How to read a technical data sheet
Ratio, thinner, times, film thickness: what each data point means and why you should check it before opening the can.
The technical data sheet (TDS) is the manufacturer's document with the conditions of use of a product. It is aimed at the professional and is what should be consulted when something does not turn out as expected. These are the fields that matter most.
Mix preparation
- Mix ratio. By volume or by weight; the TDS states it. 2:1 means two parts of product to one part of hardener.
- Thinner. Type and percentage. It is added after mixing the hardener, and it varies with temperature: many manufacturers offer fast, normal and slow thinners.
- Pot life. Working time of the mixture at 20 °C. It shortens with heat.
Application
- Application viscosity. Seconds in a cup (for example, DIN 4 cup). It is used to check that the dilution is correct.
- Spray gun and pressure. Recommended nozzle size and pressure.
- Coats and thickness. Number of coats and dry film thickness (microns). More coats than indicated do not improve the result and prolong drying.
- Flash-off between coats. Minutes of waiting between one coat and the next. Skipping them traps solvent and causes defects.
Drying
- Dust-free, touch-dry, ready for assembly. Three distinct stages, with different times.
- Forced drying. Temperature and time in the booth, where applicable.
- Sandable or repaintable from. When it can be worked on again.
Safety
The technical data sheet does not replace the safety data sheet (SDS), which indicates personal protection and storage conditions. They are two documents and both are needed.
Every product in this catalogue has its downloadable technical data sheet when the manufacturer publishes it. If it is missing, we request it.
