The market hardly lacks for choices in waxes and polishes. We tried a baker’s dozen.

by Dick Coffey

Aircraft owners aren’t immune to bright and shiny objects, especially airplanes, and especially if shiny airplanes can get that way with minimum elbow grease. But airport ramps are just hell on even the best aircraft paint. If it hasn’t oxidized to dust from the sun and airborne chemicals, windblown sand will blast away what’s left.

Wax and polish is supposed to provide some protection against paint erosion and fading. There are literally hundreds of wax and polish products, primarily aimed at the automotive market. The choice for aircraft owners is far smaller but there are at least a dozen polishes marketed specifically for aircraft use. Some carry the appropriate…