Paint Specification - Is Theoretical Coverage At Film Thickness?

[theller]

On paints, they state theoretical coverage per gallon. Is that at the desired film thickness that you achieve in multiple coats, or is that at the target film thickness for a single coat?

Primekote as an example.
https://www.defender.com/pdf/Interlu..._Primekote.pdf

[ItDepends]

That's for ONE coat.

[Rucksta]

Coverage is per coat - under ideal complex conditions that make it difficult to establish a warranty or liability claim when the results are disappointing.

If you can get within 75% of the stated coverage and have an acceptable finish your surface prep and application technique are professional standard.

Use the stated coverage as a guide and buy more paint than you need or establish a dependable supply chain.

[theller]

Fun note - Alexseal actually does provide a coverage estimate at target film thickness.

https://www.defender.com/pdf/757170P...opcoat_501.pdf

If you scroll down to the coverage area, they give a coverage @ DFT (Dry Film Thickness) of 3 mils -> 75 sqft... which is right in the middle of their average application target of 2-4 mils. That's for mixed converter+topcoat.

[BigBeakie]

Originally Posted by theller

Fun note - Alexseal actually does provide a coverage estimate at target film thickness.

https://www.defender.com/pdf/757170P...opcoat_501.pdf

If you scroll down to the coverage area, they give a coverage @ DFT (Dry Film Thickness) of 3 mils -> 75 sqft... which is right in the middle of their average application target of 2-4 mils. That's for mixed converter+topcoat.

And I can confirm that we got very close to the Alexseal coverage estimates for both their finish primer and topcoat. But our WFT was slightly heavier due to environmental conditions. Very forgiving paint compared to the acrylic PU type.