Aircraft Exterior Service Paint Components Resin, Pigment, Solvents Finishing Material Acetone, Butanol, Ethanol Paint Purpose Aesthetic Appearance And

Aircraft Exterior

• Blanking of Aircraft,
• Painting and Polishing
• Fixing of Decals.
• Blanking of Aircraft
• Steamers of all size.
• Pitot Covers.
• Engine Covers.
• Rotor Covers.
• Various Inlet / Outlet Covers.
• Body Covers.
• Front Glass Shield Covers.
• Nose Covers.
• Wheel Covers.

PAINTING; PROCEDURES:-
Introduction

Paint, or more specifically its overall color and application, is usually the first impression that is transmitted to someone when they look at an aircraft for the first time. Paint makes a statement about the aircraft and the person who owns or operates it. The paint scheme may reflect the owner’s ideas and color preferences for an amateur-built aircraft project, or it may be colors and identification for the recognition of a corporate or air carrier aircraft.

Paint is more than aesthetics; it affects the weight of the aircraft and protects the integrity of the airframe. The topcoat finish is applied to protect the exposed surfaces from corrosion and deterioration. Also, a properly painted aircraft is easier to clean and maintain because the exposed surfaces are more resistant to corrosion and dirt, and oil does not adhere as readily to the surface.

A wide variety of materials and finishes are used to protect and provide the desired appearance of the aircraft.

The term “paint” is used in a general sense and includes primers, enamels, lacquers, and the various multipart finishing formulas.
1. Paint has three components:

Resin as coating material,
Pigment for color, and
Solvents to reduce the mix to a workable viscosity.

Internal structure and unexposed components are finished to protect them from corrosion and deterioration. All exposed surfaces and components are finished to provide protection and to present a pleasing appearance. Decorative finishing includes trim striping, the addition of company logos and emblems, and the application of decals, identification numbers, and letters.

Finishing Materials :-

A wide variety of materials are used in aircraft finishing. Some of the more common materials and their uses are described in the following paragraphs.

1. Acetone :-

Acetone is a fast-evaporating colorless solvent. It is used as an ingredient in paint, nail polish, and varnish removers. It is a strong solvent for most plastics and is ideal for thinning fiberglass resin, polyester resins, vinyl, and adhesives. It is also used as a superglue remover. Acetone is a heavy-duty degreaser suitable for metal preparation and removing grease from fabric covering prior to doping. It should not be used as a thinner in dope because of its rapid evaporation, which causes the doped area to cool and collect moisture. This absorbed moisture prevents uniform drying and results in blushing of the dope and a flat no-gloss finish.

2. Alcohol :-

Butanol, or butyl alcohol, is a slow-drying solvent that can be mixed with aircraft dope to retard drying of the dope film on humid days, thus preventing blushing. A mixture of dope solvent containing 5 to 10 percent of butyl alcohol is usually sufficient for this purpose. Butanol and ethanol alcohol are mixed together in ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:3 to use to dilute wash coat primer for spray applications because the butyl alcohol retards the evaporation rate.

Ethanol or denatured alcohol is used to thin shellac for spraying and as a constituent of paint and varnish remover. It can also be used as a cleaner and degreaser prior to painting.