Does the paint of a jumbo jet need to be removed before repainting?

Question

I was recently playing a trivia game, and it asserted that the paint of a jumbo jet had to be removed before repainting, due to the weight.

It said there could be up to 500lbs of paint put on the exterior of the plane, but even if this is true, that is marginal compared to the passengers and cargo the plane is carrying. 500lbs could be added if a family packs a lot of luggage.

So does anyone know whether there is any legitimacy of this fact?

Answer 1

Not sure about all commercial aircraft. In the Military most large aircraft, larger than a C-130 get striped to bare metal every other depot. In between the just get a scuff sand and a top coat.
They is a considerable weight involved. That is why every aircraft is actually weighed after a full paint job.
From experience I can verify that a C-5 paint job requires almost 300 gallons of paint for a primer and top coat. Excluding waste a paint job usually weighs in at approx. 1700 lbs.
Aircraft smaller than a C-130 are stripped to bare metal and repainted every depot, approx. every 4-5 years. In between they can receive touch ups as needed. Usually limited to less than 20% of aircraft.
In regards to earlier answer, NO military aircraft are left in bare metal these day. Paints primary purpose is corrosion prevention.

Answer 2

Even if the weight of the paint is marginal, it can add up to significant fuel savings in the long run. On top of that, it is always a good idea to remove the paint and start with the bare surface so the new paint adheres well. It won't stick to old paint so well.

Answer 3

Yes, you have to remove the paint untill the first basic coat. This one can stay if it was done fine. ( what usually happens).
The weight on a jumbo 747 for all paint is upto 625 kg, which is appr.1400lbs. quite a substantual amount ( 8 passengers )

Answer 4

You make light of the 500 pounds of paint. Wrong. That's 500 pounds of useless weight that has to be carried. It takes fuel to carry weight, so you eliminate as much as possible to still get the job done. That 500 pounds can also have other, deeper ramifications in some emergencies. We always take the aircraft down to bare metal on any airplane being painted. Many military planes never get painted at all. Same reasons. Performance.

Answer 5

Sorry, but most military aircraft are repainted when they go in for depot maintenance. I believe larger cargo aircraft are stripped every other time they are painted.

Answer 6

It has to be removed before repaint, I think it's not 500 lbs should be lighter than this

Answer 7

yes it's true. AA dont paint their planes so they can add that extra bit of cargo/pax.

Answer 8

In passenger air crafts yes. In defence , they have specific colors, hence may not necessary.

Answer 9

Yes, paint must be removed.

Answer 10

yes but only to get rid of extra weight...makes flights more fuel efficent