We describe a simple photochemical process that allows the covalent attachment of a variety of different polymers at room temperature onto aluminium surfaces. The system is based on a photoreactive benzophenone derivative that is bound to aluminium surfaces by a phosphonic acid anchor. The synthesis of the phosphonic acid is described and the immobilization of this compound is studied by X-ray photoelectron and FT-IR spectroscopy. After deposition of the polymeric coating, UV light illumination at 365 nm, and solvent extraction of the substrate, polymer monolayers are obtained that are chemically bound to the surface.