The Paint Shop Aircraft Painting Process Oxford Aviation's team of experienced aircraft painting specialists take pride in their workmanship and approach every paint project with meticulous care and attention. Our comprehensive process includes complete disassembly of all removable components, absolute removal of all existing paint and corrosion, and expert application of corrosion protection, primer, basecoat, design elements, and clearcoat (optional). Our standard warranty is two years and clients who choose the clear coat option double their paint warranty to four years, twice as long as is available from similar aircraft paint shops.

Paint Scheme Design Center             Visit our aircraft exterior design center to read about             our custom design services.

Oxford Aviation's Comprehensive Paint Specifications

Oxford Aviation provides the finest in workmanship in aircraft painting and utilizes state-of-the-art materials to allow for a superior finish as well as unsurpassed durability and corrosion control. Only 3M, Jet Glo or Acry Glo products are used throughout the aircraft painting process, and approved aircraft finishing systems are adhered to. The following represents a partial list of materials and procedures used:

1. Aircraft is thoroughly inspected and evaluated by senior management staff and a refinishing plan is established coordinating the owner’s specifications and requests.

2. All windows, glass, plastic, boots, antennas and delicate parts, etc. are covered with 3M aluminum foil tape (heavy grade) to insure protection throughout the aircraft painting process.

3. Chemical stripping using only aircraft-grade chemicals, which have been stabilized to prevent corrosion to aircraft aluminum. This is the safest way to remove existing paint. Oxford Aviation is E.P.A. compliant. Sandblasting is never used.

4. High pressure and high temperature wash to neutralize and remove stripping chemicals. Absolutely no residue will remain in or on aircraft. Every rivet line, seam, and edge receives added steps to insure that even the smallest amount of paint is removed and that absolutely all corrosion is completely eliminated.

5. Removal of control surfaces, inspection covers, fairings, moldings etc., to be further processed and painted separately. Reassembly using stainless steel, after the aircraft has been painted, maintains new appearance and eliminates sources of corrosion when covers are removed in the future. These fasteners are included in the base price, except 1/4 turn cowl fasteners are offered at an additional charge. Any corrosion is completely removed during this process.

6. Full airframe inspection is performed by A&P and IA mechanics and a report is issue as part of the completed project.

7. Acid etch of all aluminum done by hand, not with "fogger" - super cleaning of the aluminum.

8. Alodine conversion coating of aluminum for corrosion control and to allow superior adhesion of later steps immediately after etch. If all preparation after alodine and before primer is not completed within 72 hours, the entire aircraft is re-alodined.

9. Two coats zinc chromate primer, two-part, epoxy primer with zinc Chromate interbonded, is used to provide the finest corrosion control possible. In some applications, a filler primer may be recommended.

10. Fiberglass parts are refinished to "like new" appearance, or replaced if necessary.

11. Jet Glo or Acry Glo aircraft paint is applied as a final finish. Three (3) full coats are applied rather than the common industry standard of two (2) coats. This additional application results in a better appearance and a more long-lasting and durable finish. These are the premier aircraft paints, giving a beautiful “wet look” and affording maximum durability. We do not accelerate our finish coat, thus allowing better adhesion and long-term durability.

12. Color striping is done by our own special technique leaving crisp, clean lines.

13. Computer generated masks are used for N #s, resulting in a superior appearance. Outlining and shadowing is available at a reasonable charge.

13. Control surfaces are balanced using factory specified equipment and specifications.

14. Licensed technicians check aircraft and logbook entries are made.

15. Professional aircraft scheme design work is included standard.

16. All required placards will be installed.

17. Up to 3 hours labor for dent filling and/or corrosion repair, if any, is provided as part of the base price. As either dents or corrosion may be undetectable until aircraft is stripped, owners are advised of estimated additional charges, providing contact can be made within the work schedule of the aircraft painting process. Additional repairs will be performed at current shop rates.

18. As a part 145 repair station, a final quality inspection is completed and the aircraft is found airworthy and approved for return to service.

Included in Base Price:

• Design services
• Wheel wells/landing gear repainted
• All new molding and trim rubber
• All stainless steel fasteners (except 1/4 turn cowl fasteners)

Options available:

1. Additional colors.
2. Custom aircraft scheme designs priced depending upon complexity.
3. Custom color formulation other than standard Jet Glo or Acry Glo.
4. Sample panels with colors and scheme design.
5. Colored wings.
6. Clear coat (see below)
7. 1/4 turn cowl fasteners.
8. Door jambs and frames (no charge if done concurrently with interior)
9. Second base coat color (split scheme).
10. Speed fairings and gap seals.
11. Nose erosion boot
12. STC modification kits

About Clear Coating

Click here to read about the advantages of clear coating.

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