How is an aircraft painted?
Prestige Aircraft Inc describes the process here: http://www.paintaircraft.com/the-process.html


  Upon delivery of the aircraft a thorough inspection will be made with the owner. At this time any details and or problem areas will be defined prior to starting. Items such as windows, plastic parts, dents and corrosion will be discussed. 
  
  All control surfaces, inspection plates, cowlings and fairings will be removed prior to stripping. 
  
  Engine and remaining plastic/fiberglass parts will be covered with protective aluminum tape or plastic as appropriate. 
  
  Airframe will be chemically stripped, removing all old paint and primers using aircraft grade paint strippers. 
  
  Airframe will be pressure washed with hot water to remove any stripper residue.
  
  Airframe will be acid etched and “Alodyned” to further clean and enhance paint adhesion.
  
  Airframe will be further cleaned with mineral spirits prior to priming with epoxy chromate primer. 
  
  Aircraft epoxy primer will be lightly sanded. At this time any dents and scratches will be repaired and reprimed. 
  
  All fiberglass and plastic parts will be sanded and repaired as necessary, primed and prepared for top coating.
  
  Airframe and parts will be top coated with 3 coats Aircraft Grade Jet-Glo or Dupont Polyurethane paint. Trim colors, Reg. #’s and appropriate logos and placards will be applied.
  
  After painting, control surfaces are checked for balance as per mfg. Instructions. Hinges and control linkages are lubed prior to re-installation with new hardware. 
  
  Freshly painted inspection plates and fairings are installed using new stainless steel screws and nylon washers.
  
  New stainless steel cowling fasteners are installed at an extra cost where appropriate. 
  Wing walk is applied and new rubber wing root moldings are installed,(low wing aircraft). 
  
  Windows are polished, interior is cleaned and vacuumed.
  
  A final inspection is made with emphasis on detail and overall quality. 
  
  All appropriate log book entries are made and signed.