Most airplanes feature vibrant designs and logos that always seem to look fresh, despite flying through harsh weather and environmental conditions. In reality, they should be painted at least once every 10 years as part of regular aircraft maintenance. To withstand the demanding nature of flight while maintaining a sleek appearance, enamel and epoxy are generally the only types of paint used on planes.

Enamel

Industrial enamel paint is extremely durable and resistant to chemicals and severe weather conditions; it will not fade or oxidize easily when exposed. It is made with a varnish, which results in an instant and lasting shine when applied.

Enamel dries relatively fast, generally within an hour, but it is still done inside to prevent bugs from landing on the still-wet paint. Enamel is the cheaper of the two types of aircraft paints, offering a low-cost option that still looks professional and holds up well against rough high-altitude conditions.

It is also considered safer. Airplanes are too large to paint with traditional brushes and rollers, so the paint is sprayed on to speed up the process. However, that means certain gases can be released and spread when the paint is applied. Enamel does not give off dangerous gases, like epoxy does, so workers don’t need to be quite as cautious to avoid exposure.

Epoxy

Epoxy forms from the chemical reaction of mixing a hardener and a resin. It is a heavy-duty polyurethane paint that adheres nicely to aircraft surfaces. Epoxy does not dry as hard as enamel, so it provides a much more flexible finish. This prevents the paint from becoming brittle and chipping or cracking over the years.

With an even higher resistance to chemicals than enamel, as well as heat resistance and effective electrical insulation, it is very unlikely to fade, break down, or oxidize much over time. If you are willing to spend more on aircraft maintenance, epoxy offers superior protection.

If you need a reliable aircraft maintenance service to complete custom paint jobs on your jet, turn to AVMATS. Serving Chesterfield, MO, and the surrounding areas for over 40 years, this family-owned and -operated company promises precise work, excellent customer service, and cost-effective solutions for your aircraft. Call (636) 532-2674 to discuss your needs with a helpful staff member today. For more information about aircraft maintenance services, visit their website.