More Than Cosmetics

Aircraft paint serves two critical functions: protection and identity. The paint system — primer, basecoat, and clearcoat — forms a barrier that protects the aircraft's aluminium or composite skin from corrosion, UV damage, chemical exposure, and erosion. Without a properly maintained paint system, the underlying structure degrades, leading to costly repairs and reduced airworthiness.

Beyond protection, your aircraft's livery is a powerful expression of personal or corporate identity. A distinctive, well-maintained paint scheme communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and pride of ownership. Conversely, faded, chipped, or oxidised paint signals neglect — regardless of how well-maintained the aircraft may be mechanically.

Most business jet paint systems have a useful life of 7-10 years before they require a full repaint. Environmental factors — UV exposure, salt air, de-icing chemicals, and industrial pollutants — can shorten this interval. Aircraft based in hot, sunny climates or coastal environments may need repainting more frequently.

Full Aircraft Repaint

A full repaint involves stripping the existing paint system down to bare metal (or composite substrate), inspecting and treating the surface, and applying a complete new paint system. The process includes:

1. Design and colour selection: Working with our design team or your own designer to finalize the livery, colour scheme, and any graphic elements. We produce digital renderings for approval before paint begins.
2. Chemical stripping: The existing paint is removed using environmentally compliant chemical stripping agents. This is carefully controlled to avoid damage to the underlying surface, particularly on composite structures.
3. Surface inspection: With the paint removed, the bare surface is inspected for corrosion, impact damage, skin cracks, and other issues that may have been hidden under the previous paint. Any findings are documented and repaired before new paint is applied.
4. Surface preparation: The surface is cleaned, treated with conversion coating (alodine for aluminium), and prepared for primer application. Surface preparation is critical — it determines how well the new paint system adheres and how long it lasts.
5. Primer application: A corrosion-inhibiting primer is applied to the entire aircraft. The primer provides adhesion for the topcoat and forms the primary corrosion barrier.
6. Basecoat application: The basecoat (colour coat) is applied in the selected colours and pattern. Multiple colours require careful masking and sequential application. Metallic and pearl colours require additional care to ensure uniform appearance.
7. Clearcoat application: A polyurethane clearcoat is applied over the basecoat, providing UV protection, gloss, and durability. High-solid clearcoats provide the deepest gloss and longest service life.
8. Detail work: Registration marks, placards, no-step zones, warning labels, and any graphic elements are applied. Vinyl graphics may be used for complex logos or fine detail.
9. Quality inspection: The finished paint is inspected for uniformity, adhesion, thickness, colour accuracy, and defect-free finish. Any imperfections are corrected before the aircraft is released.

Custom Livery Design

Your aircraft's livery should reflect your personality or brand. Our design capabilities include:

• Corporate liveries: Incorporating company colours, logos, and branding elements into a distinctive yet professional design
• Personal designs: Custom colour schemes, accent stripes, and graphic elements that reflect individual taste
• Stealth schemes: Understated, elegant designs that communicate discretion — matte finishes, monochrome palettes, subtle accent details
• Heritage and retro: Classic airline-style liveries or vintage-inspired designs
• Special finishes: Matte, satin, pearl, metallic, and colour-shifting paints for distinctive effects

We produce photorealistic 3D renderings of proposed livery designs, allowing you to evaluate multiple options before committing to paint. This eliminates surprises and ensures you are completely satisfied with the design before the aircraft enters the paint facility.

Corrosion Treatment

Corrosion is the silent enemy of aircraft structures. It develops in areas where moisture accumulates, dissimilar metals contact each other, or protective coatings have been compromised. Left untreated, corrosion can compromise structural integrity and require expensive repairs.

During a repaint, the entire exterior surface is inspected for corrosion. Common areas of concern include:

• Belly skin and lower fuselage (water accumulation and runway debris)
• Wing root fairings and fillet areas
• Wheel wells and landing gear bays
• Around fasteners and lap joints
• Engine pylon and nacelle areas
• Horizontal and vertical stabiliser attach points

Any corrosion found is documented, assessed per manufacturer limits, and treated. Minor surface corrosion is blended out and treated with corrosion inhibitor. More significant corrosion may require skin repair or replacement.

Paint Types and Technology

Modern aircraft paint systems use polyurethane-based products that offer excellent durability, chemical resistance, and UV stability:

• Sherwin-Williams Aerospace: The dominant brand in business aviation, offering JetFlex, SKYscapes, and other aviation-specific coating systems
• AkzoNobel Aerospace: Aviox and Aerodur product lines providing high-performance coatings for all aircraft types
• PPG Aerospace: Desothane, Desoprime, and other coatings for commercial and business aviation applications

Typical Timeline and Investment

A full repaint of a business jet typically requires 3-6 weeks depending on the aircraft size, design complexity, and any additional work required:

• Light jets (CJ series, Phenom): 2-3 weeks, $80,000-$150,000
• Midsize jets (Challenger 350, Latitude): 3-4 weeks, $150,000-$250,000
• Large cabin (G650, Global 6000): 4-6 weeks, $250,000-$400,000
• Ultra-long-range (G700, Global 7500): 5-6 weeks, $350,000-$500,000