Our 3-Step Aircraft Painting Process

ArtCraft Paint’s Aircraft Painting Process

If you haven’t had your aircraft painted by ArtCraft Paint before, you may have questions about our aircraft paint process and what to expect. Our ArtCraft Paint team wants to simplify the aircraft painting process for you. Learn more about our aircraft painting services and how we make your aircraft a masterpiece.

Step 1: Initial Aviation Assessment

We’re conveniently located at the Santa Maria Airport (SMX), on California’s beautiful Central Coast, between Los Angeles and San Francisco, so it’s easy to fly in and get started on your aircraft. Our first step in the aircraft painting process is completing an initial assessment to see the condition of your plane. An initial assessment helps our aircraft painting team fully understand the exact work scope. Our inspection typically focuses on the windows, chrome, and surface condition. We look to see if there are any cracks, chips, scratches, or other imperfections on your windows. We inspect the chrome to spot any leading-edge damage. Our team then assesses surface conditions to see if there is any corrosion, cracks, or dents.

Once this initial assessment is complete, we have ArtCraft Paint personnel and the plane’s owner sign off on the inspection. If additional work needs to be done, we will have the owner approve or deny the suggestions in writing.

Step 2: Aircraft Painting Preparation

The second step in our aircraft painting process is preparation. We follow a strict protocol when we start to prepare your aircraft for its painting. All the windows and windshields are covered with three layers of spray masking paper and sealed with masking tape. Then heavy-duty aluminum foil and plastic sheeting are put on and sealed with aluminum tape. The aircraft seams are sealed with aluminum tape. Then the composite components, antennas, struts, and polished areas are also covered with the three protections. The tires and landing gear will have a protective barrier of aluminum foil and heavy-duty plastic.

Step 3: Aircraft Mechanical Work

The third and final step in the aircraft painting process is mechanical work. There is an A&P mechanic (licensed to work on and maintain the external (airframe) and engine (Power Plant)) on our staff that removes flight controls before the painting process begins. Flight controls are checked to see if they are within the limits before we have them ready for the chemical strippers. Once the aircraft paint job is done, they are rebalanced per the aircraft maintenance manual before the flight controls are reassembled. An ArtCraft mechanic will include the work done in a logbook entry.

Ready to turn your aircraft into art?

Our aircraft painting process will deliver you an incredible aircraft masterpiece in three simple steps. We have over 20 years of experience in aircraft painting and interior refurbishing. If you are ready to start the process of designing a new paint scheme for your aircraft, request a quote from ArtCraft Paint!