General: Today's coatings often have two and sometimes three components. In order to achieve proper cure and ultimate performance, accuracy in mixing, catalyzing, and induction (sweat-in) are extremely important. Of utmost importance prior to using any coating, read the label and data sheets that are provided by the manufacturer. Know what chemicals are involved and how to safely handle each product. All manufacturers are required to furnish an MSDS for their products. If you do not have a Material Safety Data Sheet, contact the manufacturer prior to using any product. Mixing: Before use, ALL coatings and components should be thoroughly stirred to reincorporate any pigment that may have settled and also to eliminate any stratification of the vehicle. Mixing can best be accomplished with mechanical agitators equipped with air or explosion-proof motors. Apoint one person to perform all the thinning or mixing of multi-component materials. Weigh or measure accurately. Small disposable plastic or paper measuring cups are available from most hardware or drug supply stores. However, be sure that the paper is not coated with waxes or other possible contaminants and that the plastics used will withstand the solvents involved. Agitation should be continued during use by means of air powered blades. This should be mandatory during application of many coatings which contain heavy pigments which may settle out rapidly. After mixing, all paint should be strained prior to application. Do not use any material beyond the suggested pot life period without the advice of the coating manufacturer. Emptied cans should be neatly stacked to permit cross-checking of mixing rates and proper coverage rates. Recordkeeping: Competent inspection and thorough recordkeeping by the applicator will greatly assist in eliminating costly errors and provide valuable information should problems arise. Job logs can be very detailed or very simple daily diaries. Here are some of the points to be considered for entry into the logs. Manufacturer's codes, batch dates, and other pertinent markings from each container. Weather information including hourly temperature. Square footage of surface prepared, primed, and top-coated daily. Cross check with empty containers. Inspection: Check air supply regularly for contamination using a clean white cloth. Check on proper mixing ratios and procedures. Check wet film thickness frequently. Check dry film thickness of each coat. Check for sags, runs, misses, overspray and cleanliness. When correcting any problem areas, be sure to follow manufacturer's recommended recoat procedures. Home |Surface Prep | Product Lines | Safety Info Coatings Prep | Figuring Cost | Product Request Form P.O. Box 7589 1311 Iron Street Kansas City, MO 64116 816-471-4447 ext. 206 Fax 816-471-1460 or use our Contact Center