Getting ready to paint your Global or Challenger? Under normal circumstances most corporate aircraft get repainted every 7 to 10 years. Some more frequently with new ownership, fleet updates, etc.

We/I often get asked what paint brands does WSA use and what are my options? In no specific order, it ranges from Sherwin Williams (Jet Glo and Acry-Glo), PPG, Axalta, US Paint AlimiGrip, Axzo Nobel and Hentzen, to name a few.

Regarding paint products/finishes/brands, most OEMs offer or have flexibility when an aircraft gets repainted/refurbished, but some don’t. Bombardier for example, requires PPG products to be applied to/on their aircraft.

As it relates to Bombardier’s Global and Challenger, we often get requests to use custom finishes and colors that aren’t always available through PPG.

So, what is a Bombardier’s “SRPSA”? Simply put, it is a Special Request or process to vary from the OEM’s standard or a Special Request for Product Support Action. This is applicable at paint refurbishment time, as well as when other mods and refurbishments are completed/performed.

If a customer requests the use of a non-PPG product, WSA sends in detailed info about the product (product details, definitions and processes for application of primers, paint finishes and clear coats, etc.) for permission to vary Bombardier’s PPG requirements. In turn, Bombardier reviews the request through a matrix of requirements and guidelines, to either decline or approve the products requested to use, other than what they normally specify for this type of upgrade, improvement, modification or event.

Typically, Bombardier has a fee for SRPSAs to vary from the standard and it is normally absorbed into the cost of the refurbishment.

More often than not, our warranty and opinion of using these products is the same regardless if it’s PPG or any other.

As paint brands go, each has appearance, quality, durability, longevity and preservation with the same or similar results. Even though there are differences from one brand to the next, every paint brand has its pros and nuances to consider.