PRACTICAL 4: PAINTING

INTRODUCTION

Aircraft finishes are important, not only for the attractive appearance they give the aircraft but for the
protection they afford the lightweight, highly reactive composites, metals, and fabric from which the
structure is covered and made. When an airplane leaves factory, it has been given a finish that is both
decorative and protective. It is the responsibility of maintenance personnel to see that the finish is
maintained in such a way that it will keep its beauty and continue this protection. If the airplane is to be
refinished, the technician must properly prepare the surface and apply a new finish that will protect at
least as well as the original. Finishing and refinishing operations consist of many different materials and
techniques for applying the protective covering. Some material is sprayed, some brushed or dipped, and
some is attracted to the surface of the aircraft via an electrical charge, a process called electroplating.
There are almost as many different methods of application as there are materials to apply. Apply each
material according to the manufacturers instructions to obtain the best possible finish and the greatest
possible protection.

OBJECTIVES

1. To know the process of painting of aircraft;

2. To understand the safety during painting process; and
3. Repair and repaint the corrosive part of aircraft;

REFERENCES
A&P Technician Airframe Textbook
Website

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Goggle
Respiratory mask
Standard air compressor.
Siphon-feed spray gun
Sand paper
Sanding Machine
MATERIAL

Protective paint (9300H Epoxy Hardener)

55 thinner
CW-320 silicon-carbide water proof electro coated abrasive paper

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Report any incidents, near misses, injuries or illnesses.

Use the correct tools and equipment for each task.
Clean all tools using appropriate solvent.
Large container to hold excess or spent material should be used when spinning brushes and
rollers.
Use proper safety equipment and protective clothing.
Make sure properly fitted face masks are used when spraying or working with toxic applications.
Goggles should be worn when using spraying equipment.
Wear rubber gloves when using cleaning solvents.
Steel toed footwear to be worn on all construction sites all times.
Any defective equipment to be avoided at all times and reported to the job supervisor
immediately.

PROCEDURE

1. Before starting the paint job, the component should be cleaning and sanded off to make sure
that there is no layer on top of the original material of the component.
2. After sanding, the component should be cleaned off with pressurized air and a rag to remove all
the dust accumulated on the surface.
3. The internal parts of the component should be covered with paper and masking tape to prevent
paint from entering inside. The paper is also used when decoration of the component is needed.
4. After prepping the component, the paint is then mixed and poured into the spray gun.
5. The proper mix of the paint is 4-part paint, 1-part hardener and 4-part thinner.
6. After the paint, thinner and hardener are mixed together, a viscosity cup is used to check how
viscous the mixture is. This step is done to form a reference point for when extra mixture is
needed.
7. The mixture is then poured into a spray gun.
 8. When painting, a distance should be kept from the spray gun and the component. This ensures
continuity of the paint.
9. After completing the paint job, the spray gun is cleaned thoroughly with thinner and a brush not
water.

DISCUSSION

Paint Defect Description

- Micro blistering

- Avalanching

Orange Peel

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the paint was not good due to some reason which are; -

The speed of spray gun is not constant.

The spray gun was brought too close to the component
The paint wasnt allowed to dry before applying another coat.
Hand were accidentally placed on the wet paint