Services
Brightwork Polishing
Every aluminium and chrome surface restored to mirror.
What Is Included
Everything Covered
Brightwork — the bare aluminium, chrome, and stainless steel surfaces of an aircraft — oxidises and dulls with each flight cycle. Professional brightwork polishing removes the oxide layer and restores the reflective mirror finish that factory-new aircraft display. It is one of the most time-consuming and most visible services we offer.
- Assessment of all bare metal surfaces
- Oxide removal with graduated metal polishing compounds
- Machine polishing of large aluminium panels (cowlings, belly)
- Hand polishing of detail areas (exhaust stacks, hinges, fastener rings)
- Prop spinner polishing
- Chrome fixture polishing (step rails, handrails)
- Protective aluminium sealant application
Our Process
How We Do It
Surface Assessment
We map all brightwork areas and grade oxidation level (light / medium / heavy) to select the correct compound sequence.
Oxide Removal
Starting with the correct compound for the oxidation level, we break down and remove the oxide layer without removing excess metal.
Progressive Polish
Graduating through finer compounds, we build toward the mirror finish — each stage removes the marks left by the previous.
Detail Polish
Hand polishing addresses areas machines cannot reach: around fasteners, in recesses, on exhaust stack inner edges.
Seal & Protect
A metal sealant is applied to all polished surfaces to slow re-oxidation and preserve the finish between service visits.
Why It Matters
The Case for Precision
Polished brightwork communicates that an aircraft is cared for at the detail level. It is one of the first things an A&P, appraiser, or knowledgeable buyer notices. Beyond aesthetics, removing oxidation from aluminium prevents pitting — a structural concern on aircraft surfaces.
Every aluminium and chrome surface restored to mirror.
Gallery
Before & After
Photography from real jobs — updated as work is completed.
View All Gallery Work →At Your Airport
Brightwork Polishing at Every Airport
FAQ
Common Questions
It depends on your operating environment. Coastal aircraft oxidise in 3–4 months. Inland aircraft can hold polish for 6–12 months with a protective sealant applied.
No. Our process is specific to bare metal. We mask painted surfaces adjacent to brightwork before polishing begins.
The visible interior face of exhaust stacks is polished. We do not reach into the exhaust system itself.
A piston single takes 3–5 hours. A turboprop or light jet with extensive aluminium can take a full day or more.
Basic brightwork is included in our premium exterior package. Full mirror-finish polishing is a separate service quoted by aircraft type.