Special effect aircraft coatings

Citation

(2007), "Special effect aircraft coatings", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779ead.003

Special effect aircraft coatings

Special effect aircraft coatings

A new range of special effect coatings, which provide airlines and aircraft livery designers with an “exciting” and unprecedented choice of colours and design options, is available from Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings (ANAC).

Designers can select from mica-based finishes or Iridescent/“Interference” finishes. Mica-based finishes are offered in “Satin,” “Crystal,” and “Diamond” effects and provide a sparkling, metallic-look finish that can appear silk-like, smooth and shimmery (Satin), a subtle glitter (Crystal), or star-like, sparkling (Diamond). There are two topcoat ranges with identical end results: one approved by Boeing and one by Airbus. Special colours, to match or create corporate identities, can be supplied quickly to order.

Iridescent or “Interference” finishes provide a completely different visual experience. These coatings change the colour of an aircraft, depending on the lighting and the viewing angle. An aircraft can, for example, appear royal blue from one viewpoint, and purple from another. Iridescent effects are a distinctive way to combine colours for an unusual, eye-catching finish.

ANAC's Special Effect paints are stated to be made from the highest quality materials, ensuring the selected finish maintains the desired appearance and effect. The “high solids” formula are reported to create a coating that emits reduced amounts of harmful solvents with the added benefit that fewer coats are needed to achieve the required result. This cuts time and labour costs while also meeting the most stringent health and safety standards.

Because methods of application and operational conditions can vary, the company offers a full technical support and advice service to airlines and their designers to make sure that the desired design effect translates from the drawing board to the runway.

The company's service begins with understanding what an airline's marketing team and image designers want to achieve and advising on the possibilities available to do it. By supplying actual samples of the chosen coatings, designers can check the appearance of the paints in different lights, from full daylight to dusk and artificial light to ensure the design delivers the expected effect in all lighting conditions.

ANAC's technical consultants are able to advise on the best and most efficient application and repair processes prior to the first coat of paint being applied. Once the whole package is approved, ANAC will then take responsibility for following through by contacting the aircraft manufacturer or the airline maintenance facility to match the product specification to the company's own working standards and practices. On site technical support, which is available anywhere in the world, ensures that the whole process is closely monitored and any issues quickly resolved.

For further details, please contact from: ANAC, Tel.: +31 (0) 71 308 2905, Fax: +31 (0) 71 308 2056; E- mail: marina.turion@anac.com, web site: www.anac.com, USA: Tel.: +1 847 625 335, Fax: +1 847 625 3332, E-mail: laura.menze@anac.com