Building a Complete Coating System
Aircraft paint and coating systems are typically multilayered and work together. Before applying any paint or coating to the exterior of a metallic component, technicians generally apply a pretreatment conversion coating to improve the bonding of subsequent coats and provide initial corrosion protection. Next, apply a primer, followed by a topcoat. In addition to this basic sequence, certain systems utilize an additional "intermediate" coat.
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1
Pretreatment Conversion Coating
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2
Primer
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3
Intermediate Coat (Some Systems)
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4
Topcoat
Because every element in a coating system has been developed and qualified for compatibility with the others, when a maintenance manual specifies a particular coating system, you should purchase the primer and topcoat combination as a single unit rather than buying them separately.
Composite materials have a unique application process. When exposed to long-term UV light (sunlight), composite materials will deteriorate. Coatings prevent deterioration caused by sunlight. Before priming composite materials, surfacers are applied to provide a smooth surface for the primer to adhere to. Many composite components incorporate electrically conductive layers beneath the paint or coating to help dissipate energy generated during lightning strikes.
Surface Prep
Primers and Topcoats
Primer
Aerospace primers provide most of the corrosion protection. Most aerospace primers are epoxy-based and contain corrosion inhibitors that will inhibit corrosion if moisture gets through the top coat or a scratch exposes bare metal.
We offer both solvent-borne and waterborne primers, as well as chromate-free and chromated primers. We offer primers that meet military specifications, as well as Boeing, Airbus, and other OEM requirements. Before ordering, verify that the type, class, and color match what your drawing and repair instructions call out.
Topcoat
As the outermost layer of paint, this layer takes the most abuse. Topcoats used on exterior surfaces must maintain gloss and color while being subjected to UV radiation, de-icing fluids, hydraulic fluids, fuel spills, and extreme temperature changes.
Most aircraft topcoats are two-component polyurethanes due to their ability to resist chemicals and provide long-lasting color. Gloss, semi-gloss, and flat finishes are available, as are low-VOC options for those working under local air-quality regulations.
Chromated and Non-Chromated Options
Primers containing hexavalent chromium have the longest service record for corrosion protection, and many existing type certificates and repair schemes still call for them. Environmental and worker-safety regulations are moving the industry toward non-chromated systems, and their performance has improved considerably. We supply both. Check that you have the correct qualified primer and topcoat combination before starting any project.
Specialty Coatings
Different areas of the aircraft need coatings built for specific conditions. We supply:
Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) for military aircraft and ground support equipment
Fuel tank coatings for integral tank interiors
Interior and cabin coatings for cockpit and cabin components
Erosion-resistant coatings on leading edges and radomes
Coatings for landing gear, wheel wells, and high-temperature applications
Temporary and strippable protective coatings for storage and transit
Paint Weight and Repainting Cycles
When you apply paint to an airplane, it adds weight. On a large commercial jet, a complete paint job could easily weigh hundreds of pounds. To keep this extra weight down and give inspectors a clean surface to examine the underlying metal, they remove all previous finishes before repainting. Depending on how many times an airline has changed its paint scheme, the aircraft's operating environment, and the quality of the current topcoat, most commercial airplanes are repainted every few years. Painting an airplane provides a great opportunity to check for any corrosion that may exist below the old finish.
Shelf Life, Pot Life, and Storage
Aerospace coating products generally have a limited shelf life beginning at the time of manufacture. Two-component products also have a limited pot life after mixing. When materials arrive, check the lot and batch dates and plan how you will use them. This is crucial if you're planning a large repaint job that takes more than one week. Keep all products within the manufacturer's recommended temperature range. Even if a product appears to be in working order when it comes out of its container, there is no guarantee it will perform as well as it did before exposure to extreme temperatures.
Manufacturers We Carry
Send us your specification, color, and quantity for pricing and availability.
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