Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 26

PAINTS AND COATINGS

take a bit of a risk with their paint scheme
and try something new and different. So
again, it all depends on the owner/operator.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS

AMT: From your perspective, how would
you characterize the business of painting
aircraft today?
JV: The aviation industry is doing well, and
as such, so is the aircraft painting business.
Facilities are full of aircraft and busy. The
Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Division has a
laser focus on continuing to produce great
products and services for painting aircraft.
AMT: What are business aircraft operators asking for regarding exterior paint?

Is there anything that stands out or surprises you?
JV: It all depends on what the owner or
operator wants from a paint design. Some
like the conservative approach and go for a
non-descript looking airplane. Others want
to highlight their company brand and will
incorporate company colors or logos. Some
individuals, on the other hand, want a design
that represents them, like their personal
brand or will ask for an elaborate look with
unique coatings. Some people are willing to

It's What's InsIde
that Counts.
Cabin refurbishments and technology
upgrades that personalize an aircraft.

PentastarAviation.com | 248-866-8982

AviationPros.com/company/10134759

APRIL/MAY 2020

AMT: The 2020 AMT Aircraft Paints and
Coatings Survey, which was done in Q1
of this year, showed that 60% said they
expect to purchase more paints and coatings this year. They also said lack of operating space was the number one obstacle
to growth. How do you view this?
JV: Lack of operating space makes sense.
Think about it - paint hangars are full,
designers are busy, business is good. When
it comes to painting aircraft, there is a significant investment to stand-up or expand
a facility. It's not just an open hangar. There
are ventilation systems, paint booths, environmental control systems, clean rooms,
permits, hazmat handling and disposal
systems, etc. Building or expanding a paint
facility is more sophisticated and expensive
than just opening additional space.
AMT: The survey respondents also stated
workforce and lack of skills as the second
detriment to growth, which we know is the
case with most trades right now. How does
a company like Sherwin-Williams assist the
industry with this issue?
JV: Finding a skilled workforce is very difficult these days. The industry needs to build
the workforce. Sherwin-Williams has a paint
training program where people can come to
Wichita and spend time with our experts.
Courses are aimed to optimize the painter's
knowledge and abilities, which will help a
paint facility to better optimize its overall
efficiencies. We also customize training and
will work directly with an MRO or OEM and
their staff on problems and situations. We
look at procedures and practices, a kind of
dual role of training, review the fundamentals, look at processes and suggest implementing best-practices in their company.
Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings
also has a gallery of educational videos on
our website aimed at helping painters work
through specific issues they may have or just
answer questions. The video gallery is a great
addition to our 24/7 technical support team.

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY

http://www.PentastarAviation.com http://www.AviationPros.com/company/10134759

Aircraft Maintenance Technology

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aircraft Maintenance Technology