Whether you're a seasoned professional painter or stepping up your painting game, understanding these technical concepts will drastically improve your results and save you costly mistakes. This comprehensive guide covers the essential terms every painter should know.
At Utrimax, we have our Total Paint Shop Support team who are at hand to answer any questions you may have about industrial paints, paint spraying and ensuring your paint shop is running at optimal performance.
What Are Volume Solids and Why Do They Matter for Paint Quality?
Volume solids represent the functional components of your coating system – the resins, pigments and additives that remain on your substrate after application. The remainder consists of water or solvent that evaporates during the curing process.
Why Volume Solids Are Critical:
• Higher volume solids = better coverage and durability.
• Cheaper paints bulk up with more solvent/water, giving you less actual coating.
• Ultrimax compliant coatings maximise volume solids for superior performance.
The Bottom Line: When you buy paint, you're paying for the actual coating that protects and beautifies your surface – not just water or solvent that evaporates.
Mix Ratio: Getting Your Chemistry Right
The Critical 4:1 Rule:
When working with 2-pack systems, precision is everything. A typical 4:1 ratio means 4 parts paint to 1 part hardener – measured in a calibrated mixing cup, not guessed. At Ultrimax we have a variety of 2-pack paints available, whether you’re in the joinery sector using Polyurethane Paints or looking for an Epoxy Coating suitable for metal such as Jotamastic 90.
Professional Tip: Always consult your technical data sheet before mixing. Incorrect ratios result in adhesion failures, poor curing performance, and costly rework.
Coverage: How Far Your Paint Actually Goes
Coverage directly relates to volume solids. Here's what to expect:
• Compliant paint systems: 8-10 square meters per Litre
• Standard paint systems: 4-6 square meters per Litre
The Science: Higher volume solids mean more actual coating material per Litre, translating to better coverage and fewer coats needed.
What Is DFT and Why Should You Measure Dry Film Thickness?
DFT (Dry Film Thickness) measures your dried coating thickness using a calibrated meter. This isn't just technical detail – it's your quality control checkpoint.
Why Measure DFT:
• Ensures you're meeting specification requirements.
• Directly correlates to coating performance and longevity.
• Helps you apply the right wet film thickness from the start.
Wet Film thickness:
WFT (Wet Film Thickness) serves as your real-time guide during paint application. Use thickness combs inserted into wet paint to monitor application thickness as you work. This prevents over-application waste and under-application failures. At Ultrimax we offer 2 types of wet thickness combs, our plastic and metal combs, both allow the painter to quickly and efficiently to measure the paint.
What's the Difference Between Adhesion and Cohesion in Paint?
Understanding these two fundamental properties helps diagnose coating failures:
Adhesion: The bond between your coating and the substrate (or between coating layers).
Cohesion: The internal strength of the coating material itself.
Failure Points:
• Adhesion failure = layers separating from each other
• Cohesion failure = the coating material breaking down internally
If you’re having problems with your application, check out this handy guide from Ultrimax.
What Are the Essential Paint Process Terms You Need to Know?
Pot Life
Your countdown timer once you mix a 2-pack system. Once pot life expires, the chemical reaction begins converting your liquid paint into a solid – in the mixing cup, not on your surface.
Crosslinking
The chemical magic happening during pot life when hardener and paint create molecular bonds that give your coating its final properties.
Atomisation
The precise breakdown of paint particles as they exit the spray gun, creating optimal film formation and surface finish quality.
Film Build
The thickness of your applied coating – and often the key to long-term durability and corrosion protection.
What Safety and Compliance Requirements Should Painters Know?
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Organic chemicals that can vaporise and enter the atmosphere. While most paints contain some VOCs, solvent-based coatings require monthly monitoring and reporting. If you’re dealing with high VOC levels, it may be worthwhile making the switch to a water-based product such as Aquimax or if you’re in the joinery sector, Sayerlack also offer a water-based option. If you’re looking to reduce your VOC levels, contact us to book a trial with our Total Paint Shop Support team.
Flash Point
The minimum temperature at which paint vapours can ignite. Lower flash points mean higher fire risk – always check your safety data sheets.
Conclusion: Elevating Your Professional Painting Standards
Mastering these fundamental coating concepts is essential for any professional painter looking to deliver exceptional results. From understanding volume solids and mix ratios to properly measuring WFT and managing pot life.
Technical knowledge is essential in the industrial painting industry, whether you’re in the joinery, steel fabrication, transport or plant & machinery sectors. Understanding the safety & technical datasheets is always a great place to start.
Ready to transform your painting results? Contact us for comprehensive paint shop support.