Aircraft Repaint Services for Commercial Fleets and Private Jets
WhenSnailsFly delivers full exterior repaints, corrosion control, P2F paint systems, and fleet program logistics with strict FAA/EASA traceability, color fidelity, and minimized downtime.
About WhenSnailsFly
We are an aerospace finishing partner specializing in exterior aircraft repaints, cosmetic restorations, and corrosion remediation for commercial airlines, cargo operators, private owners, and MRO providers. We combine certified application processes, aerospace-grade materials, and in-house QA instrumentation to deliver finishes that meet aerodynamic, environmental, and brand standards.
What sets us apart
- FAA/EASA-aligned processes and documented materials traceability
- Dedicated fleet bays and scheduling to minimize AOG risk
- In-house color lab and digital proofing for color fidelity
Typical customers
- Commercial carriers (narrow- and wide-body fleets)
- Cargo operators and P2F conversion programs
- Business aviation and VIP operators
- MRO providers and restoration specialists
Services and Technical Capabilities
Core Services
- Full Exterior Repaint — Total strip or feathering, epoxy priming, basecoat, custom graphics and protective clearcoat.
- Partial Refresh & Touch-ups — Local panels, tail, winglets, nacelles and high-wear zones.
- Vinyl Liveries & Decals — High-performance wraps, advertising liveries, and service markings.
- Interior Cosmetic Panels — Cabin panels, galleys, lavs and bulkheads with aircraft-approved finishes.
Fleet & Program Support
- Fleet pricing & scheduling — Consolidated bay time, batch processing and program managers.
- Quick-turn AOG support — Mobile teams and prioritized bays for emergency cosmetic repairs.
- P2F paint systems — Reinforced finishes and ramp-durable coatings for freighter roles.
Technical Specs & Materials
| Primer Systems | Epoxy etch & epoxy wash primers; MIL‑STD compatible, corrosion inhibiting |
| Topcoats | Two-component polyurethane and acrylic polyurethane; gloss and matte options |
| VOC & Environmental | Low‑VOC formulations available; waste and overspray managed to local regs |
| Color & QA | Delta‑E color tolerance targets, spectrophotometer matched, gloss and film thickness checks (μm) |
| Equipment | HVLP and air‑assisted spray systems, climate‑controlled bake bays, particulate filtration |
| Documentation | MSDS, batch numbers, application logs, photographic QA records and regulatory handover packages |
Certifications
- FAA/EASA process alignment
- ISO 9001 quality workflows
- Type-specific painter qualifications and training records
Our Process
We use a staged workflow with defined quality gates to reduce rework and ensure on-time delivery for single and multi-aircraft programs.
1. Evaluation & Quote
Condition assessment with photographic record, corrosion mapping, non‑destructive inspection referrals, scope definition, and a schedule-aware cost estimate.
2. Surface Prep & Repair
Controlled paint removal, localized composite repairs, corrosion treatment, rivet-line feathering, fastener checks and pre-primer inspection gates.
3. Paint Application & QA
Epoxy primers, basecoat, precision graphics, and protective clearcoats applied in climate-controlled environments. QA includes spectrophotometer checks, film thickness (μm) and adhesion verification.
4. Final Delivery
Final inspection, MSDS and batch documentation, photographic handover package, and post-delivery finish care guidance for maintenance teams.
Portfolio
Hangar Restoration — Before & After
We executed targeted corrosion remediation and a two-part polyurethane finish on a mid-size aircraft. Outcome: structural hotspots mitigated, certified materials traceability, and a finish meeting factory gloss and color tolerances.
P2F Touch-Up & Durable Livery
As part of a passenger-to-freighter program, we applied ramp-durable coatings and reinforced stenciling. Result: improved abrasion resistance and simplified maintenance cycles for high-frequency cargo ops.
Business Jet Mid-Life Refresh
Two light jets received synchronized refreshes, new corporate livery, and a ceramic gloss clearcoat. Outcome: improved aesthetics, lower UV fade rate, and streamlined maintenance touch schedules.
Widebody Livery Rollout
Standardized stripping and repaint across multiple bays to refresh a 747 fleet nose program. Result: consistent color across aircraft, reduced rework and improved fleet availability during rollout.