Aircraft Refinishing
Some say beauty is more than skin deep and at Ranger Aviation, we can't agree more.
The deep gloss of a new finish by Ranger Aviation takes many hours of preparation. It starts with a detailed inspection of the exterior to determine areas needing additional attention. After the inspection the aircraft is carefully masked and then chemically stripped with environmentally friendly methylene chloride free paint removers.
Next the aircraft is inspected with an emphasis on corrosion control. With all the paint removed, the aircraft is alkaline washed, and an acid brightener is used to "deep clean" the aluminum surfaces. The final step in this process is to apply an alodine treatment which affords a defense against corrosion while also providing an excellent bonding surface for the primers.
The aircraft is then moved to one of our four DeVilbiss paint booths where it is cleaned again, masked and a corrosion inhibiting epoxy primer applied. As an option, a second high build primer is applied and later sanded smooth to hide rivet dimples and seam lines. After preparation and inspection of the primer, the base color is sprayed onto the aircraft. After the correct amount of curing, the paint scheme is laid out on the aircraft and prepared for painting of the stripe colors.
As a part of every paint job, the paint scheme and striping colors are designed using the latest in computer aided aircraft paint scheme design software. Using this system we can customize the design and colors to fit any application. We use this same software for applying "N" numbers or custom graphics.
Before detailing the new paint job, our maintenance crews balance and install the flight controls. Any other items removed for paint are installed at this time as well. To complete the maintenance operations, an inspection is performed to insure that all reinstalled components are done in an airworthy manner.
The final paint step is to completely detail the exterior paint surface. We install all required placards, polish the bright work to a deep shine, seal and dress de-ice boots, edge seal and lightly polish the windows and perform a final paint inspection. When all points pass the inspection, the aircraft is readied for delivery.
Is beauty more than skin deep? If it is a new aircraft paint job by Ranger Aviation, it certainly is. For a quote on your next refinishing project contact John Fields or Sandy Fields at 800-326-5758 or use our online quote request.
