How to Polish Your Aluminum Boat

Polishing your aluminum boat is the best way to keep your hull from oxidizing and ensure your model lasts as long as possible. However, polishing an aluminum boat is very different from polishing a fiberglass or steel boat, and we recommend reading our guide below to ensure you know exactly how to care for your aluminum model before you get started.

Gather Supplies

Before you begin prepping your boat to be polished, you'll first need to gather a variety of important tools and products for your model. Make sure you have an abundance of rags on hand to apply your polish, or an electric buffer if you don’t want to apply your products by hand. You’ll also need to purchase an antioxidizing soap for your model, a polish designed for aluminum boat models, and a paste wax to apply after your polish. You’ll also need to ensure you have access to a hose or fresh water to rinse your boat of soap, scum, and grime. 

Wash, Polish, & Wax

To begin, you’ll first need to grab your soap and a sponge and set to work cleaning the hull of your aluminum boat. While this shouldn’t take long, you will need to let your model dry completely before you begin polishing it. While you wait, we recommend removing any fittings on your boat to make polishing the hull a bit easier. Once the boat is dry, use your electronic buffer or an old rag to apply polish to your model. Work in small 2-inch sections around your model, and be sure to use repetitive circular motions as you go. Once your polish has been applied, quickly rinse your aluminum boat and begin applying the wax with the same circular motions you used before. Make sure to buff the wax with a rag or electronic buffer until the cloudy appearance disappears and your boat once again looks shiny and new. 

Having trouble finding all the products and tools required to keep your aluminum boat in good condition? Then stop by The Sports Center in Perry, GA to find everything you need to tackle all of your boat’s maintenance needs! Our helpful staff will have no problems helping you locate a specific part or product for your model, and we're always happy to serve those nearby in Macon and Columbus, GA.