The latest 850 Series SKYscapes Effect Finishes from Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings is now available as a durable, high-performance line of mica, metallic and hybrid finishes.
This high-performance polyurethane basecoat is specially designed for productivity and appearance with a full complement of metallics and micas for use in everything from striping and accents to overall paint completion of larger or commercial aircraft.
In addition to its extensive color and effects palette, the new SKYscapes 850 Series also offers what aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and paint shops desire most – an incredibly simple and easy-to-use product.
“After a lengthy period in the MRO operation, by the time the aircraft is ready to be painted, it has often been in for weeks or more for major rework,” says Richard Giles, Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings global technical service manager. “Because of this, the paint shop often has to ‘pick up the pace’ and get the plane painted and out the door ASAP. Because of the 850 Series’ simplicity, as well as its incredible ease-of-use and repairability, the shop can get their paint and detailing work usually done on time and get the aircraft back into service.”
The 850 Series SKYscapes is easy to apply and implement in the shop. It has the same 4:1:3 friendly mixing formula as other SKYscapes topcoats and undercoats, as well as consistent alignment. The same hardeners and reducers are all encompassed in the same mixing system, and it can be applied over all Sherwin-Williams aerospace epoxy or urethane exterior primers, making it easy to order, mix, spray and inventory.”
“The real benefit is its repairability,” says Giles. “This new 850 line is smart repairable, with no special guns and tools needed. It features a long pot life and is outstanding for immediate spot repairs while still on the paint line. Any de-wetting, last-minute line corrections or minor basecoat issues – like orientation, tiger striping or shadows – can be repaired wet-on-wet before the clearcoat application; this saves rework, labor and delivery time, and of course, money.”
The 850 Series SKYscapes is ideal for all sized aircraft, but really hits the sweet spot for business aircraft and helicopters with its excellent color accuracy and consistency, as it now matches the Sherwin-Williams extensive aerospace color palette. It’s also quick drying at ambient temperatures, allows for multiple color applications per day without mechanically sanding up to 48 hours and doesn’t require baking.
Its effects application also has many features:
• Excellent flow and leveling
• Easily wets a properly prepared surface
• Wet edge blends itself easily
• Outstanding effect orientation
• All three effects can be overcoated with each other for elaborate livery designs
The 850 Series SKYscapes Effect System provides a robust application and efficient finish process while being compatible with all Sherwin-Williams Aerospace clearcoats, including flat and semi-gloss.