Coating thickness is the deciding factor in corrosion protection lifespan. As a professional industrial paint manufacturer, we explain how to monitor quality using wet film gauges and provide accurate conversion formulas to ensure project quality and minimize material waste.
In industrial coatings, technical specifications usually specify Dry Film Thickness (DFT). However, during application, the paint is still wet. How do you predict the final result by measuring Wet Film Thickness (WFT)?
1. The Core Formula: Converting WFT to DFT The bridge for conversion is the Volume Solids of the paint.
Formula A: Calculating DFT DFT = WFT × Volume Solids %
Formula B: Calculating Target WFT Target WFT = DFT ÷ Volume Solids %
Note: If thinners are added (e.g., 10% thinning), the dilution ratio must be accounted for in the calculation.
2. A Practical Example Suppose an Epoxy Zinc-Rich Primer has a volume solids of 60%, and the design requires a DFT of 60 microns:
- Calculation: 60 ÷ 60% = 100 microns.
- On-site: The applicator uses a wet film comb. If it reads around 100 microns, the application is on track.
3. Professional Factory Advice
- Real-time Monitoring: Use a wet film comb immediately after spraying to identify and fix thin spots.
- Consult the TDS: Every product has different volume solids; never “blind spray” based on intuition.