Shellac nails

The colour of a plane's exterior serves multiple functions, both aesthetic and practical. Most commercial aircraft are primarily white, which offers several advantages:

• Heat reflection - white paint reflects sunlight, helping to keep the aircraft cooler
• Damage visibility - cracks, oil leaks, and other issues are easily spotted against a white background
• Cost efficiency - white paint is typically lighter and less expensive
• Reduced fading - colored paints tend to deteriorate faster under UV exposure

Airlines often add distinctive livery elements—tailfin designs, logos, and accent colors—to establish brand identity while maintaining these practical benefits. Some carriers like Etihad Airways and Japan Airlines have embraced minimalist designs, while others like British Airways feature elaborate patriotic motifs.

Military aircraft, conversely, typically utilize camouflage patterns appropriate to their operating environments, ranging from desert tan to various shades of gray or green, prioritizing tactical advantage over visibility.