Superior Finishes

Testing

We take the research and testing of the finishes we create very seriously - from the first contact with you on through the delivery of the final product.

From that first contact the research wheels are already turning. We ask all the right questions to determine how much if any research is required for each project. We work with you to set the parameters and goals of the particular finish required. We also consider and research environmental concerns such as manufacturing plant air conditions, operator safety and disposal of wastes. Early in the research we also investigate and test the most effective and efficient method of application for that finish, including the type of surface preparation needed and the type, time and amount of curing required to achieve maximum results and meet all requirements.

Once these beginning stages are complete and satisfactory, our chemists can get to work choosing the desired polymer family to achieve optimum cost versus performance. Then the pigments, the solvents and finally the additives are chosen to meet the requirements. These are all compounded, blended and processed in small quantities. The final product is then tested for application properties such as viscosity, hiding power, sag resistance, colour match to standard, weight per gallon, polarity, PH, gloss, and degree of dispersion.

The finish is then applied to the appropriate substrate, cured and physical properties are tested thoroughly. We test for things like: accelerated weather, hardness, block resistance, chemical resistance, salt spray resistance, flexibility, adhesion, abrasion, elongation, dry time, scratch resistance, humidity resistance, impact resistance and mar resistance.

Adjustments based on test results are made to ensure the exact right finish. But the testing doesn't stop there, we continue true to life testing over 5-and 10 year periods to make sure the finishes we develop stand up to every day use.