Metal Prep

Make sure metal surfaces on your aircraft are clean and ready for paint or refinishing by using quality metal prep products from SkyGeek. Our professional-quality metal prep products are designed to get the job done quickly and with minimal effort from you. The powerful solutions get surfaces completely clean and ready to accept paint or primer, leading to better adhesion and a longer-lasting finish. Shop for metal prep products from Henkel Bonderite®, PPG® Aerospace®, PPG® Semco®, Praxair® Surface Technologies and more, all in one convenient location. Our metal prep collection includes products for DIYers or professionals.

At SkyGeek, you'll find a great selection of cleaners, conversion coating products and much more to get the metal surfaces on your aircraft ready for any kind of finishing. Our cleaners are designed to blast away the grit and grime without any elbow grease required. Once the surface is clean, a conversion coating can be applied to deliver the protection and finish you need. Give your aircraft a smooth, new finish that's perfect for applying a topcoat. No matter what type of metal prep cleaner or metal conditioner products you need, you'll find them all at SkyGeek. Order online and save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most common metal used in aviation?

A: Aluminum is the most common metal used in aviation because it is lightweight, has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is resistant to corrosion. Most aluminum surfaces require little to no metal prep before being worked on. It is worth noting that not just metals are used in aerospace as composites are becoming more common. Over 40 percent of the Airbus A350 structure is composite material.

Q: What types of products are available for aviation metal treatment before paint?

A: SkyGeek offers a range of options for aviation metal treatment before painting. These products are designed to prepare surfaces before painting, ensuring optimal adhesion of paint products and guarding against corrosion. Pre-paint products include cleaners, deoxidizers and primers. Many pre-treatment processes are carried out on aluminum before it can be used in aerospace. It is important that aluminum surfaces are degreased, deoxidized and treated with a conversion coating and sealant to ensure maximum strength and dependable performance. Henkel makes a wide range of products designed to pre-treat metal surfaces.

Q: How should you prepare metal for painting before applying a topcoat to your aircraft?

A: To prepare metal for painting, it's important to clean the surface thoroughly using a metal prep cleaner to remove any contaminants such as dirt, oil and grease. The surface should also be deoxidized using an acid-based deoxidizer or a mild rust remover for metal to eliminate any surface rust or oxidation. Once the surface is clean and rust-free, proceed with the surface preparation. This step will depend on the type of metal. Consider using a metal conversion coating to enhance corrosion resistance and improve the adhesion of primer and paint. Sanding the metal surface may be necessary to create a smooth, uniform texture for primer to adhere to. When choosing a primer, always select one that is designed for the specific type of metal that you're working with. Finally, inspect the prepared surface for any imperfections, contaminants or rough areas before moving on.