Paint costs are a significant part of finishing budgets for joinery manufacturers, but Teknos is warning that many manufacturers are using more paint than they need to during application.
Many businesses are looking for ways to improve their efficiency without compromising finish quality or long-term performance.
One area which is often overlooked is paint consumption during application. In practice, many manufacturers are using more paint than is required, without questioning it. Worn/incorrect spray tips, inconsistent pump settings, sub-optimal spray technique and low paint temperatures can all lead to film builds being higher than is necessary. This excessive film thickness can, in turn, result in:
- Higher paint consumption
- Longer curing times
- Increased risk of defects
- Variation in finish quality.
How to identify if you’re using too much paint
Many manufacturers rely on visual checks alone. While experience is valuable, it is not always enough. One simple measurement will quickly highlight inefficiencies: Wet film thickness.
During application you should regularly use a wet film gauge to measure the thickness of the applied coating. It’s also good practice to check different areas of the joinery, as there will often be variation is film thicknesses across the piece.
Comparing these measurements to the coating manufacturer’s recommendations will reveal whether too much material is being applied.
Technical know-how applied on site
Reducing paint consumption is all about applying technical know-how in real production environments. Teknos’ technical experts can visit joinery manufacturers and help them improve efficiencies by measuring wet film thicknesses, reviewing spray techniques, identifying worn components and optimising pump settings.
These practical steps which can be implemented quickly and deliver immediate results. Once the wet film build up is brought back into the optimal range, manufacturers typically see:
- Reduced paint consumption per component
- More consistent finishes
- Faster curing times (particularly noticeable in winter months).
Importantly, correct application also ensures that the coatings perform as designed over their full service life, providing the expected protection and appearance.
Teknos believes making these changes are most effective when technical support is delivered on site, in close collaboration with operators.
Working like this allows the technical experts to see what is actually happening in the spray booth, rather than relying on assumptions or remote troubleshooting. This approach helps identify small process changes which can have a significant impact on cost, quality, and long-term performance.
More information is available online at the free Teknos Technical Library.
