Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

March, 2003

Transfer Efficiency, (Transfer Rate) of Paints and Coatings

Q. I am working on a rule involving evaluating the transfer efficiency for coatings on metal substrates. The question is that the South Coast's test method doesn't seem to address those instances when the amount of coating applied is very small. Is there an alternative test method available?

A. During the late 1980s and early 1990s I performed numerous transfer efficiency tests in the SCAQMD Basin where very small quantities of paint were used on a single item. If you apply coating to a sufficient number of small items then the total amount of paint used and paint deposited becomes more reasonable. Using an electronic scale that weighs accurately to 4 decimals you should get a reasonably accurate result. If you repeat the test several times you can get statistically acceptable results.