Aluminum
& Pontoon
Polishing
Restore the shine on your aluminum hull, pontoon tubes, or trim. Acid wash, brushed finish, full sand and polish — and a protective coating that keeps it looking right for years.
Pontoon Tubes & Aluminum That Actually Shine
Aluminum oxidizes. It goes from that clean silver look to dull, chalky, and water-stained — fast, especially on boats that spend a lot of time in the water. Standard washing doesn't touch it. What you need is a proper acid wash to break down the oxidation, followed by a machine polish to bring the finish back.
We handle aluminum polishing on pontoon tubes, aluminum hulls, trim pieces, and accessories. Whether you're after a mirror-bright polish or a clean brushed finish, we have the right process for your boat. Mobile across the Okanagan or at our indoor bay at Aqua Boat Club in Kelowna.
- Both sides of all tubes or panels
- End caps and first 3 feet of front cones on pontoons
- Acid wash prep included where needed
- Machine polished to your chosen finish
- Protective coating available to lock in results
Signs Your Aluminum Needs Attention
Aluminum issues are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Any of these mean it's time to call.
Dull or Chalky Finish
Oxidized aluminum loses its reflective surface and takes on a white, powdery appearance. Washing doesn't remove it — it needs to be chemically broken down and polished out.
Water Spots & Staining
Hard water, lake minerals, and algae leave behind stains that bond to the surface over time. An acid wash breaks the bond and lets the polish work the way it's supposed to.
Pitting or Corrosion
Boats that sit in the water full-time are especially vulnerable to pitting. Catching it early and polishing regularly keeps minor surface corrosion from becoming a bigger structural issue.
Straightforward Pricing
All services are priced per foot of vessel length. Call with your boat size and condition for an exact quote — we respond fast.
Acid Wash
Oxidation & stain removal
$25/ft- Chemical acid wash treatment
- Prep step before polishing
- Can be done as a standalone or with polishing
Brushed Finish
Grained & textured look
$45/ft- Clean, uniform grained texture
- Great entry-level option for worn aluminum
- Both sides of tubes or panels
- Prep step if upgrading to full polish later
Full Sand & Polish
Mirror-bright restoration
$160/ft- Full machine sand and polish
- Both sides of all tubes or panels
- End caps included
- First 3 feet of front cones included
- Mirror-bright finish
- Protective coating recommended after
Protective Coating
Long-term surface protection
Custom quote- Applied after polishing
- Seals and protects the aluminum surface
- Lasts 3+ years with proper maintenance
- Dramatically reduces re-staining
- Makes regular wipe-downs much easier
Lock In the Results
After a full sand and polish, your aluminum is at its most receptive. That's the best time to apply a protective coating — it bonds to the clean surface and forms a barrier that repels water, mineral deposits, and algae. Without it, Okanagan summers will start dulling the finish within a season.
With a coating in place, regular wipe-downs when the boat comes out of the water are usually all it takes to maintain the finish. The coating lasts 3+ years. We'll walk you through a simple maintenance routine after application.
How to Maintain Your Aluminum
A polish job is an investment. A few simple habits after the boat comes out of the water make a real difference in how long it holds up.
Rinse After Every Use
Fresh water rinse when the boat comes out — especially if it's been in the lake. Letting water sit on polished aluminum is the fastest way to get water spots and mineral staining back. A quick rinse prevents most of it.
Wipe Down When Dry
Regular wipe-downs with a soft cloth after the boat's been out is the single best thing you can do to maintain the finish. It takes a few minutes and makes a significant difference over the course of a season.
Store Out of the Water
Boats that sit in the water full-time take a harder hit on the aluminum. Lifting or trailering when not in use significantly extends how long a polish job holds — and how long any protective coating lasts.
Aluminum Polishing FAQ
Questions about what's involved, how long it lasts, and what to expect. Give us a call if you don't see yours here.
Call 236-499-0008It depends on how the boat is used and stored. A polish will last as long as it's properly maintained. Boats that sit in the water full-time will see it fade faster as the water, minerals, and UV exposure take a toll. Boats on a lift or trailered out of the water hold a polish significantly longer. Adding a protective coating extends the result by 3+ years.
A brushed finish gives aluminum a clean, uniform grained or textured look — good for removing surface dullness and giving a consistent appearance. A full sand and polish takes it to a mirror-bright finish through a multi-step machine process. Sand and polish is the premium option; brushed is a solid mid-tier that also works as a prep step if you want to upgrade to a full polish later.
If there's heavy oxidation, water staining, or mineral deposits on the aluminum, an acid wash is typically needed first. It chemically breaks down that buildup so the polish can work properly on a clean surface. We'll assess the condition of your aluminum and recommend whether an acid wash is necessary when you book.
For the best result, we prefer to work with the boat on a trailer or lift so we can access and rinse all sides of the aluminum properly. If your boat is in the water and can be put on a lift, that helps significantly. For marina-kept boats, call us to discuss what's possible for your setup — we work around it where we can.
Both options are available. We're fully mobile across the Okanagan — dock, marina, driveway, storage yard, wherever your boat is. If you prefer an indoor environment, you can trailer your boat to our bay at Aqua Boat Club in Kelowna. Travel fees apply for locations outside Kelowna — ask when you book.