Commercial Airline Graphics Identification

Paint vs. Decal

If you are stuck as to whether to paint your corporate livery or use a decal, consider the following factors:

• Complexity of image: If the image is extremely complex – with color fades, several different colors, different shapes, etc. it may be too difficult to paint on using our paint masks. Using a decal, we could print using our four-color process and make a very complex and colorful logo. An example of this is Mesaba’s commemorative aircraft.
• Simplicity of the image: A very simple image such as lettering is most commonly painted directly on the aircraft, but can be done using a decal as well. An example is Northwest Airlines
• Cost: Decal is much more expensive – the major cost of the image is in the material. Paint masks are less expensive – the cost here falls in the labor to paint the aircraft
• Customer preference: Some customers have been using decals for years and are more familiar with the application process, others are more familiar with the painting process. Material manufacturers also market their material to airlines, thereby creating a preference.
• Longevity: Some customers only want the image on the aircraft for a short period of time. Most then choose a decal that they can remove, instead of having to repaint the entire aircraft.
• Size: Large logos covering the entire fuselage lend themselves to paint mainly due to the cost of such a large amount of material. Those covering just the tail still can use a decal.
• Placement: Logos that are very forward on the aircraft, such as forward of the doors, need to be painted. The wind resistance for this placement makes it impossible for a decal to last.
• Consistency of image: For an image to be the exact same for every aircraft, decal is the only way to go. There are many variables in painting such as placement of the paint matte splits, consistency of the paint color, and skill of the application crew, that make painting an imperfect process. A much higher degree of consistency is achieved with a decal.

Many carries have switched over to decals to achieve a new image look while reducing their cost. Here are some pros and cons of painting an aircraft versus using a decal.

Direct Comparisons

Design Application

Painting a design with four to six colors can take up to two to three days to paint. There are many hours of preparing the aircraft; You will need to mask off areas, paint, and then re-mask for each individual color. This process is very time consuming and expensive with the costs of paint, labor, and down-time.

A decal application is the most time and cost efficient method of applying a design. Once trained, an application team can apply in only a few hours with minimal downtime.

Lifetime of Parts

A painted design can last five plus years with fading.

A decal design will last between three to five years with less fading, but more wear will be present on the leading edge. Some parts will need to be replaced.

Replacement of Damaged Areas

If a section on a painted tail is damaged, the aircraft would need to be re-painted. This requires hangar space, a painting crew, and potentially a long down time.

A decal can be replaced easily in about one to two hours.

If you are still confused, contact our design division contact us for more information.