Aircraft manufacturers select airplane paint based on strict criteria, such as durability, reparability, availability, and more. More than that, aircraft paint is often selected based on its lightweight characteristics to better accommodate aerodynamic principles. Paint provides an additional protective layer, preventing corrosion, wear, and other forms of degradation, depending on the type of paint used. To better understand why aircraft are painted, this blog will outline the main reasons paint is advantageous.
Repels Heat
One of the primary reasons aircraft are painted is to repel heat, as well as ultraviolet (UV) light. At 30,000 feet, UV light is twice as strong as it is at ground level, and prolonged exposure to both heat and UV rays can have detrimental effects on the airplane’s airframe. For this reason, airplanes are generally painted white in order to repel more heat and UV light, whereas darker colors absorb more heat and UV light.
Protects Against Corrosion
As previously mentioned, paint offers protection against corrosion. While different airplanes are designed using varying materials, with some featuring steel fuselages or aluminum fuselages, one thing remains the same: most airplanes are made of a metal or metal alloy. However, when exposed to moisture or humidity, metal or metal alloys can corrode.
Paint protects against corrosion by providing a physical barrier between the fuselage and the surrounding environment. For instance, if there is moisture in the air, it will collect on the painted fuselage, rather than on the metal or metal alloy inner layer, keeping it from corroding.
Prolongs Life
If you opt for high-quality paint, you can extend the service life of your aircraft. For example, a Boeing 747 has an average service life of 30 years, whereas smaller, private aircraft do not last nearly as long. Beyond routine maintenance, the lifespan of a private plane can be extended with the addition of paint. Paint can protect the fuselage and parts of the airframe from premature wear and tear.
Branding
Despite the aforementioned reasons, some airplanes are painted exclusively for branding purposes as well. In fact, a majority of commercial jets feature the name and/or logo that pertains to their respective brand. It is important to note that branding is not achieved using decals and instead involves the use of paint. For the most part, they are generally painted white with their logo and/or name painted over it.
Conclusion
While aircraft paint is important, it is equally as important to perform aircraft maintenance at regular intervals to ensure they are working optimally. This includes visual inspections of the paint for corrosity, airframe components for wear, engine parts for damage, and more. Such measures will guarantee that your aircraft remains in airworthy condition. Moreover, one must always make sure that the aircraft technicians assessing your aircraft have all the necessary certifications and are equipped to examine your specific model. If, during inspection, you require replacement parts or components, rely on Aircraft Hardware for Sale.
Aircraft Hardware for Sale is a leading distributor of high quality aircraft paint that has been sourced from top global manufacturers that we trust. With over 2 billion ready-to-purchase options, customers can easily fulfill their operational needs. Get started with a Request for Quote (RFQ) form on any desired item which can be accessed via our Instant RFQ service. Within 15 minutes of submitting a completed form, we will reach out with a customized sourcing solution. For additional questions, call or email us at any time; we are available 24/7x365!
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