Getting the Most Out of Your Aviation Polish: 3 Tips to Know

While it may be quite easy to assume that all metal polish is alike, the actual truth is quite different. Not all metal polishes are created equal. The quality of your metal polish could vary depending on the type of metal used. Thus, getting the best out of your aviation polish means knowing that not all polish is alike because not all metal is alike, and aircraft metal certainly is unique.
The metal body of most aircrafts calls for specialized attention and a quality polish to ensure adequate cleaning and the desirable deep shine. Aircraft construction involves a number of different metal types and alloys which make aviation design truly unique. Ultimately, the goal is always to find the most durable and lightweight alloy possible.
This means that aircraft exteriors could me made of any number of different alloy types, including aluminum, magnesium and even stainless steel alloys.
Therefore, take caution before using the same type of polish on an aircraft as that used on an automobiles or other metal surfaces. Auto steel is similarly made of aluminium, but in the case of cars, the particular alloys used differ, sometimes greatly, from the alloys used in aircraft.

Metal Variations Make a Difference

Until the late 1930’s, automobiles had one thing in common. They were constructed of bulky steel sheeting which made them heavy and much slower than they are today. The gradual shift to aluminum began when LandRover began experimenting in the late 1940’s. Today, aluminum is lining up to be a trendsetting metal of choice in the auto industry despite its higher costs.
For the aircraft industry, aluminum has always been a wise choice, especially since the main goal of aircraft is to achieve the lightest body weight possible in order to support flight quality. Aluminum and its alloys also have superior anti-corrosive properties and well-known lightweight capability, a feature which enables faster speeds.
Most metal polishes are capable of working on any metal surface. However, differences in the alloys used and the percentages of metals employed, can mean that some polishes turn out more abrasive than others depending on the type of surface addressed. It’s important to keep this critical factor in mind when choosing an aircraft polish.
This is also why the polish used on aircraft should be carefully selected. In fact, there are are number of tips and best practices for choosing aircraft polish that can make a huge difference in results and overall appearance.

1. Go for the Mirror Finish

The goal of any aircraft polish application is to achieve that smooth, mirror finish that makes the job look complete. To get there, only the best polish polish products should be used. It’s a good idea to choose a metal polish that’s specific to the aircraft industry. Here’s why.
Car body polishes often contain abrasives that could be too harsh for the metals on an aircraft. The temptation to skimp on the quality of the polish or even use a polish designed for use on automobiles when polishing an aircraft can be intense. However, here is where the differences in alloys and materials in the aircraft and automobile industry really come to light.
That’s why it’s important to keep in mind, if a bright mirror shine is your desire, this can best be achieved by using a quality aircraft metal polish devoid of abrasive materials. Polishes that could work fine on an automobile might spell disaster on an aircraft surface.

2. Avoid Abrasives

This brings up the next best tip: avoid abrasives. Abrasive material in metal polish can cause serious damage to the body of an aircraft vehicle. Scratches, swirl marks, staining and scuffing can all be part of the problem.
The best advice is to find a reliable aircraft polish dealer with the right mindset. A good dealer knows the advantages of using aircraft polish with no abrasive ability whatsoever. Again, the ultimate goal is to achieve that bright, mirror-like shine that can only come from using quality products that clean, polish and brighten your aircraft.

3. Get Maximum Protection

A good aircraft polish should not only brighten and shine, it should also provide lasting protection against future nicks and scars. This quality is not present in every polish. Some polishes are designed to simply clean and eliminate tarnish without protecting.
However, protection is important. Over time, aircraft vehicles’ exterior surfaces can cloud over and acquire an excess of blemishes and marks that deteriorate the overall appearance of the body. A protective polish can reduce this process and should provide at least a minimal amount of protection against scraping and scuffing due to frequent use and flying.
Yet, finding a metal polish that offers adequate protection for an aircraft can be difficult. Again it’s crucial to locate a responsible aircraft polish dealer with knowledge of the best aircraft polish for providing the protection needed while planes are in use.

Go with a Versatile Polish

It follows, then, that if the best polish is one that has a number of features including the ability to produce a mirror like finish and to provide protection against scrapes and nicks, the polish should be a versatile one. A versatile polish will do more than just shine. It should clean and protect the surface of your aircraft as well.

Best tips to Know for Your Aircraft Polish

Without a quality metal polish, a lackluster result can throw off plans for a successfully designed aircraft to look its very best. Before purchasing metal polish for your aircraft, consider choosing a product that has the ability to produce a bright gleam without creating scrapes and swirls due to abrasive content.
Also, search for the polishes that have the added advantage of offering protection against future nicks and scrapes. Such a versatile metal polish product is sure to be perfect for bringing out the best in your aircraft vehicle.