Errors in Mix Ratio: Where do you think failure starts.

We assume that all coating failures start on the surface where we painted and that is not true as some start in the bucket.

Two-component (2K) coatings are designed to perform only when mixed at the correct ratio.
Accurate ratio controls the chemical reaction responsible for curing, adhesion, and long-term performance. When that ratio is off, even by a small margin, the system is already compromised even before application begins. AEMCO have been assisting painters and coating professional for last 20 years in Saudi Arabia.

Below are common issues identified by AEMCO in mixing paint:

• Improper measuring of components or guesswork of volume to be mixed
• Mixing of Partial material without proportion control.
• Inconsistent mixing procedures
• Failure to follow Paint manufacturer’s instructions
• Using the wrong mixer paddle
• Using very high-speed mixer

An improperly mixed and sprayed coating may still look good visually and apply normally. But chemically, it is no longer performing as designed.

Such wrong practices lead to:

• Incomplete curing or will take long hours to cure
• Leads to reduced chemical and corrosion resistance than what is originally designed for.
• Soft or brittle films
• Premature failure of coating
• And most of the time, the issue is not identified until the coating is already in service.

Let us also look consequences from a cost perspective:

• Most probably it needs rework and requires full removal and reapplication
• Project completion schedules are impacted
• Increase in Labor and material costs increase
• Loss of reputation of the coating company

All these arises from an error that occurred before the coating even touched the surface. High-performing and demanding projects don’t rely on estimation. They control mix ratios, verify procedures, and treat mixing as a critical step in the process.

Because in coatings: If the mix is wrong, everything that follows is compromised. GRACO have single & Plural component equipment that help you resolve this issue, let us look at few of the equipment from GRACO in this regard:

1. GRACO King with Hopper: This pneumatically operated sprayer can be attached with a hopper for 2K material. Hopper will help for easy delivery of the material to the machine as well as faster cleaning. Please note that, it is not suitable for material having a pot-life less than 40 minutes.
2. GRACO E King (E60) with Hopper: This electrically operated sprayer (ATEX Approved) can be attached with a hopper for 2K material. Hopper will help for easy delivery of the material to the machine as well as faster cleaning. Please note that, it is not suitable for material having a pot-life less than 40 minutes.
3. GRACO XP-hf: Plural Component sprayer with fixed ratio. It can have all ratios like 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 4:1.
4. GRACO XM: Plural Component sprayer with variable ratio. It can do various ratio from 1:1 to 10:1

Do you want assistance to choose right equipment for the material to sprayed. If you are in Saudi Arabia, AEMCO can assist you to choose the right equipment. They have qualified and experienced staff & equipment for demonstration to assist you to choose the equipment.