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Restoring paint on a Aircraft Boing 737

Hi my grandson is mad into aircraft planes commercial.

IMG_0342.jpeg IMG_0341.jpeg

He has bought a window section of a Jet2 737, it is partially covered in a type of Grey paint over the Red original paint.
I think it is to disguise their logo's when they scrap the planes.

He in his wisdom started to use a electric sander on it, and it’s removing some of the original Red paint, which is not what we want .

So I am trying to find out what’s the best way to remove the grey paint (chemical wise) without disturbing the red underneath. It just a guess but will the original paint be cellulose?

Anyone any ideas?

IMG_0343.jpeg
A thankyou is payment enough .
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Comments

  • Section62
    Section62 Posts: 10,735 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper

    He has bought a window section of a Jet2 737, it is partially covered in a type of Grey paint over the Red original paint.
    I think it is to disguise their logo's when they scrap the planes.

    He in his wisdom started to use a electric sander on it, and it’s removing some of the original Red paint, which is not what we want .

    So I am trying to find out what’s the best way to remove the grey paint (chemical wise) without disturbing the red underneath. It just a guess but will the original paint be cellulose?

    Anyone any ideas?

    I'd try cutting compound to start with - T-cut or something a bit stronger. Use it to see whether the grey paint will come away without doing too much damage to the red underneath. Start with a very small patch on the red to make sure it doesn't react badly with the original paint. Then work on the grey to see how easily it will come off.

  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,592 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper

    googling it says most aircraft are painted with a Polyurethane paint, not a clue what the grey paint is, but it’s quite think.

    A thankyou is payment enough .
  • paradigital
    paradigital Posts: 54 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper First Anniversary Photogenic

    I’d hazard a guess that the grey paint is cheaper than the red, likely an off the shelf spray paint.

    With that in mind cellulose thinners will likely take the grey straight off and the red might be impervious to it. Certainly the case when I’ve wanted to remove cheap rattle can paint from car bodywork without impacting the factory paint.

    If you do try a chemical removal, be sure to test it in the least conspicuous area you can before having at it.

  • WIAWSNB
    WIAWSNB Posts: 2,502 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 1 February at 4:39PM

    What does he want to end up with - a red panel?

    Even if you research to find what type of paint is used for that red, you'll still need to find out what the grey is, and hope it's significantly different, if you hope to use a specific thinner to remove only it.

    You could carry out a series of tests, but each thinner will cost a few quid, and there's every chance you'll also damage the red.

    So, I'd flatten it all using 180 grit wet and dry paper used wet, and then mini foam roll an all-surface paint, ideally water based, such as Zinsser AllCoat over it all.

  • Section62
    Section62 Posts: 10,735 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper

    You could ask for more specific advice on the PPrune forum - if your grandson is really into aviation and old enough they could post themselves, if not post on their behalf. There are plenty of professionals on the forum who would go the extra mile to encourage young people into the industry.

  • Baldytyke88
    Baldytyke88 Posts: 832 Forumite
    500 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper

    Aircraft typically use specialized, high-performance polyurethane enamel or epoxy coatings designed for extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and durability. These paints are chemically cured, resistant to abrasion, and applied in thin layers to avoid adding excessive weight. A zinc-chromate primer is often applied first to prevent corrosion on metal surfaces

    In your photo it looks like red paint on wood, but I assume it's not wood.

  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,592 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    A thankyou is payment enough .
  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,592 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper

    yes he wants to keep the Original red paint, so sanding down and spaying over is the very last resort
    yes I’ll have to pay for the materials etc, but that’s no problem. Easy thing to do is take it to a body shop and get them to spray it.

    But I want to try and do it for him partially, and if I get a section looking good? I can then get him to join in doing it between ourselves.
    That way he’s learning something and hopefully he could use the experience in later life.

    A thankyou is payment enough .
  • WIAWSNB
    WIAWSNB Posts: 2,502 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 1 February at 4:46PM

    Although foam-roller won't be as smooth as sprayed - it'll leave a fine 'orange peel' - it should be very acceptable, I think, and being water-based, fume-free and easy to clean up afterwards.

    Just get the existing surface smooth and flat.

    https://nextdaypaint.co.uk/products/zinsser-allcoat-water-based-exterior-gloss-tinted-colour-match?

  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,592 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    A thankyou is payment enough .
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