Aircraft Polishing & Wax
Machine polishing removes the oxidation, haze and swirl marks that make aircraft paint look tired, and wax seals in a deep, reflective gloss. All of it is done at your hangar.
- Oxidation and swirl removal
- Test spot before every job
- Wax or ceramic finish
- 7-day redo guarantee
- Quote in 2 office hrs or $50 off
What Aircraft Polishing Actually Does to Your Paint
Faded paint usually isn't the color wearing out. It's the surface. Sun, weather and grime break down the top of the paint, and a rough surface can't reflect light.
Before: dull and hazy
Oxidation and fine scratches leave the surface rough at a microscopic level, so light scatters instead of reflecting, and the paint looks flat.
After: level and glossy
Polishing removes the oxidized layer and levels the surface, so light reflects cleanly. A protective layer of wax then seals in the gloss.
How Oxidized Is Your Aircraft's Paint?
Every aircraft is different, so we match the work to the paint's actual condition, never more aggressive than it needs to be.
Hazy, with light swirls
The paint looks slightly cloudy, and swirl marks show in direct sun.
What we do: a single-step polish, followed by wax or a ceramic coating.
Dull and chalky
Colors look faded, and a cloth rubbed on the paint picks up a chalky residue.
What we do: compounding to cut through the oxidation, then polishing to restore the gloss, then protection.
Thin, cracking or peeling
Primer shows through, or the paint is cracking or lifting.
What we do: tell you honestly. Polishing can't rebuild paint that's gone, so a repaint is the right fix.
Try the cloth test: rub a clean white cloth on a sun-exposed panel. If it picks up the paint's color, that panel is oxidized and will benefit from polishing.
Our Aircraft Polishing Process
Polishing works by removing a microscopically thin layer of paint, so we treat every pass with care.
Wash and prep
A thorough dry wash and degrease gives us a clean surface, so no grit gets ground into the paint.
Test spot
We polish a small section first to find the gentlest method that delivers the result.
Correct panel by panel
Machine polishing removes oxidation and swirl marks, with extra care at edges, rivets, seams and decals.
Protect the finish
We seal the restored paint with wax, or upgrade it to a System X ceramic coating.
Choose How to Protect Your Freshly Polished Paint
Wax
Included with every polish. It adds depth and gloss plus a layer of UV protection, and it's the classic finish for owners who polish regularly.
IncludedSystem X ceramic coating
Upgrade to protection that bonds to the paint and lasts for years, not months. Polishing first is what makes a coating look its best.
Explore aircraft ceramic coating →Regular dry washes
Keep grime from settling back into the paint between polishes with a waterless dry wash and degrease.
Explore aircraft dry wash →Two Guarantees on Every Polish
DAY
Our 7-Day Redo Guarantee
If any part of your polish falls short, notify us within 7 days and we'll return to make it right at no charge. No hassle, no additional trip fee.
The Wheels-Up Quote
Text us a photo, your tail number and "POLISH." You'll receive a price and a time slot within 2 office hours, or we'll take $50 off your detail.
Aircraft Polishing FAQ
Does polishing remove paint?
A very small amount. Polishing levels the surface by removing a microscopically thin layer, which is exactly why we start with a test spot and use the gentlest method that works.
Can polishing remove scratches?
It removes swirl marks and light scratches. Deeper scratches can usually be softened but not erased, and we'll tell you what to expect before we start.
How often should an aircraft be polished?
It depends on the paint, how much sun the aircraft gets and whether it's protected. A ceramic coating and regular dry washes greatly extend the time between polishes.
Will you polish around my registration numbers and decals?
Yes. Vinyl markings and decals can't be machine polished like paint, so we work carefully around them.
Do I need a ceramic coating after polishing?
No. Wax is included and protects the finish well. A ceramic coating is an upgrade for owners who want the gloss to last for years.
How quickly will I get a quote?
Every request receives our Wheels-Up Quote: a price and a time slot within 2 office hours of your text, or we'll take $50 off your detail.
Aircraft Polishing at Eight Southern California Airports
We restore paint on-site across Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. Choose your airport for local details.
Long Beach Airport
Long Beach · Los Angeles CountyJohn Wayne Airport
Santa Ana · Orange CountyFullerton Municipal Airport
Fullerton · Orange CountyChino Airport
Chino · San Bernardino CountyZamperini Field
Torrance · Los Angeles CountyCompton/Woodley Airport
Compton · Los Angeles CountyVan Nuys Airport
Van Nuys · Los Angeles CountyHollywood Burbank Airport
Burbank · Los Angeles CountyBook Your Aircraft Polishing & Wax
Text a photo, your tail number and "POLISH" for your Wheels-Up Quote within 2 office hours, or $50 off your detail.