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Tips for Taking Care of Your New Exterior Paint. 

Exterior Paint
Exterior Paint

West Star’s world-class Exterior Paint specialists already provide the highest quality paint jobs and adhere to strict QC standards.   They also provide extensive post paint inspection, hand detailing and initial polishing after an aircraft is painted.  But occasionally, a customer will ask “…how do I take care of my new paint job?  What about aftermarket paint protection, sealants and polishes?”

“I think it is a no-brainer to consider using and applying paint sealants and polishes on your new exterior paint. In fact, the more often the better,” says West Star’s George Euler, Interior Sales Manager at GJT.

“Many of us use them on our automobiles and they work awesome with great results. We also use similar products on aircraft often and with great results” he continued.

There is typically a waiting/curing period required after new paint is applied so that it can gas-off, harden and cure properly before the sealants and polishes are applied.

Once these products are applied to the aircraft, they become much easier to keep clean and maintain. The polishes and sealants prevent dirt and suet from sticking to the paint as much. The surfaces stay cleaner for longer. Another benefit is that gloss retention is extended and the paint keeps its luster and shine much longer.

It is safe to say that under normal circumstances most corporate aircraft get repainted every 7 to 10 years, some more frequently.  Our experience says that aircraft that have had sealants and polishes applied over time seem to look better longer and have extended life of the paint job significantly. 

We can always tell when we strip an aircraft for new paint that has had a sealant and protection product applied because they are more difficult to strip and the paint definitely wants to stick.   

Keep in mind the next time you are in for paint that West Star Aviation offers exterior paint sealant, protection and polishing product application and can even recommend great appearance and detailing companies.  These are all good steps to support the care and preservation of your asset and help you get the most out of your exterior paint investment. 

Three products that are recommended at West Star Aviation for post paint care and enhancement are:

  • TFS (Top Flight Supply – Platinum Ceramic Coating and/or Titanium Paint Protection)
  • Permaguard Max
  • System X (Diamond, PRO and Extreme products)

For more information on these or other paint sealants, polishes and aftermarket treatments or for details on full exterior paint services at West Star Aviation, please contact any of the specialists below: 

George Euler

George Euler

Corporate Aircraft Interior Sales Manager
(GJT)
Office 970.248.5294
geuler@wsa.aero

Julie Timmons

Julie Timmons

Corporate Aircraft Interior Sales Manager
(ALN)
Office 618.258.8814
jtimmons@wsa.aero

Samantha Boyce

Samantha Boyce

Paint & Interior Design Sales Associate
(CHA)
Office 423.661.8925
sboyce@wsa.aero

Jeff Messmer

Jeff Messmer

Technical Sales Manager
(PCD)
Cell 314.607.4069
jmessmer@wsa.aero

Mark White

RSM, California

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

Mark Daniels
Tim Cane
Robbie Johnson

RSM, Mid Atlantic

Santiago Carol

RSM, Latin America

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

Contact Us

WSAA will be piloted at the East Alton, IL facility with the first round of apprentices anticipated to start in August 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy or contact Katie Johnson (katiejohnson@wsa.aero) or Dave Lagermann (dlagermann@wsa.aero).

Application & Selection Process

Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.

  • Working in Aviation requires a commit to being drug-free.  Pre-employment drug testing along with random and reasonable suspicion testing is required for all companies employing people working in safety sensitive positions. The position you are considering applying for is safety sensitive.  If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start working, if you fail the job offer is rescinded.  If you pass, you must remain drug-free during employment, failing a random or reasonable suspicion test may result in termination of employment.  Please note: marijuana is legal in certain states however the FAA follows Federal law where marijuana is illegal.  This means testing positive for marijuana, or any other illegal drug, will prevent you from working in Aviation. 
  • The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm (breaks and meal periods provided). 
  • The expectation is to arrive inside the learning center and clocked in at 7:00am.
  • While attending WSAA, no more than 4 hours a week can be missed.  Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
  • WSAA follows an FAA approved curriculum which has certain requirements including attendance. 
  • Testing for the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required, along with passing.  Two opportunities to test will be provided, if needed.  Employment may terminate if the FAA license is not obtained.
  • Candidates will be contacted to complete pre-screening assessments and questionnaires. 
  • Qualified candidates will be contacted in late November and scheduled for a tour and interview with Hiring Managers at West Star Aviation in East Alton, IL.
  • To be qualified, candidates must pass the pre-screening process along with submitting a negative DOT drug test result.
  • Finalists will be selected after onsite interviews. Job offers will be extended in mid-December with a start date of January 9, 2024.
  • Pay while learning in the Academy will be $20 per hour.  Upon successfully graduating and obtaining your FAA license, pay will increase to $27 per hour.