July 10, 2015 – Coming soon to EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, Wis. Be sure to make Scheme Designers booth 3056 in Hangar C at AirVenture your first stop and you could win a customized desktop model! After strong crowd interest by attendees at Sun ‘n Fun for the last two years and EAA AirVenture in 2014, Scheme Designers is again hosting a Scavenger Hunt across the display grounds at AirVenture. Entry forms can be picked up at the Scheme Designers Booth booth #3056 (Hangar C), and must be returned to the booth no later than 4pm on Saturday, July 25, 2015. Players will be hunting for aircraft located in the display area sporting a Scheme Designers paint scheme and special logo sticker. One point will be awarded for each aircraft found with the Scheme Designers livery and logo sticker, plus a lucky BONUS sticker is hidden in the booth of a Scheme Designers’ partner (located in one of the four exhibit hangars), worth 5 extra points. The entry form with the highest number of points wins a custom desktop model from Factory Direct Models (Hangar A booth #1151-1152), worth more than $500!

Players should check the Scheme Designers FaceBook page regularly where several clues per day will be posted about the location of the stickers and the BONUS sticker. “Like” and follow the Scheme Designers Facebook page to receive notifications as they happen. The hunt is limited to aircraft on formal display at AirVenture and the BONUS sticker is in one of the four “lettered” exhibit hangars.

Scheme Designers President and Chief Designer Craig Barnett says, “players always have a great time searching the display grounds for the Scheme Designers logos and liveried aircraft. Finding contest aircraft in such a variety of locations on the grounds and on creative locations on the aircraft gave players, often family teams, yet another way to enjoy the show actively, together. And every year, every show, every hunt is different!”

Players can pick up a scavenger hunt form at the Scheme Designers AirVenture booth #3056 in Hangar C, and should jot down the make, model and registration number for each display aircraft on which they find the Scheme Designers sticker. Completed forms must be returned to the Scheme Designers booth #3056 in Hangar C BY 4PM, SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2015. A custom desktop model from Factory Direct Models (Hangar A Booth #1151-1152), worth more than $500, is the grand prize!

In the event of a tie, or if multiple entries correctly get the maximum number of points, all of the subject entries will be entered for a random drawing for award of the grand prize. One entry per person only. Entrants must be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult who will be the point of contact in the event of a winning entry.

 

LET THE HUNT BEGIN!

Craig Barnett will also be presenting 3 forums
“The Perfect Paint Scheme”
10-11:15am, Tuesday, July 21, 2015, Stage 10
8:30-9:45am, Thursday, July 23, Homebuilders Hangar
1-2:15pm, Thursday, July 23, 2015, Stage 11

ABOUT SCHEME DESIGNERS
Since 1997, Scheme Designers has pioneered the business of exterior design for aircraft of all types, sizes, and models – airline fleets, business jets, piston aircraft, as well as helicopters. Around the globe, there are over 11,000 unique aircraft wearing a Scheme Designers paint scheme. Over half of the OEMs delivering new aircraft have worked with Scheme Designers to develop the exterior styling for their factory new models, setting the standard for the industry as a whole. The Scheme Designers team of artists and designers work with each customer from inception through application of their scheme at the paint shop of their choice, and their job isn’t done until the paint scheme has been executed perfectly and their customer is completely satisfied.

You’ve seen those aircraft with the remarkable paint jobs…aircraft that look fast and lean just sitting on the ramp; aircraft that have panache and communicate the personality of the owner; aircraft that make you smile. There’s a good chance that the paint scheme was designed by one company and their very specialized team of artists…Scheme Designers…Art Above it All.

For More Information:
Molly Martin
850-508-8769
molly@schemedesigners.com

May 29, 2015 – Cirrus European Migration & AERO Expo – Sywell UK.  Scheme Designers recently announced the availability of Cirrus Applied Art™, 12 limited edition vinyl design sets available just for Cirrus owners.   Only 15 of each set will be sold and each set is numbered and signed by the artist.

Cirrus owners love their aircraft – they are fast, exciting and modern. Cirrus aircraft models have been popular since their introduction and, with the harsh environment all aircraft operate in, the base paint is often still good, but the decal design has seen better days.  Often bits and pieces of these original schemes are cracked, fading, missing or an entire decal component can be altogether missing.  Now, instead of having to spend thousands on new paint, or expensive factory replacement decals, Scheme Designers artists have created 12 affordable, eye-catching replacement designs for Cirrus aircraft.  Each kit is only $1,999.00 (USD) at the 13^th European Cirrus Migration and AeroExpo UK (Scheme Designers Booth A-20) with unlimited color and logo selection, which does not include installation.  Scheme Designers will work with each customer to create their color combination from the wide range of colors available. Photos of two beautiful examples are included in this release and are attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Scheme Designers has created each of the 12 Applied Art™ designs to accentuate the beautiful lines and unique curves of the Cirrus models.  The graceful aerodynamic components that make the aircraft so recognizable and attractive are highlighted by our artists who have provided a variety of approaches from very clean and simple designs to more aggressive and involved designs” said Craig Barnett.  All 12 designs can be viewed, in various standard color combinations, HERE.  Everyone is invited to meet the designers behind the art of their favorite aircraft at the Scheme Designers AeroExpo UK Booth A-20.

About Scheme Designers

Since 1997, Scheme Designers has pioneered the business of exterior design for aircraft of all types, sizes, and models – airline fleets, business jets, piston aircraft, as well as helicopters.  Around the globe, there are over 11,000 unique aircraft wearing a Scheme Designers paint scheme.  Over half of the OEMs delivering new aircraft have worked with Scheme Designers to develop the exterior styling for their factory new models, setting the standard for the industry as a whole.  The Scheme Designers team of artists and designers work with each customer from inception through application of their scheme at the paint shop of their choice, and their job isn’t done until the paint scheme has been executed perfectly and their customer is completely satisfied.

 

You’ve seen those aircraft with the remarkable paint jobs…aircraft that look fast and lean just sitting on the ramp; aircraft that have panache and communicate the personality of the owner; aircraft that make you smile.  There’s a good chance that the paint scheme was designed by one company and their very specialized team of artists…Scheme Designers…Art Above it All.     Scheme Designers on Facebook

April 21, 2015 – Coming soon to Sun ‘n Fun 2015, Lakeland, Florida.  Be sure to make Scheme Designers booth A-017 at Sun ‘n Fun your first stop and you could win a customized desktop model! After strong crowd interest by attendees at Sun ‘n Fun and EAA AirVenture in 2014, Scheme Designers is again hosting a Scavenger Hunt across the display grounds at the 2015 Sun ‘n Fun Fly In.  Entry forms can be picked up at the Scheme Designers Sun ‘n Fun Booth (A-017), and must be returned to the booth no later than 4pm on Saturday, April 25, 2015.  Players will be hunting for aircraft located in the display area sporting a Scheme Designers paint scheme and special logo sticker.  One point will be awarded for each aircraft found with the Scheme Designers livery and logo sticker, plus a lucky BONUS sticker is hidden in the booth of a Scheme Designers’ partner (located in one of the four exhibit hangars), worth 5 extra points.  The entry form with the highest number of points wins a custom desktop model from Factory Direct Models (Booth C-023), worth more than $500!

Players should check the Scheme Designers FaceBook page regularly where several clues per day will be posted about the location of the stickers and the BONUS sticker.  “Like” and follow the Scheme Designers Facebook page to receive notifications as they happen.  The hunt is limited to aircraft “within the fence” or on formal display at Sun ‘n Fun and the BONUS sticker is in one of the four “lettered” exhibit hangars.

Scheme Designers President and Chief Designer Craig Barnett says, “players had a great time searching the display grounds for the Scheme Designers logos and liveried aircraft.  Finding contest aircraft in such a variety of locations on the grounds and on creative locations on the aircraft gave players, often family teams, yet another way to enjoy the show actively, together.”

Players can pick up a scavenger hunt form at the Scheme Designers Sun ‘n Fun Booth A-017, and should jot down the make, model and registration number for each display aircraft on which they find the Scheme Designers sticker.  Completed forms must be returned to the Scheme Designers booth (A-017) BY 4PM, SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015.  A prized custom desktop model from Factory Direct Models (Booth C-023), worth more than $500, is the grand prize!

In the event of a tie, or if multiple entries correctly get the maximum number of points, all of the subject entries will be entered for a random drawing for award of the grand prize.  One entry per person only.  Entrants must be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult who will be the point of contact in the event of a winning entry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LET THE HUNT BEGIN!

 

Craig Barnett will also be presenting a forum

“Designing the Perfect Paint Scheme/Vinyl Design for Your Aircraft”

9am, Wednesday, April 22, 2015, Forum Room 7

9am, Friday, April 24, 2015, Forum Room 8

 

About Scheme Designers

Since 1997, Scheme Designers has pioneered the business of exterior design for aircraft of all types, sizes, and models – airline fleets, business jets, piston aircraft, as well as helicopters.  Around the globe, there are over 11,000 unique aircraft wearing a Scheme Designers paint scheme.  Over half of the OEMs delivering new aircraft have worked with Scheme Designers to develop the exterior styling for their factory new models, setting the standard for the industry as a whole.  The Scheme Designers team of artists and designers work with each customer from inception through application of their scheme at the paint shop of their choice, and their job isn’t done until the paint scheme has been executed perfectly and their customer is completely satisfied.

 

You’ve seen those aircraft with the remarkable paint jobs…aircraft that look fast and lean just sitting on the ramp; aircraft that have panache and communicate the personality of the owner; aircraft that make you smile.  There’s a good chance that the paint scheme was designed by one company and their very specialized team of artists…Scheme Designers…Art Above it All.                      Scheme Designers on Facebook

How to pick a paint shop

One of the most common questions is how to select a paint shop? After all the thought that goes into choosing a paint scheme, and the downtime endured while your aircraft is in the paint shop, the last thing you want is to be disappointed with the end product. Painting an aircraft requires patience, skill and careful attention to detail. There are around 170 paint shops in the US , and many more worldwide. It is easy to become confused during the selection process when considering price, quality, scheduling, downtime and reputation. Typically, the selection will involve some degree of compromise.

Price:

Paint shop quotes vary tremendously. Often, this relates to the quality of the end product, as well as to location. Paint shops that focus on detail, layout and quality spend significantly more time on each aircraft, and legitimately charge more money. It is those paint jobs that last the longest and look the most perfect. Low cost paint shops, which often are offered by high throughput companies, produce products that look pleasing at a distance, but that are typically far from perfect and seldom long lasting. This is the type of shop that would be selected by a used dealer or owner seeking a quick fix to add value to a tired looking aircraft they have for sale. Remember, in the aircraft paint industry, you do typically get what you pay for.

Scheduling:

Most paint shops have a backlog. The length of the backlog is not necessarily an indication of how good they are. However, expect to have to wait anywhere from 3 months to a year for a slot at most good shops. Be suspect of any shop that has immediate openings, unless they can show you a reason why. Similarly, be sure that waiting a year or more for a slot is really worth it. When doing your research, you need to find out the estimated downtime. Don’t get sucked into promises that are too short to be realistic. Also, ask around to see if past clients have had problems with significant time overruns. Paint shops typically schedule aircraft for between 3 and 5 weeks.

Quality:

I advise every client shopping for a paint shop to take a close look at several aircraft painted by the companies they are considering. The problem is what do you look for?

Orange Peel:

This is an area of uneven paint application that resembles the surface of an orange peel.

Thin Spots:

By not properly coating the aircraft with paint, the color of the primer shows through. This shows up as changing tones across areas of the fuselage.

Runs:

Poor paint application that results in too much paint in one area causes the paint to run

Overspray:

Areas where the aircraft was not properly masked before painting. Look for tell-tale signs of overspray on widows, light lens covers, door frames, control surfaces and wheel wells.

Rivet and Joint Runs:

When stripes are laid out with masking tape, the tape invariably will cross rivets and joints. Because the tape is pulled taught, it will tend to tent over rivet heads. After masking, all tapes should be properly inspected, and any place tenting occurs, the tape should be manually stretched to prevent tenting, reducing runs around rivets and at joints.

Layout:

Do layouts on the aircraft resemble that provided on paper? Are the stripe thicknesses, starting and termination points and spacing visually correct? Are curves smooth and natural? Are complicated surfaces, such as at air intakes, transitions between the fuselage and tail, and NACA scoops properly handled?

Color Variation:

Check that paint color across the aircraft and within stripes is consistent and uniform.

Paint Luster:

My previous aircraft’s finish was still deep and shiny 8-years out of the paint shop when I sold it. The paint on the Piper Archer that was tied down next to my aircraft was completely dull and faded after only 3 years. A good paint job can last 10 years or more living outdoors, and up to 20 if hangared, without loosing the luster. Are all screws stainless steel and unpainted, or have they simply been painted over leading to cracking and poor aesthetics later? This often will provide a clear indication of whether the aircraft was properly disassembled when the aircraft was painted, or if it was just masked and painted.

Reputation:

Ask people around your local airport and flying region about paint shops. Take note of positive and negative comments. These comments are often much better than those from references provided directly from the paint shop — after all, a paint shop isn’t going to provide the name and telephone number of a dissatisfied customer. Walking around your airport and taking note of aircraft that have paint jobs that meet the criteria of an excellent paint job is another way of finding referrals. Seek out owners whose aircraft have beautiful paint jobs and talk to them about their paint shop experiences. This is especially useful when trying to find a paint shop locally. Once you have narrowed your paint shop selection to two or three paint shops, take the trouble to visit those companies. Spend some time at the paint shop and tour the facility, paying close attention to work in process. One word of caution: when visiting paint shops, do not be swayed by fancy offices and glitzy facilities. Some of the best paint shops in the country operate out of ancient, tired looking buildings, with no glitz or glamour. My company, Scheme Designers, has developed a referral list of paint shops over our many years of specializing in aircraft paint scheme design. We learned early on to guide our clients to paint shops that provide excellent quality and service, as the quality of the job reflects on our design quality. Over the years, our referral list has grown to include top shops around the country to which we steer our clients with confidence. Our list is based on client feedback, and not a relationship with the paint shop. Some of the paint shops listed even have their own designer on staff, and so are indirect competitors with my company. Also, the list only includes those excellent shops that we have sufficient experience and feedback with. There are other excellent paint shops out there that have not yet made it onto our list. This approach ensures the objectiveness of the referrals we provide. Feel free to visit our web site at schemedesigners.com to make use of our free referral list.