What is solid content in the prodcut?

In this blog, we are trying to cover the importance of the solid content in the coatings/toppings which can be applied over the wall, ceilings, and on floor surfaces. 

Coating/toppings in general consist of:

    1. Resin

    2. Hardener

    3. Pigment

    4. Vehicle

    5. Additive. 

The resin (alkyds, urethanes, acrylics, epoxies, vinyl) helps to turn the liquid state of the product to a solid-state. 

The Hardener triggers the setting/drying time of resin and other liquid material and gets evaporated itself.

Pigments in the form of powder or in the form of a paste provide color to the product.

The vehicle (water, xylol, mineral spirits, MEK) gives the viscosity to the product while application.

Additives are used to maintain or to provide special characteristics like quick-drying, UV restraints, finishing look like mat/glossy.

In all the above material, only resin and pigment will have solid filler/parts in it. Once the product parts/components are mixed and applied, chemical reaction starts, and products turn from liquid/paste form to solid-state.

The volume of solids determines the final thickness of the product once it dries completely. 

You can cross-check the application thickness using the below formula:

Theoretical coverage in meter square per Ltr = Percentage of solids / DFT in microns X 10.

OR 

Wet film thickness ( microns ) = (Dry film thickness in microns / Percent Volume Solids) X 100

At site condition, WFT gauge can be used to test the application product. For more information on WFT gauge, see: https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2017/11/measurement-of-wet-film-thickness.html

Similarly, DFT of the applied products can be tested in LAb or at site conditions. : How, to know more please visit: https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2018/01/dft-measurement-as-per-astm-d-1186-and.html

Why to know the solid content?

1. We can find out the final thickness of the coating after it dries.
2. We can judge, whether we can apply the product at the said thickness or not?
3. We can control the quality of the product by applying the correct thickness.
4. We can estimate how much quantity of products must be applied to obtain adequate coverage.

For example, find the general solids content details in different types of products:

1. Sealers : 10-25%
2. Architectural Paints : 35-45%
3. Industrial Enamels :  25%-45%
4. 2K Epoxies : 40%-80%
5. 2K Polyurethanes :  30%-45%

You may come across one moe word called "weight solids”. this indicates the weight of the non-volatile ingredients. Low VOC paints may have higher “volume solids".

Many thank to Google.com and Doc25.com, from where the data were collected.