Best Products for Composite Aircraft Surfaces

Modern aircraft increasingly use composite materials — carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar — for their airframes. These materials offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios but require different care than traditional aluminum.

Why Composites Are Different

Composite surfaces differ from aluminum in several important ways:

• Porous structure — composites can absorb chemicals that aluminum would shed
• Temperature sensitivity — excessive heat during polishing can damage the resin matrix
• Clear coat dependency — most composites rely on a clear coat for UV protection; damage this layer and the composite itself degrades
• Chemical sensitivity — certain solvents can dissolve the epoxy resin that holds the fibers together

Products to NEVER Use on Composites

• Acetone — dissolves epoxy resins
• MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) — attacks the resin matrix
• Aggressive cut compounds — too much heat buildup can cause delamination
• Silicone-based products — can contaminate the surface and cause adhesion issues during repairs
• Automotive compounds — often contain chemicals unsafe for aviation composites

Our Recommended Products

For Washing

Optimum No Rinse — pH-neutral, no solvents, safe for all composite surfaces. Its encapsulating polymers lift dirt without scratching.

For Protection

303 Aerospace Protectant — provides UV protection critical for preventing clear coat degradation on composites. Non-silicone formula won't interfere with future repairs.

For Windshields

Plexus — safe for all aviation plastics and acrylics commonly used in composite aircraft canopies.

For Long-Term Protection

System X Max G+ — Boeing-certified ceramic coating that bonds with the clear coat without penetrating the composite. Provides a hard, protective shell.

Proper Technique for Composite Surfaces

1. Low pressure — never use high-pressure washers on composites (can cause delamination at edges and seams)
2. Low speed polishing — keep polisher RPM below 1,500 to prevent heat buildup
3. Soft materials — only microfiber or foam applicators (never cotton or terry cloth)
4. Work in shade — hot composite surfaces can cause products to flash too quickly
5. Inspect regularly — look for signs of clear coat failure, especially around edges and high-UV areas

Common Composite Aircraft We Service

In the Bay Area, we regularly detail composite aircraft including:

• Cirrus SR22 and SF50 Vision Jet (all-composite airframe)
• Diamond DA40 and DA62
• Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 (composite components)
• Embraer Phenom 100/300 (extensive composite use)
• Boeing and Airbus models (composite panels and fairings)

If you own a composite aircraft, please mention it when booking so we can ensure the proper products and techniques are prepared for your service.