PAINTWORK AND REFINISHING

Prior to refinishing all gel coat must be removed down to underlying structure

Mass and balance check of control surfaces must be conducted and recorded before surface finish is removed. This also ensures that the control surface is within manufactures specified limits. They are checked again after refinishing. Again findings recorded.

Cracks in structure once the gel has been removed.

If when the gel has been removed, cracks are still visible in the underlying structure, the damaged structure must be removed and reinstated before refinishing can proceed.

Cracked composite structure removed and reinstated. Picture showing peal ply.

Wing being post cured after repair.

Prepared ready for refinishing.

Gel coat is applies to all surfaces then blocked back with profiling boards before the final 2k finish.

Refinishing of metal aircraft such as an RV6

The parts below have had paint stripper applied. They are then wrapped in polythene sheet to stop the stripper drying out.

After the paint stripper has been washed off with a pressure washer, all surfaces are abraded with Scotch-brite and a week solution of phosphoric acid to neutralize any surface corrosion.

Once the surfaces have been prepared, a good coat of acid etch is applied. This is the goldy yellow in the pictures below. Arguably, the most important coat for metal structures.

Metal and composite parts prepared, primed and painted in top coat.

Just as it is with composite gliders vital to check the mass and balance of the controls, the same is true of metal aircraft. Here the aileron balance is being checked.