PPG Industries' aerospace coatings business has signed an agreement with Farécla Inc., Chagrin Falls, OH, for global sales and distribution of Farécla's polishes, abrasives, and waxes for use on aircraft coatings. Farécla Inc. is the U.S. unit of Farécla Products Ltd., Hertford, U.K.
PPG Aerospace technical field service personnel have worked with Farécla product experts to validate processes and create guidelines for use of Farécla products with PPG aircraft coatings, according to Paul Bowman, PPG Aerospace global business manager for aerospace coatings and Eldorado products.
"Our customers have long desired paint maintenance materials approved by PPG Aerospace to meet the rigors of the aircraft environment,” says Bowman. "We are excited to join with Farécla to bring airlines and aircraft maintenance and repair operations (MROs) premium products based on unique technology from a global leader."
Farécla Inc. President Michael Pearson says both companies saw what could be accomplished by working together. "PPG recognized the opportunity for worldwide supply of our products, which already have successful application with several airframe manufacturers in the United States,” he says. "We are absolutely thrilled that we have come to an agreement with PPG, which is our first with a paint company on a global basis."
Bowman says PPG's recent basecoat/clearcoat technology introduction emphasized the importance of products that improve paint durability and appearance and simplify cleaning. The system comprises a basecoat of heavily-pigmented paint and clear topcoat added for gloss, smoothness, and durability.
"We want our customers to be informed of technology changes and understand the guidelines for keeping their aircraft livery looking attractive for years to come,” says Bowman. "Farécla’s system includes all products necessary for paint spot repair, buffing, cleaning, and protecting the aircraft painted surface."
"Our technology is different from that used in other compounds and polishes,” says Pearson. "It is a diminishing abrasive technology in a water base, which is especially important today. Cleanup is easy because our products don’t stain or blemish the finish."
"This is a key component in the value chain for complete aircraft coatings maintenance supplied by PPG,” says Bowman. "We offer products that strip, clean, pretreat, paint, and now maintain the finish of an aircraft. Being able to promote paint maintenance as a core capability is a demonstration of our commitment to continue to be the aerospace leader in coatings technology."
Pearson adds that Farécla is developing new products for the aerospace field that will be exclusive to PPG. Farécla products are available through PPG's global Application Support Center network.
