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Flying Colors: Automotive World Inspires Use of Clear Coat Applications

High-quality aircraft paint projects have always been premium priced, but there’s almost no end to what you can do to spiff up an aging bird.

An attention-grabbing F-model Mooney at Sun 'n Fun this year, sporting a one-of-a-kind paint job by artist Matt Kress. [Credit: Larry Anglisano]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Modern aircraft paint jobs are costly and complex, requiring extensive professional planning due to evolving, bolder design trends from OEMs and significant disassembly.
  • Newer paint technologies like basecoat/clear coat systems offer benefits such as better coverage, faster application, and easier upkeep, while ceramic coatings provide substantial long-term protection and simplify cleaning, though both add significantly to the overall project cost.
  • Owners must carefully consider the long-term upkeep of modern finishes (e.g., matte, metallic, pearl), as their appearance can vary with light and their maintenance differs from traditional glossy paints.
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You haven’t shopped for an aircraft paint job in the past decade, you’ll be surprised by the eye-watering price quotes for finishing even the most basic piston single. While high-quality aircraft paint projects have always been premium priced, these days there’s almost no end to what you can do to spiff up an aging bird—and that means a big investment, long downtime, a lot of disassembly, and a critical planning process.

Plan It Right

That might seem like basic advice, but in the current world of interesting modern paint schemes, shortchanging the planning is a setup for remorse. You have one shot at it. Thankfully, there are professionals who can help get you started in the right direction—and even step up your ideas to a higher level. 

Larry Anglisano

Larry Anglisano is the former Editor in Chief of sister publication Aviation Consumer magazine. He's an active land, sea and glider pilot, and has over 30 years experience as an avionics tech.

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