American Plane Painting Company

At APPCO we follow our own very strict quality standards that have a proven track record to ensure a quality product and happy customer at the end. We do not believe in cutting corners and using the “cheapest materials”, but strive to find Quality materials at a reasonable price. Our prices are very competitive and in many cases the lowest around. We offer many services at once minimizing your down time and cost. We will work with you on your design request and special material request where possible. Contact us for more information as we are in the business of making friends and restoring planes. See our standard steps below…

Our Standard Steps that Are Included Listed Below

Step 1. Aircraft Arrival Inspection

At APPCO we want to provide you the best possible experience from the first time we talk and into the future for years to come. To do this, it is necessary to make sure that we cover everything upfront upon arrival. We ask that you plan to be at our location for at least two hours when dropping off the plane for a full plane inspection. We will need your participation to make sure we cover everything and finalize all paperwork.

We will photograph aircraft in great detail
We will write down and Mark all dings, dents, corrosion, missing rivets, etc.
We will check Flight controls for damage
We will check the condition of all the windows
We will check and document all the Door function and seals.
We will check the visible condition of all plastic and fiberglass exterior components
Document signs of oil and fuel leaks
Document the condition of the propeller
Document the condition of the antennas
Document the condition of the all root seals
Document the operation of exterior lighting operation
Document the operation of interior lighting operation
We will check the visible condition of all plastic and fiberglass interior components
We will check the visible condition of all plastic and fiberglass exterior components
Document the condition of Carpet
Document the condition of Seats
Document the condition of Side panels

Step 2. Stripping Preparation

Protect windows with multiple layers alternating paper and heavy duty foil and foil tape
Seal flight control gaps, skin laps, doors and gas caps with foil tape
Cover all fiberglass, plastic, antenna, deicing boots, vents, landing gear and propeller(s) to prevent stripper contact
Document progress and send pictures and updates to the customer

Step 3. Stripping Process

Apply the appropriate and relevant stripper. We use friendly environmentally stripper when possible depending on the original paint.
Hot Pressure wash aircraft to remove excess stripper
Remove masking layer from windows and deice boots
Wash the entire aircraft
Document progress and send pictures and updates to the customer

Step 4. Body Repairs

Remove paint residue and corrosion from entire aircraft skin between rivet rows using a light sanding
Remove flight controls for off plane painting
Use Nylon abrasive wheels on all universal head rivets to prevent damage
Repair dents on non-control surfaces
Repair cracks in fibreglass where possible
Document progress and send pictures and updates to the customer

Step 5. Prime the Plane and all removed parts

Wipe down entire airplane with solvent to remove contamination
Apply etch to provide paint adhesion
Apply the appropriate conversion coating to provide a corrosion resistant layer
Rinse entire aircraft
Verify windows, propeller(s) and deice boots are protected
Wipe down entire airplane with tack rags to remove dust
Apply epoxy primer
Document progress and send pictures and updates to the customer

Step 6. Paint Base Coat

Solvent wipe to remove contamination
Tack wipe to remove dust
Apply selected paint
Allow paint to cure slowly to ensure the wet look
Document progress and send pictures and updates to the customer

Step 7. Layout of stripes and tail numbers

Mask the stripes
Mask the N-number
Align removed parts to ensure pattern match
Verify with customer for final approval of layout prior to paint application
Document progress and send pictures and updates to the customer

Step 8. Paint stripes and tail numbers

Apply 1st selected paint
Allow paint to cure slowly to ensure the wet look
Apply 2nd color selected paint (if two tone)
Allow paint to cure slowly to ensure the wet look
Remove masking to verify clean lines and edges
Document progress and send pictures and updates to the customer

Step 9. Return of removed parts

Balance Flight controls per MFG and FAA requlations
Return flight controls to plane
Return inspection panels to plane
Return all other parts to plane
Apply pro-seal to windows
Apply wing walk (if needed)
Apply de-ice boot sealant (if needed)
Document progress and send pictures and updates to the customer

Step 10. Final clean for customer pickup

Test gear per MFG and FAA requlations (if required)
Apply placards where needed
Detail plane for customer pick-up
Document progress and finish closeout paper work with the customer