https://buyat.ppg.com/refinishProductCatalog/ViewProductListing.aspx?BrandID=f7b90464-5ca2-4bef-95c9-eb8aefd601f1The following link is to the PPG website and a PDF file that they make available to the public. The PDF is of a "Tech Sheet" which is a short synopsis that most paint manufacturers put out to describe their products. Though they are simple enough most guys have never seen one. That's a shame because they answer most common questions about how to use a particular paint product, how to prep, what products are compatible, and more. The one I chose is for a very popular epoxy primer, their MP-140 brand. All Tech Sheets are not in the same format but in general they all contain the same information. Here is what is on one and what it all means.
Print a copy and read along with me:
Block 1: Background - this single paragraph tells you what the product is and what it is to be used for as well as some general information.
Block 2: This gives the precise name of the material, the model designation. In this case it is OMNI MP-140. This particular one also gives you the model number of the Catalyst (Hardener) that must be used with the product.
Block 3: Compatability. In two columns this section lists the materials MP-140 may be applied over, and what materials may be applied over it.
Block 4: Preparation. This little block tells you what to clean your surfaces with and what grade of sand paper needs to be used to get the stuff to stick.
Block 5: Mixing. This section gives the mix ratios between material and hardener and it also tells you that an incubation period (15 minute wait after mixing) is required with this material. In this particular Tech Sheet it also tells you what the pot life of the material is and what may be used to think it if desired.
Block 6: Tells you how many coats to put down, what size gun to use and what air pressure to use.
Block 7: Drying time for various coats and also information on the re-coat window.
Block 8: What to use to clean up with.
Block 9: Material properties, which is mostly VOC (volatile organic compounds) information necessary to keep you legal in some municipalities. It also tells you film build per coat and how much coverage you can expect from the product.
Then at the bottom there is some additional information.
These sheets are commonly available and should answer just about any question you should have about any particular product. They are well worth your time to read.
