How do I prepare an aircraft surface properly?
8 min read
No paint system is better than the substrate it sits on. Mistakes made during preparation cannot be covered up later, neither with more material nor with a thicker layer — they show up in the gloss or in the adhesion at the latest.
Cleaning and degreasing
The surface to be painted must always be dry, clean and free of grease. Clean it thoroughly beforehand with silicone remover — residues of grease, wax or silicone are the most common cause of wetting problems and adhesion failures.
Assessing the substrate
Bare aluminium offers the base coat no lasting adhesion and is prone to corrosion when unprotected. A suitable primer or filler is absolutely necessary when painting on bare metal.
On difficult substrates such as plastic, composites (GRP / CFRP) or non-ferrous metals, use the appropriate bonding agent.
Filling and sanding flat
The filler is the layer that levels fine unevenness and sanding marks in the substrate and is then sanded flat. Only this flat, evenly sanded surface gives the base coat a clean bed.
In brief
- The surface must be dry, clean and free of grease — clean it beforehand with silicone remover.
- Never paint bare metal directly with base coat: a primer is mandatory.
- GRP / CFRP, plastic and non-ferrous metals need the appropriate bonding agent.
- Always sand the filler flat before the colour goes on.
Still have questions?
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