.
Is an exterior-only detail worth it?
If the cabin is in good shape, yes. An exterior detail removes what is actually attacking the paint and protects it for the season. If the interior has salt stains or odour, a full detail is the better value.
Ready to get started?
Let's get your vehicle back to its best
Honest evaluation, published pricing, no upsells
Tell Norman what you're driving and what's bothering you. You'll get honest pricing and a straight answer about what the vehicle actually needs.