How long does a detail take?
Short answer
Typical in-shop times: hand wash about 2 hours, decontamination wash about 2.5 hours, exterior detail about 4 hours, Ceramic Pro Sport about 4 hours, standard interior about 2 hours, full interior about 3 hours. Paint correction is quoted on site and billed by the hour.
Quick facts
| APC Hand Wash | About 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Decontamination Wash | About 2.5 hours |
| Exterior Detail | About 4 hours |
| Ceramic Pro Sport | About 4 hours |
| Standard Interior | About 2 hours |
| Full Interior | About 3 hours |
| Paint correction | Quoted on site, billed by the hour |
Why does a hand wash take 2 hours?
A careful hand wash is panel by panel, with clean towels and attention to wheels, door jambs and glass. Going slowly is what keeps it from scratching the paint. It's a very different thing from a 5 minute drive-through.
What changes the time?
Vehicle size and condition. A large SUV or truck has more surface than a compact car, and a heavily soiled vehicle takes longer. Tall vans and campers are quoted individually. See Sprinter, camper van and Class B detailing.
Can I combine services in one visit?
Yes. Pairing an exterior service with an interior service is common. Combined visits take longer, so plan on dropping the vehicle off rather than waiting.
Why is paint correction billed by the hour?
Because every car's paint is different. The single-stage polish in an exterior detail aims for about 80% of perfect. Going further depends on how deep the defects are and how hard the paint is, so it's assessed on site and billed by the hour.
At APC Auto Spa
The times above are typical at both APC shops, which are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Many Snohomish County customers have longer drives, so dropping the vehicle off for the day is often easiest.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I wait while my car is detailed?
- For longer services, dropping the vehicle off is usually more practical. Ask the shop when you book.
- Does a ceramic coating take longer than a detail?
- Ceramic Pro Sport takes about 4 hours, like an exterior detail. Full coating packages take longer.
- How long does paint correction take?
- It depends on the paint's condition. It is quoted on site and billed by the hour.
Reviewed by Heather Humphrey, co-owner of APC Auto Spa ยท Last updated October 2026
Heather has co-owned APC Auto Spa since 2015 and is trained in every service APC offers.