The exterior finish of an aircraft is the most important element of any project. It is what you see first and establishes many initial mental parameters pertaining to the plane. One of these divisions is whether it is an original example or leans more toward the custom category. The overall scheme, colors, and finish can influence the perceptions of quality, overall theme, era, originality and taste. Time spent on exterior design is the most important investment on any project. We try to assist with these decisions however we can. Barron Aviation has a lot of talent and experience in these areas to draw from. The only area we will not participate in is the decisions involving personal taste. After all, we are trying to build an airplane exactly the way YOU want it.
Some other areas to think about are; paint vs. polish, Base/Clear vs. Single stage paint, and Tinted vs. clear windows, not to mention all of the details like a Chrome entry step, stainless hardware, etc. Be sure to review the Cessna 190/195 Options on the Upgrades & Mods page.
In the 1970’s two-part urethanes were the greatest development for aircraft painting. These paints were easy to apply and glossed beautifully. Today’s urethane is not the same paint as it was then, due to changing regulations. After researching all of the current paint systems, we have selected the Sikkens single stage and base/clear urethane systems.We stock their full line of products with a complete mixing system on location. Sikkens urethane paints are high solids and low VOC which meet all current regulations. The Sikkens line is truly a modern technology product.
Sikkens is a subsidiary of the AKZO-NOBEL company sporting substantial improvements over other common product lines at competitive prices, and it is know to have the most accurate computer-based color documentation system in the industry.
After using Sikkens we feel it is one of the best systems on the market. In the areas of adhesion, sprayability, coverage, gloss, elasticity, chemical resistance and durability we feel it is second to none, and we are able to offer it to our customers at prices similar to the other products currently available. AKZO-NOBEL is one of the three largest coatings companies known worldwide. We are very excited to be able to offer this product to our customers. (Other paint systems are still available if so desired)
Shown below are the three original Cessna 190/195 exterior paint schemes. All of these were originally paint on bare aluminum, but could be special ordered in all over paint. Custom schemes and colors could also be ordered right from Cessna. One of these we have a factory photo of in two tone Green, painted at the factory. This was verified by E.B.Feutz ,who was in the picture. Many of these aircraft had Company logo and insignia added after delivery. Unfortunately Cessna has no documentation showing how each plane was adorned at the factory.
We have worked very hard collecting and documenting original paint schemes and colors. All of our various paint masks have come from actual original schemes, not just the drawings. (yes, there are many differences) For anyone wanting a truly original airplane, we can reproduce one.
Custom schemes include anything from simple color substitutions on an original scheme to an all out re-design of the whole exterior layout. Customized schemes are very popular today mostly due to the fact that there simply was not much of a variety with the original options. Most of the schemes we see are at least based on an original scheme with custom colors. This provides the comfort of a familiar face but with some new color. Below are several shots ranging from simple color variations to full custom schemes. When viewing these keep in mind we do custom design work, so there are no limits with what we can create for you.
Available in the following colors: Cessna Blue, Insignia Red, and Cessna Metallic Green (1948 on)
Note: This plane has large N-numbers on fuselage and Idaho State Logo as part of this particular historic restoration. Original had single stripe continuing back on fuselage and 3" numbers vertically on rudder.