How to Read a Product Technical Data Sheet (TDS/PDS)


I've noticed many questions regarding mixing ratio's and other settings that are readily available on data sheets. I thought I would put this article together to show people how to help themselves.


Suitable Substrates – Identifies what type of surface(s) you can apply the product you’re using over.

Mixing Ratio – Shows which products need to be added in what proportions before the product is ready for use. (ex 4:1, 5:1:1, 2:1)

Pot Life – Identifies how long you have to apply your product once mixed. (sitting at room temperature usually)

Viscosity – gives you information on how to ensure your products viscosity is correct. If a product has been sitting to long, solvent can escape and your mixing ratio may need compensating. This tells you how long it should take for your product to drain through a specific viscosity cup. (Ex. 19-22 seconds #4 Ford Viscosity Cup)

Number of Coats – Self explanatory

Flash Time – Refers to the waiting time in between each coat. This can also refer to waiting time before applying a different product depending on what your doing.

Gun Settings - This section will identify which settings to use for the type of gun your using. It will recommend the correct tip size so your applying the proper amount of material to your panel. It will also recommend pressure settings for your type of gun to achieve a good atomization. This can vary from gun to gun, sometimes there are independent charts for specific guns. (example http://www.anestiwata.com/pdf/glasurit.pdf)

Mil Thickness – This identifies the thickness of the product as applied (ex. 1 mil 1.8 mils)

Dry Times - This section will identify how long it will take to dry based on a fixed temperature. This can also include specific information such as dry to sand, dry to polish, dry to assemble..etc This will also include drying times based on forced conditions such as baking/infrared.

VOC - Identifies how much solvent is in the product by weight. The higher the number, the more solvent it contains. Higher VOC products are worse for the environment and your health.




Where to find your Data Sheet

If you don’t have access to tech manual, these data sheets are readily available online at the manufacturers websites. Most websites have a product search, find that and enter in your product number. Here is a compilation of some places to find the data sheet you need:

Paint Manufacturers

Akzo Nobel (Sikkens)
http://www.cr.akzonobel.com/sikkens/uk/services/Technical+Data+Sheets.htm

BASF (Glasurit / RM / Limco)
http://www.basfrefinish.com

Dupont (Standox, Spies, Hot Hues, Nason)
http://www.performancecoatings.dupont.com

House of Kolor
http://www.houseofkolor.com/

Kirker
http://www.kirkerautomotive.com/html/technical_center.html

Martin Senour
http://www.martinsenour-autopaint.com/pds/martin/mspds.pdf

PPG
http://corporateportal.ppg.com/NA/Refinish/PPGRefinish/

Sherwin Williams
http://www.sherwin-automotive.com/reference/pds_catalog.cfm


********** (**********)
http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/Tech%20Sheets.htm


Transtar
http://www.tat-co.com/technicaldatasheets.asp


Other Product Sources (fillers, adhesives..etc)

Paint Defect Cause's & Repairs
http://www.refinishnetwork.info/index.php/FAQs/General/BASF-Paint-Defects.html

3M
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/MedDevDiagFab/Home/DocumentCenter/TechnicalDataSheets/

Lord Fusor
http://www.lord.com/Home/ProductsServices/Adhesives/FusorAutomotiveAftermarketProducts/Products/tabid/3399/Default.aspx

if anyone has some TDS sources or other terms let me know and I'll add onto the list.

(The other thread got carried a bit off topic, we can keep this one up to date and let the other one fall)

Thanks Jimmo - Good info

Valspar:
http://www.valsparrefinish.com/refinish ... asheet.jsp
DeBeer:
http://www.debeerlakfabrieken.com/en/technical.php
Bernardo Encenarro:
http://www.bernardoecenarro.com/ingles/home_ns.htm
Matrix:
http://www.matrixsystem.com/techdatasheets.html
Pro Spray:
http://www.prosprayfinishes.com/sub.cfm ... tent&ID=25

Duponts site has changed

http://www.pc.dupont.com

what does 1k 2k etc mean?

2k means it requires a hardener. 1k/2k = 1 part / 2 part. Most people a generally speaking of a 2 part urethane primer when using the term 2k.

Thanks this is a good referance for me, i am still learning.