Repainting a Bell Jet Ranger for the Merced County Sheriff
At ArtCraft, every aircraft we paint tells a story. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on a Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopter — N206BG — that was being rebranded for the Merced County Sheriff’s Office here in California. While the helicopter’s design remained the same, its striking new color scheme reflects its new role within the department.
From Black & White to Green & White
To mark the transition, the Bell Jet Ranger received a full repaint. Our team swapped out the old black-and-white scheme for a crisp, modern green-and-white look.
Before. N206BG arrived at ArtCraft Paint for its new paint job and went from black and white to green and white.
After. The final look features a similar design with new green and white paint to match the Sheriff’s department branding updates.
The design honors the Sheriff’s Office brand and ensures the helicopter stands out with a professional, polished look. However, the paint does more than update the helicopter’s look. It also offers much-needed protection from the elements and extends its service life, keeping California residents safer.
For the Merced County Sheriff, this repaint means N206BG is not only visually aligned with their identity, but also equipped for many more years of dependable service.
The Bell Jet Ranger Painting Process
Public safety agencies like the Sheriff’s Office depend on aircraft and fleet vehicles to be ready at a moment’s notice. That means projects like this one require tight timelines and minimal downtime. Our experienced crew followed a proven step-by-step process, keeping everything on track to ensure the Bell Jet Ranger was completed on time and on schedule.
Prep the Aircraft
Even though this Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopter came in excellent condition, thorough preparation was still essential for achieving a flawless finish.
Before any paint was applied, our technicians carefully stripped and prepped the helicopter. Prepping an aircraft involves removing existing decals, taping and masking off sensitive areas, and cleaning the surfaces to ensure proper adhesion.
Apply Paint
Once prepped, the helicopter moved into our controlled paint booth where we applied multiple coats of corrosion-resistant primer and base color to give it that flawless finish.
The new green-and-white palette was carefully layered to match the Sheriff’s Office specifications, with clean transitions between colors. Precision masking ensured sharp lines and a professional look.
After the paint cured, a protective clear coat was added to increase durability and longevity.
Getting N206BG Back Into Action
When the helicopter was complete, the deputies who picked it up noted they were very pleased with the transformation.
Every aircraft painting project is an opportunity to combine precision, craftsmanship, and service. We’re proud to have helped Merced County Sheriff’s Office rebrand their Bell Jet Ranger and ensure it continues to serve the community with pride.
Interested in repainting or rebranding your aircraft? Contact us today to learn more about our streamlined aircraft painting process, quick turnaround times, and attention to detail.