Definition
A strong, coarse brown paper made from chemically processed wood pulp, used in aircraft maintenance as a masking and surface-protection material during painting, sanding, and chemical operations. It resists tearing and provides a barrier against overspray, dust, and mild solvents.
Plain English
A tough brown paper used to cover and protect parts of an aircraft you don't want painted, sprayed, or splashed during maintenance work.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance material discussions, especially where paper-based materials, coverings, patterns, or repair supplies are described.
Derivation
Named after the Kraft process, a wood-pulping method developed in Germany in the late 1800s. 'Kraft' is the German word for 'strength' — the paper gets its name from the unusually strong fibers this process produces.
Why Pilots Care
Improperly applied or low-quality masking can let paint, primer, or chemicals reach surfaces they shouldn't — including instruments, bearings, or static ports — leading to costly rework or airworthiness issues.
Intuition Check
Do not read “paper” as meaning thin office paper here. Kraft paper is a stronger material made for toughness, not for normal writing.
Example Sentence 1
Before spraying the topcoat, the technician masked the windscreen and antennas with Kraft paper and tape.
Example Sentence 2
Mechanics wrapped the removed actuator in kraft paper and labeled it before sending it to the shop.