P r e p a i n t   I n s p e c t i o n

Upon arrival, the aircraft is inspected to determine existing conditions, including surface skins, composites, windows, landing gear, control surfaces, etc.  Any defects that could affect the quality of the exterior painting are noted and discussed with the customer prior to starting work.

Flight controls are removed for priming and painting.

After final paint is applied, controls are balanced, reinstalled and operationally checked.

S t r i p p i n g   a n d   S a n d i n g
(taking it all off...)

The aircraft and controls are stripped using a non-chromate, non-phenolic stripper. The aircraft is cleaned with mild soap and rinsed with heated fresh water.  Afterwards, protective aluminum masking material is completely removed.

Included in the base price is stripper for one application.  If re-coating is necessary due to excessive paint build-up, or difficult substrate primers, additional material and labor charges will apply.  All composite parts and magnesium surfaces are sanded as required.

Protective masking materials are applied to sensitive areas and the aircraft is washed with a chemical etch/soap, scrubbed, and rinsed with fresh water.

Alodine (chromic acid) is applied, left on until color change is evident, and rinsed off with fresh water. Masking materials are removed.

Protective masking is applied to the proper areas and the aircraft is wiped down with an alcohol based cleaner.  

A self-etch, or chromate epoxy corrosion protective primer, is applied. Fill primer is applied to the fuselage, tops of wings and tip tanks as needed for cosmetic appearance.

Top Coat Application

The primer coat is sanded and protective masking replaced as required.

The aircraft is blown off with high-pressure dry air, wiped down with an alcohol based cleaner and cleaned with tack rags.

The floor is wet down to eliminate possible air contamination caused by paint technicians's movement across the floor during the paint process.  The painting booth temperature is set at 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Two to three coats of high gloss polyurethane (U.S. Paint, Alumigrip or Sherwin Williams Jetglow) are applied to the aircraft and the control surfaces.

After the paint application, the booth temperature is raised to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for drying.  

NOTE: One base color is included in standard pricing.  

The layout is done in accordance with customer approved drawings and is inspected by the project designer for final layout approval prior to painting.  

After painting of the stripes, the tape is pulled immediately (if the layout design allows), leaving a clean , crisp edge.

NOTE: Two stripe colors are included in standard pricing. Each additional stripe color per design specification is approximately $750 each.  

Existing placards are replaced with new placards in accordance with FAA requirements.

Final detailing and post paint inspection will be completed prior to delivery to customer:  

• Pro Seal windows
  
• Pro Seal engine inlet rings
  
• Pro Seal leading edges
  
• Pro Seal exterior seams - if required.
  
• Prep and paint entry door jams
  
• Polish brite work
  
• Fuel caps - paint red and polish filler rings
  
• Paint exit and entry door boarders
  
• Prep and paint wheel wells and landing gear
  
• De-ice boots dressed and new anti-static paint applied - (turboprops only)
  
• Clean and detail antennas - as required

• The finished application contains a microscopic coating of resins that rise to the top of the color pigments.  This clear coat provides the "shiny" appearance and prevents oxidation and acid rain damage. When washing the aircraft, do not use harsh detergents that may penetrate and wear away this surface coat. Improper cleaning agents will also compromise the UV protection provided in the paint.
• Never use abrasive waxes which contain gritty compounds.
• When washing or waxing, use soft rags - no hard brushes.
• Do not apply degreasing materials to remove grease stains. A mild detergent, such as Ivory or Dove, is recommended.
• Proper care can extend the appearance of the painted surface for 10 to 15 years.

• Painting of the aircraft with one base color and two trim colors.
• Removal of a maximum of two coats of finish and two coats of primer.
• Additional stripping and/or sanding charges may apply when the inspection indicates more than two coats of paint or primer.
• Fiberglass or sheet metal repair may also result in additional charges.
• Any additional charges will need to be approved by the customer prior to further work being accomplished.
• During the design and layout phase, it may be necessary to notify the customer if difficulties arise regarding design aesthetics.
• NOTE:  The exterior painting quote, good for thirty (30) days from date of proposal, is an estimate only and is subject to change. Items necessary to insure the airworthiness of the aircraft will be additional.