What is Aircraft Ceramic Coating?
We’ve all seen it. That glass-like shine on an aircraft stands out in a crowd and gives it that new-plane look and feel. But what makes the plane so shiny, and how long does it last?
While wax or polish can give you that shine, you need to reapply every few weeks to maintain that high-gloss finish. We’re big fans of adding a clear, protective ceramic coating over top of your paint to give you that glass-like shine.
Keep reading to learn more about ceramic coatings for aircraft and what you need to know about maintaining them.
What is Aircraft Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coating is a layer of ceramic pieces and liquid polymer applied to your aircraft after the painting is complete. It forms a hard shell that protects your paint from UV rays and prevents it from fading in the sun. This clear coating also helps prevent corrosion and makes the aircraft easier to clean, as dirt, bugs, and other environmental debris don’t stick to it.
At ArtCraft, we use The Avenger 2-Part Ceramic Coating from John’s 360 Coatings for its durability.
“We recommend ceramic coatings with all paint jobs because of the extra protection the coating provides, meaning your aircraft will maintain that freshly-painted look for years,” Brenda Maldonado, Sales Manager, said. “This ultimately means you will need fewer touch-ups to keep your aircraft in top shape, saving you money in the long run.”
How Does ArtCraft Apply Ceramic Coating to Aircraft?
Ceramic coating is applied to aircraft by hand as a liquid that is worked in with an applicator pad and gets polished by hand with a cloth to ensure smooth and even coverage. Once applied, the coating is cured for up to two days to allow it to harden and create a protective barrier.
“We use a two-part ceramic coating from John’s 360, which starts with our team mixing the coating and then using a cloth to meticulously apply the coating to your aircraft by hand,” Maldonado said. “We take our time with this process, which can take up to eight hours for a small aircraft, as this is the finishing touch on your aircraft and we want to give you that glass-like shine that lasts for years to come.”
Benefits of Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coatings seal in your paint job and create a protective barrier for your aircraft. Here are some benefits of applying a ceramic coating to your aircraft.
Resists Fading
This protective coating blocks harmful UV rays and other environmental factors, meaning your world-class ArtCraft paint job doesn’t fade, and it maintains that like-new appearance for longer. With the average starting cost of a full exterior paint job coming in at $25,000, you want to protect your investment, and help your paint job last as long as possible.
Long-Lasting Protection
Unlike wax, which needs to be reapplied to achieve a glass-like shine, ceramic coatings on airplanes and helicopters can last up to 10 years. It protects your paint from harmful UV rays, which can cause your paint color to fade over time. In addition, it’s waterproof properties mean chemicals and other environmental elements that could damage your paint (such as bugs or bird droppings) are not absorbed.
Bug and Water-Repellant
When it’s not being protected in a hangar, your aircraft is exposed to the elements, whether in the skies or on the runway. A ceramic coating repels water and bugs, meaning raindrops will slide right off, and bugs can easily be wiped off during your post-flight inspection and cleaning.
Easy Maintenance
With its hydrophobic properties, ceramic coatings make cleaning and maintaining your aircraft easy. Like wax, ceramic coatings cause the “water beading” effect, so rain and other debris roll right off your aircraft.
It is important to note that wax can be used in combination with ceramic coating, but polishes should not be used, as they can damage the coating and remove its protective properties.
Protect Your Aircraft With a Ceramic Coating Today
Whether you are still eyeing up a new paint job, or you had your plane painted in the last few years, a ceramic coating can help your aircraft keep its like-new look for years to come.
If you have any questions about having the exterior or interior of your aircraft refurbished and a ceramic coating applied, contact us or request a quote! P.S. All full paint jobs booked before Sept. 30, 2024, get a FREE ceramic coating (a $2,500 value).