Look at an airplane’s windscreen in low sun and you’ll see its history: a web of fine scratches from bugs wiped off dry, rags that picked up grit, and years of ramp dust. Acrylic is soft compared with glass, and every one of those marks scatters light right when you need the clearest view, on a hazy approach or into the setting sun.
Bare aluminum, painted panels, and gel-coat fairings have their own version of the problem. Oxidation dulls the surface, and the small, curved areas, around rivets, fairings, wingtips, and window frames, are exactly where a full-size buffer won’t fit.
A small, drill-driven pad solves that. It puts controlled polishing power into tight spots, lets you work slowly on a scratched section of window, and doesn’t require buying a dedicated polishing machine.
Quick answer: The Aero Cosmetics 3″ Mini Polishing Backing Plate with Pad is a 3-inch drill backing plate that comes with a 3-inch foam polishing pad. Chuck it into any drill to remove fine scratches and light oxidation from aircraft windows, paint, gel-coat, and aluminum. It also works for restoring cloudy car headlamps. Available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
What’s in the box and what it does
- Drill backing plate. A 3-inch backing plate with a shank that fits any standard drill, so you don’t need a dedicated polisher.
- 3-inch foam polishing pad. Included and ready to use. Replacement pads are sold separately.
- Removes fine scratches and light oxidation. Made for aircraft windows, paint, gel-coat, and aluminum.
- Doubles for the car. Also works for restoring hazy, yellowed headlamps.
How to polish a window or panel with it
- Clean the surface first. Wash off dirt and bugs so you aren’t grinding grit into the finish. Never dry-wipe acrylic.
- Apply a polish suited to the surface. Use a polish made for the material you’re working on, such as a plastic polish for windows or a metal polish for bare aluminum.
- Start slow. Run the drill at low speed with light pressure, keep the pad flat, and keep it moving. Heat is what damages acrylic and paint, so don’t dwell in one spot.
- Wipe and inspect. Buff off residue with a clean microfiber towel and check the result in good light before doing another pass.
Pilot tip: Test on a small, out-of-the-way corner first, and work in overlapping passes. On a windscreen, deep scratches you can catch with a fingernail are beyond light polishing; have those looked at by your mechanic or a window shop.
Replacement pads
Foam pads wear out and load up with polish. When the included pad is done, the 3″ Mini Polishing Pad is a direct replacement for this backing plate.
Where to buy
The Aero Cosmetics 3″ Mini Polishing Backing Plate with Pad is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price. In-stock items ship in 1–3 business days with tracking, U.S. orders over $70 ship free, and most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special polisher?
No. The backing plate is made to go into any drill, which is the point of the kit.
Can I use it on aircraft windows?
Yes. Aircraft windows are one of the surfaces it’s made for, along with paint, gel-coat, and aluminum. Keep speed and pressure low so the acrylic doesn’t heat up.
Will it remove deep scratches?
It’s meant for fine scratches and light oxidation. Deep gouges need more aggressive repair or replacement.
Is a pad included?
Yes, one 3-inch foam polishing pad comes with the backing plate.
