Permagard Fact Sheet            (read about us in Australian Aviation Magazine)

Aircraft require professional protection to avoid damage to exterior painted surfaces due to accelerated corrosion, extreme weather and temperature changes, intense UV exposure and rapid oxidation.

Permagard’s aerospace coatings utilises our high performance reactive film technology for the ultimate protection of all aircraft types.

Effective and powerful anti-oxidation functionality keeps your aircraft in super-gloss pristine condition which means less down time for cleaning.

Fuel consumption will be reduced due to the low-porosity fine surface finish which can aid in reducing drag friction forces. (click here to see our testimonial from News Limited, click here to see our testimonial from CPH)

Proper Aircraft Exterior Surface Maintenance

The Days of Simply Repainting an aircraft when it gets really dull and dirty are virtually over for a wide variety of reasons. Down time for preparation and application, rising cost of new and old paint, higher labour costs and the environmental disposal of stripper to name just a few. (Click here for Eye For Detail Aircraft Services testimonial)

A new problem involves modern aircraft which make use of composite panels. These panels are particularly sensitive to surface maintenance. Even cleaning these painted surfaces with some common solvents and degreasers is prohibited. You cannot simply strip the paint with old techniques using common chemical strippers without fear of compromising the structural integrity. Proper cleaning and maintenance using the appropriate products, equipment and techniques safely and confidently addresses these concerns. (Click here for Virgin Blue takes a shine to innovative GREEN paint protection programme)

A proper and complete cleansing and protection program for the exterior surfaces both painted and otherwise, truly offers many important and cost effective benefits for the owner operator. (Click here to see what Channel 9 says about us)

The Permagard program for aviation is designed with this philosophy in mind and will:

1. Safely deep clean the surface(while maintaing the hardness of painted surfaces, especially on composites) and significantly help protect the exterior surfaces against continued absorption of and damage from, harsh contaminants such as:
   
2. • Bugs
   • Acid rain
   • UV Damage
   • fuel
   • fuel vapor
   • grease and solvents
   • fine sand and chemicals used in the maintenance of runways.
3. Significantly help retard deterioration of paint from pre-mature drying and oxidation.
   
4. Extend surface life by combating the onset of surface corrosion.
   
5. Allow for easier and quicker subsequent routine maintenance washings, down time and labour.
   
6. Reducing the use of water and detergents into the environment.
   
7. “Micro smooth” the flight surfaces allowing for a more efficient, uniform airflow by greatly reducing “parasitic drag”, consequently reducing fuel consumption and to a certain extent engine work load.
   
8. Help personnel during the polishing procedure easily identify and report potential surface corrosion/ erosion, micro-surface fracture and paint defect problems at the onset while they are small and minor (these problems can often be missed during a routine visual or walk around inspection).
   
9. Aid rapid visual identification of potential problems such as fluid leaks and exterior foreign object damage.
   
10. Significantly improve the overall appearance of the aircraft and enhance the image of the operator.
    

What exactly is proper polishing?

It is vitally important to understand the difference between what is accomplished with a “proper polishing” as opposed to an aircraft “waxing or shine”. Particularly on paint, a “shine” is relatively cheap and easy to obtain. A case in point, simply wipe a cloth saturated with kerosene (de-odorised) on the dullest paint surface and one can attain a beautiful shine. Unfortunately, it will only last for about three days at most but more importantly, it will also DRY OUT the paint and remove any gloss permanently if applied repeatedly.

These types of “wipe and shine” solutions may seem ideal at the time  but can have a rapid, negative effect on the HARDNESS of the paint which can be disastrous especially within the type of environment in which today’s commercial aircraft have to operate.

Don’t forget, the primary reason for paint at all is to prevent the substrate from erosion and corrosion. As tough and durable as today’s advanced paints are, they still require some maintenance in order to remain viable, clean and durable; rather like keeping a window clean in order to see through it clearly and properly.

Magic Quick Fixes

There is a bewildering array of polishes, waxes and “magical” paint protection formulas available on the market. Most of these products or systems are “automotive” based and will certainly achieve nice “shine” or “gloss”. A few may even protect, to some degree the surface from further degradation.

In reality the majority of these products address the short term COSMETIC look with little attention to longevity or the type of harsh environment within which aircraft operate.

Products or systems designed for use in the automotive or marine industries tend to be more cosmetic in nature and are not exceptionally durable for aviation purposes. In fact waxes and especially wax based formulas are usually prone to rather rapid degradation from evaporation due to heat and friction.

Static Dissipation

On aircraft, the leading edge surfaces, in particular, the protection and/or finish can completely vanish as quick as V1, typically on faster, higher flying, commercial jet or turbo prop aircraft.

Pure wax based systems, especially when used on an inadequately cleaned surface, may even serve to accelerate microscopic surface corrosion by trapping contaminants and moisture beneath (where wax has been built up in small hidden and non-exposed areas, material overlap, edges of paint chips, deep scratches or cracks).

This ‘trapped” moisture can often “eat” its way through things like Zinc Chromate and such before it will come back out through the wax. There is also evidence that “waxed” surfaces on aircraft may even precipitate a potential static dissipation problem.

Gloss Enhancers

Another alternative system or formula is based on “gloss enhancers” using silicon oils or acrylic resins, frequently emulsifying in high solvent carrying agents, sometimes with or without wax ingredients. These are primarily cosmetic in function and do little to remove microscopic surface scratches where corrosion and oxidation always start. They simply “hide” the scratches by temporarily filing them.

Paint Softening

Using silicon oils and acrylic resins may indeed clean the surface to some degree, depending on the type but they may also lead to long term damaging effects. When used regularly, especially on paints, some have a tendency to lead to a condition known as “paint softening.” (This affects the natural hardness of the paint).

Teflon

Teflon (Commonly now referred to as a PTFE) is perceived to have mythical protective qualities in a polish formulation. This is based on its “slick” or NON STICK and heat resistant properties.

Scientifically this is absolutely correct in its true raw form which is as a POWDER or a solid on frying pans for example. The reality is, in order for Teflon to “stick” or “bond” to a surface, proprietary methods and techniques must be used to prepare the surface. Teflon can be suspended in a liquid state but requires extremely high solvent content to remain stable: solvents which are immediately damaging to petroleum based paints. Bottom line is: Teflon in a standard polish formulation has no added value in helping protect or repel harmful agents from the surface. It is actually totally inert as a chemical; therefore it is neither harming nor helping the surface.

Our Service Commitment

We realize that our service is only as good as the people offering it.
Our staff members hold over 25 years of combined experience protecting and restoring a variety of aircraft, from turboprops to lightweight, medium and heavy jets. Additionally, our staff places emphasis on safety practices and are fully licensed and insured. (click here to see our testimonial from Norronafly)

We protect your investment.

Aircraft paint restoration and protection is a vital component of aircraft maintenance. Our experienced staff works diligently to protect your aircraft by using the highest quality of equipment, techniques and tailor made aviation products developed by Permagard. Most importantly, we work to ensure the appropriate products are used for each part of the aircraft every time.

We recognize that each client's needs are different.

We custom tailor our services to cater to the individual or corporate needs of our clients. Permagard aviation is dedicated to providing you with impeccable service.
There really is no argument that an aircraft will look considerably better after a simple and thorough washing and often a “wax” job may even improve on that. A clean aircraft (or dirty , as the case may be) clearly reflects the image of the owners and operators. A cleaning/waxing often accomplishes the clean part and usually improves the overall look of the aircraft but for all the sweat and toil and DOLLARS spent , is this the only benefit? A TEMPORARY clean looking aircraft..
Is the expense and aggravation for this singular advantage of a temporarily clean looking aircraft really worth it. Are there any real benefits to cleaning and polishing the exterior surfaces? Be they bare alloy or painted (composites and fabrics included)?

The fact is there are many benefits, both short and long term providing it is done PROPERLY.

With the Permagard’s TOTAL PROTECTION PROGRAM the performance of your aircraft has been noted to improve and it does look significantly better, for much longer. Best of all, the job will NOT have to be repeated every few weeks to maintain the desired finish. In the majority of cases an “annual” is all that is required. (Click here to contact us)

Preparing an aircraft  (Click here to see our ad)

Prior to Permagarding an aircraft there are steps we take to protect both staff and the aircraft from possible injuries or damage.  

• Starting at the top of the aircraft and working front to back, we perform a visual inspection of the aircraft looking for anything that could cause the cleaning and preparation to be hazardous to either staff or the aircraft.
• We make sure all static ports and other openings are covered with waterproof tape that will protect these items from any possible damage from water, cleaning chemicals, levelers or sealers.
• CAUTION! ANY TIME A PERMAGARD TECHNICIAN COVERS OR PROTECTS ANY PART OF AN AIRCRAFT THE ACTION IS LOGGED AND MUST BE SIGNED OFF WITHIN THE JOB LOG WHEN REMOVED BY THE TECHNICIAN AND BY THE TEAM LEADER.
• All static wicks and peto tubes are protected while performing Permagard work. Many are very sensitive and easily broken if engage by any forceful action.
• Most aircraft have a number of windows and these windows can be very sensitive to damage. We use great caution around windows and their seals.
• Aircraft paint surfaces are subject to damage much easier than automotive paint. The shine of aircraft paint can be reduced greatly by simply using the wrong products, techniques or equipment. Only Permagard products which are specifically tailored for aircraft paints are allowed on work sites.