Frequently Asked Questions

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A: If you are getting spotty results, heavier or lighter than expected coverage, inconsistent appearance, etc., it's probably because you're not agitating, mixing, or stirring the paint sufficiently. Always remember to stir the mixture from the bottom up, rotating sufficiently to create a vortex. Stirring in this fashion will bring the 'good stuff' from the bottom into the rest of the mixture and create an even dispersion of all chemicals within the mixture.

A: If you are using an automated stirring paddle or mixer, be certain that the vanes are sufficiently large enough to mix thoroughly. Speed of mixing is not a good substitute for the action of completely lifting the mixture within the suspension.

A: Mixing for periods of less than five minutes will probably be inadequate to ensure a consistent mixture.

Note: 95% of application problems are due to inadequate mixing.
* With at least 95% of returned coatings, it is evident that the user inadequately mixed the product before application.
* There is simply no substitute for a thorough mixing of all coatings before use/application.
* Frequently check the bottom of the container to see that no settlement remains.

A: Actually there are several important questions that we're likely to ask about your needs:
1. What do you expect from this product?
2. How is it to be applied? (Manually? Sprayed? Mixed with other ingredients?)
3. Are there environmental concerns or bounds? (High/Low VOCs)
4. After the product is applied, how quickly does it have to be serviceable?
5. What are the specific performance requirements? Are there industry standards to be met?
6. What specific resistance is required of the coating?
a. Salt Spray
b. Humidity
c. Water Immersion
d. Gasoline, hot oil, antifreeze resistance
e. Conductive or insulation properties
f. Chip, scratch or abrasion resistance
g. Acid resistance
h. Mar or scuff resistance
i. Hardness
j. Flexibility requirements
k. Heat or cold resistance
l. Others...there are many, many to consider

1. Can APV duplicate our formulas in smaller or larger batches that are customary with our manufacturing facility?

2. Can APV build, package, and inventory batches of our formula until we need the materials shipped to our manufacturing facility?

3. We know what kinds of properties an ideal coating would have for our product, but we can't figure it out ourselves...can APV help formulate a solution for us?

4. Can APV to test, evaluate, and improve on existing formulas that we have developed but which need updating because of our next generation products?

5. Do APV chemists ever work directly with a customer's product development team to develop an ideal coating?