When you look into getting your aircraft painted there are many things you should take into account other than price. Because you get what you pay for. Just look at my plane in the pic waiting to be finished.
You can choose a Maaco like scuff and shoot paint job in some backwoods hangar for cheap (and illegal in many states) to keep your costs down but you will fly the paint right off the plane in no time to say the least.
Like a mentor of mine in piloting told me once. "if your in a hurry do not fly" and he also said "if you want to save money drive."
Nothing good in flying is fast nor is it cheap and if you find either one of those being advertised anywhere you should run or should I say FLY away as fast as possible.
It takes over 400 hrs of labor to strip a normal sized GA airplane and get it ready for primer and paint. That is 2.5 months or 10 weeks of work for us mere mortals working 40hrs a week.
Then you have to prime, fill, sand, sand more, fill more, prime again, and now you may be ready to shoot the first coat of paint.
And Aircraft paint is not like automotive paint. It has to deal with extreme weather from super cold to super hot in a single flight. Automotive paints are not formulated to deal with the extremes. So aircraft basic white paint is around $1000.00 per gallon. Add metal flake or pearls are even more expensive.
Depending on your paint scheme it may mean multiple masks, paint, mask and paint again and again until your paint scheme (we have not even talked about the time to create your perfect scheme.) comes to life. And the guy who does the masking and layout is the real magician and is the difference between average paint or Oshkosh winners.
Then comes 400+ hrs of rubbing, buffing, polishing, and fixing flaws until it is just right.
And you have choices to make that will take time and cost money. Are you wanting to replace all fasteners? Are you removing all plastics? What about rivets? They are a PITA to tape and paint and will rarely come out perfect. So many of them are hand touched up to just make the lines right when two paint colors intersect over non flush rivets. So the more anal you are about it you need to know that this is the norm not the exception. And keep your panties on.
Wait it is not over yet as you must now detail the aircraft completely to remove overspray, dirt, etc including undercarriage, wheel wells, flaps, cowls, engine compartment, spinner, prop, interior, and the like.
Now your baby is ready for you to come look at (note I did not say pick up!!) and go over and create a punch out list of items that may have been missed during all that work.
Any reputable company like Tejas Aero will resolve the issues on that punch out list and make your plane rdy for you.
Then you are not done yet.....
Now you need to take that fine machine that has sat idle and partially disassembled for months and do a very detailed pre flight. Including checking all flight controls, an extensive runup, and taxi test, and once everything there checks out you should do a few laps in the pattern to make sure everything is working as expected (check the radios navcom etc.)
Now you can take her home feeling comfortable that you will arrive safely and keep that new paint and interior shiney all the way.
Also a good aircraft refurbisher will also warranty the work they do for at least a year and like Tejas Aero will follow up and fix any issues related to workmanship or materials for you.
I know it is a crazy thing and it takes time and costs money, but with a good refurbisher like Tejas Aero and patience you will be proud to fly your plane to Osh and show off that amazing new paint and interior.
Alan Basinger previous caretaker of Mooney M20F N9268M, gadgetman99@gmail.com
I chose Tejas Aero to refurbish my 1977 T310R after numerous trips to their facility in San Marcos, TX scoping out their work. I was impressed with their level of detail and the quality of work I saw. It was evident they were passionate about airplanes and turning out quality work. Travis worked hard to ensure the plane would be delivered on schedule. The day I arrived to pick up the plane, a few minor items remained, which Travis made sure was perfect prior to my departure. I receive compliments almost everywhere I fly on how beautiful my 310 looks. I could not be any happier with the quality of work or how much I enjoy flying my "new" plane. Thanks to all the guys at Tejas Aero for making my dream a reality.
1977 Cessna T310R - Featured on Home Page
Kevin Barton,
I just want to let you know how much I appreciate the extra effort that you and your crew put forth in the painting of my aircraft. I am so impressed by the work that Chris and the others did in turning the Speedstar into a thing of beauty, it is truly Magnificent.
Everyone that has seen it can’t believe how beautiful it is, I am so glad that Brett and I chose your company to put the final touch on our pride and joy.
All our efforts will be worthwhile as we share our work with others. Thank you so much.
Oscar Taylor,
If you need your plane painted and want the best, Tejas Aero is the place to go---period! No one can touch these guys. No one is even close!
Jim Kerr,