June 15, 2021

Flying Colours Corp. completes custom paint scheme for Gulfstream G650

Flying Colours Corp., the North American maintenance, repair, overhaul, and completions business, has optimised its advanced paint preparation and application facility at its Peterborough, ON Headquarters to perform a complete strip and subsequent high-tech repaint of a Gulfstream G650.

On completion the Gulfstream G650 fuselage boasted a sparkling pearl/mica Diamond Mine basecoat surface combined with an intricate design incorporating curving stripes and complicated swirling patterns.  The multi-faceted process required technical expertise and intense attention to detail to achieve a fuselage that will be noticed on any ramp.

To achieve the striking results a specialty basecoat-clearcoat polyurethane paint incorporating translucent pearl and mica granules that generate a crystal-sparkling effect was applied after the priming process. A metallic colour pallet featuring Concord Blue, Dusk Gray, and Medium Silver colours was subsequently used to complete the scheme. The need for mirror-images to appear on the right- and left-hand side of the aircraft, along with incredibly detailed specifications about distances between stripes, colours, and patterns added to the complexity. The design is so intricate that even when viewed from above, the pattern is incredibly precise.

“This really tested our team’s capabilities but they welcomed the challenge and the client is delighted with the result. The quality of the completed work demonstrates the incredible talent and expertise of our paint team and highlights that the investment we made into the state-of-the-art paint shop pays dividends in realizing our clients’ visions,” said Eric Gillespie, Executive VP, Flying Colours Corp. The customer has already confirmed that the aircraft will return to Peterborough for interior work this summer.

Flying Colours’ expert paint technicians execute a wide variety of paint techniques including electro-static and chromalusion applications at the advanced Peterborough facility.

The new paint shop was designed with functionality and sustainability in mind. Climate controlled, the pressurized cross-draft paint booth measures an impressive 138 ft wide and 158 ft deep with the tail height reaching 55 ft. The booth is equipped with 168 energy efficient lights that simulate natural day light to optimise paint colour matches and visibility for technicians. The sanding, paint, purge, and cure application sequence reduces environmental impact through intelligently designed air recirculation and exhaust systems which decrease the amount of heat needed to operate, while reducing the amount of paint emissions released into the air.

Photo Caption: Flying Colours Corp. performed a complete strip and intricate repaint of the G650.

High res available on request.