Paint isn’t used strictly for commercial logos and branding on airplanes. Whether it’s a narrow body or wide body, all airplanes require paint to protect them from the elements. It serves as a physical barrier, protecting the underlying fuselage materials from the harsh environment of high-altitude flights. Here are six facts about airplane paint, some of which may surprise you.
#1) Applied in Three Layers
For most airplanes, paint is applied in three layers. The first layer consists of a primer. The second layer consists of a base coat. The third layer consists of a top coat. The primer layer offers a “sticky” surface to which the base coat will adhere. The top coat, in comparison, offers a glossy and protective surface that functions as a physical barrier.
#2) Epoxy vs Enamel
There’s epoxy paint for airplanes, and there’s enamel paint. The former is a type of polyurethane-based paint that’s highly resistant to chemicals, oxidation and fading. Enamel paint, on the other hand, is typically harder after it cures and costs less than epoxy paint.
#3) 120 Gallons for a 747
To say airplanes require a lot of paint would be an understatement. Ultimately, the amount of paint an airplane requires varies depending on the size of its fuselage. Airplanes with a large fuselage will require more paint than those with a small fuselage. A typical Boeing 747, however, requires about 120 gallons of paint.
#4) Lasts For Six Years
Airplane paint doesn’t last forever. Over time, exposure to extreme temperatures and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays will degrade it. The paint may begin to fade, and if left unchecked, it may even crack or peel. This is why most commercial airplanes are repainted about every six years.
#5) Involves a Low-Pressure Spray Applicator
Airplane paint isn’t applied by hand. Rather, it’s applied using a low-pressure spray applicator. The paint is evenly sprayed onto the fuselage. Low-pressure spray applicators allow for faster drying times and greater precision when compared to high-pressure spray applicators.
#6) Curing May Take Up to a Week
You might be surprised to learn that it can take up to a week for airplane paint to fully cure. Most airplane paint is air-cured. When exposed to air, it will begin to dry and harden. But curing doesn’t happen overnight. Depending on the size of the airplane and how much paint was used, it may take up to a week for the paint to fully cure.
