Aircraft Paint Correction and Polishing

Aircraft paint takes a beating that car paint never sees. UV at altitude, temperature swings, rain erosion at speed, exhaust deposits, hydraulic fluid, deicing chemicals, and years of wash crews using the wrong media and the wrong pressure.

The result is paint that has gone flat. Chalky on the top surfaces, swirled where someone dragged a dirty mitt across it, hazed on the belly. It still has color, but it stopped reflecting anything a long time ago.

Paint correction fixes that. We remove the damaged top layer of clear coat or paint, level the surface, and bring the gloss back.

What paint correction is, and what it is not

A wash cleans the surface. A wax hides defects for a few weeks. Paint correction actually removes them.

We machine polish the finish in stages, removing an extremely thin layer of material to level out the scratches, oxidation, and swirl marks that are scattering light and killing the gloss. Once the surface is level, it reflects cleanly again.

That is why a corrected aircraft looks wet and a waxed aircraft just looks clean.

Stage one correction handles light oxidation, general dullness, and minor swirling. This is the right call for most aircraft that have been reasonably maintained and just need the shine brought back.

Stage two correction adds a cutting step first, for aircraft with heavier oxidation, deeper wash marring, or chalking on the top surfaces. More labor, dramatically bigger result.

We assess and tell you which one your aircraft actually needs. We are not going to sell you a two stage correction on paint that needs one.

Our process

Wash and decontaminate. Correction on a dirty surface grinds contamination into the paint. Everything gets a full wash and a chemical decontamination first.

Test section. We correct a small panel first to confirm the right combination of pad and compound for your specific paint. Aircraft finishes vary enormously and what works on one airframe will not work on the next.

Correct. Machine polishing panel by panel, checking under inspection lighting as we go.

Refine. A finishing polish to remove any haze the correction stage left behind.

Protect. A sealant to lock in the finish and slow down the next round of oxidation.

What it does for the aircraft

Resale and appraisal. Exterior condition is one of the first things noted on a pre purchase inspection. Dull, oxidized paint reads as a neglected airframe whether or not that is true.

Charter presentation. If you are putting the aircraft in front of paying passengers, the walk up is the first impression, and it happens before anyone sees the interior.

Paint life. Oxidation is paint failing. Correcting and sealing it slows the process and pushes out an expensive repaint.

Where we work

We come to you. Teterboro is home base, and we cover Morristown, Essex County, Linden, Trenton Mercer, Somerset, Monmouth Executive, Westchester County, Republic, and the wider tri state region.

Paint correction generally needs hangar space, controlled lighting, and enough time that the aircraft is not being pulled for a trip halfway through. We plan the schedule around your flight department, including overnight and weekend work.

Frequently asked questions

How much does aircraft paint correction cost? It scales with aircraft size and the condition of the paint. See the starting ranges below. A firm quote needs photos or a walk around.

How long does it take? A light jet single stage correction is usually one to two days. A heavy jet two stage correction can run four to seven days. Correction is slow work and rushing it puts holograms in your paint.

Is paint correction safe for aircraft paint? When it is done by someone who tests first and knows how much material they are removing, yes. The risk is heavy handed work on thin paint. We always test a section before committing to a process, and on any aircraft with a questionable paint history we take the conservative approach.

How often should it be done? Most operators do not need correction more than once every couple of years, provided the aircraft is being washed correctly in between. Correct once, then maintain. Bad wash technique is what puts the swirls back.

Do you do brightwork at the same time? Yes, and it is the efficient way to do it. If your aircraft has polished aluminum and painted surfaces both needing attention, doing them in one visit saves you money and downtime. See our brightwork page.

Can you correct a wrapped or vinyl aircraft? Vinyl is a different material and needs a different approach. Ask us before booking.