The surface to be painted must always be dry, clean and free of grease. Clean it thoroughly beforehand with silicone remover. On difficult substrates such as plastic, composites (GRP / CFRP) or non-ferrous metals, use the appropriate adhesion primer.

Yes. Bare aluminium offers the base coat no lasting adhesion and is prone to corrosion when unprotected. A suitable adhesion primer is essential when painting on bare metal.

To prevent runs from forming, allow a flash-off time of at least 20 minutes between each coat of paint.

At an optimal film thickness the drying time is approximately 60 minutes — depending on the coat applied and on the object and ambient temperature. If the base coat was applied more thickly, the time increases accordingly. It is best to let it dry overnight before the clear coat follows.

The surface of the paint layer has dried, but the coating as a whole has not yet cured all the way through. This state is described as touch-dry.

A paint finish can take a load once it has cured all the way through — after at least 12 hours. Drying overnight is ideal.

Drying takes place through a chemical reaction with a second component, the hardener. Once fully cured, these paints are very robust, weather- and UV-resistant, and are not dissolved by fuels or most chemicals.

Paints whose drying process is based on the evaporation of the solvent. Once it has evaporated the colour pigments remain on the surface. The paint can be re-dissolved with solvents such as acetone or universal thinner.

Cool, dry and frost-free, tightly sealed and protected from direct sunlight. Always reseal opened containers carefully and immediately.

Unopened and properly stored, the containers generally keep for several years.

Once the hardener is activated the pot life begins. The can must be used up within these 12 hours — after that the paint cures inside the can and it can no longer be applied.

Film thickness, spraying technique, gun setting and the substrate all influence the perceived colour — especially with metallic paints, where the orientation of the effect pigments is decisive. Always spray a test panel under identical conditions.

In many cases the colour is recorded in the painting log or in the aircraft's documentation. If it is unknown — with vintage aircraft or individual projects, for instance — we will gladly read it out for you by spectral analysis.

Through film thickness and spraying distance: a thinner coat applied from a greater distance makes metallic shades look lighter, a heavier coat darker. For an optimal result, never depart from the recommended application steps.

Universal thinner or a suitable gun cleaner, directly after use. Cured 2K paint can no longer be removed without residue later on.

The best results are achieved with a 1.3 nozzle for base and clear coats and around 1.6 to 1.7 mm for primers, together with a pressure of about 3 bar at the spray gun.