In the aerospace industry, corrosion is more than just a maintenance issue—it’s a serious safety concern. Whether you’re building commercial aircraft, military systems, or unmanned drones, protecting components from corrosion is critical to ensuring airworthiness, structural integrity, and long-term performance.
With exposure to extreme weather conditions, fluctuating altitudes, UV radiation, salt-laden environments, and aggressive cleaning chemicals, aerospace components need coatings that perform well beyond conventional standards. This is where high-performance coatings like Cerakote ceramic coatings and advanced powder coatings come into play.
Why Corrosion is a Major Risk in Aerospace Engineering
Aircraft operate in some of the harshest environments on earth—and above it. Components are regularly exposed to:
- Moisture from rain, humidity, and condensation cycles
- Salt air and de-icing chemicals at airports
- Fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluid exposure
- UV degradation from high-altitude sunlight
- Rapid pressure and temperature fluctuations
These conditions can accelerate oxidation, pitting, galvanic corrosion, and material fatigue, especially in aluminium, magnesium, and steel alloys. If left unchecked, corrosion can:
- Compromise structural strength
- Affect aerodynamic performance
- Increase maintenance costs and downtime
- Lead to costly repairs or even in-flight failure
The Solution: High-Performance Coatings for Aerospace Corrosion Protection
To counteract corrosion, aerospace manufacturers and MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) teams rely on advanced coating systems that seal surfaces, block moisture, and resist chemical attack.
🛡 Cerakote Ceramic Coatings
Cerakote is an ultra-durable, thin-film ceramic coating originally designed for defence and aerospace applications. It offers superior corrosion protection while being incredibly lightweight and heat-resistant—a perfect match for aerospace use cases.
Key Benefits:
- Corrosion tested to over 3,000+ hours in salt spray environments
- Ultra-thin application (0.5–1 mil) – ideal for weight-sensitive aerospace components
- Resistant to hydraulic fluids, de-icing chemicals, jet fuel, and solvents
- Protects aluminium, titanium, steel, magnesium, and composites
- Extremely hard and abrasion-resistant – prevents mechanical damage that can lead to corrosion points
Common aerospace uses for Cerakote include:
✈️ Exhaust shields, engine parts, brackets, control surfaces, landing gear, and drone chassis.
⚙️ Powder Coating for Aerospace Hardware
Powder coating is another high-performance solution, particularly for non-flight critical parts or ground support equipment.
Advantages in aerospace include:
- Tough, chip-resistant barrier against environmental and chemical exposure
- Excellent corrosion resistance for structural steel and aluminium alloys
- No solvents or VOCs – suitable for environmentally conscious aerospace supply chains
- Durable finish for control panels, housings, frames, and aircraft interiors
When applied over properly prepared substrates—often cleaned and profiled by vapour blasting—powder coating can significantly increase the service life of aerospace hardware.
Meeting UK Aerospace Standards
In the UK, aerospace coatings must meet rigorous requirements set by industry bodies such as BSI, EASA, and MOD specifications. Coating systems like Cerakote not only meet but often exceed military-grade and aviation standards for corrosion and environmental resistance.
✅ Compliant with REACH and RoHS regulations
✅ Meets or exceeds MIL-SPEC standards for corrosion, wear, and chemical resistance
✅ Suitable for use on components under strict weight and thickness tolerances
Reducing Costs, Increasing Safety
Using high-performance coatings isn’t just about preventing rust—it’s a cost-effective strategy that:
- Reduces inspection frequency and maintenance labour
- Prevents component failure and unplanned downtime
- Improves safety and reliability over the aircraft’s lifetime
- Increases the lifespan of both critical and auxiliary parts
Conclusion: Coatings are a Critical Line of Defence
In aerospace, corrosion is inevitable—but preventable. With the right protective coatings, manufacturers and engineers can drastically reduce the impact of corrosion, boost operational efficiency, and protect high-value components in some of the most demanding conditions known to man.
At Supreme Coatings LTD, we provide aerospace-grade Cerakote applications, powder coating, and vapour blasting services to protect and extend the life of your components.
📞 Get in touch today to discuss your aerospace coating requirements. Whether you’re working on UAVs, aircraft interiors, or ground support hardware, we offer the expertise and finish quality you can count on.