1. Mixing Station Set Up
Use this guideline to properly establish a mixing station:
! WARNING – Smoking is not permitted near mixing station.
| Step | Action | |||
| 1.1 | Cover work surface or ground with plastic, drop cloths, plywood, etc. Note: Store materials neatly and out of the way.
◆ CAUTION: Keep solvents and paint related materials isolated and secure to reduce environmental impacts. |
|||
| 1.2 | If lighting is required indoors or in any confined space where flammable vapors may be present
! WARNING: Ensure that only explosion proof lighting is used. ! WARNING: Inspect all lights, extension cords, and electrical equipment for damage. ! WARNING: Use GFCI’s for extension cords and electrical equipment. ! WARNING: Ensure there is sufficient ventilation to remove flammable vapors. ◆CAUTION: Run cords out of the way of walking paths or run overhead, and securely tie off. |
|||
| 1.3 | Set-up mixer:
• Connect air hose to air compressor. • Run a sufficient amount of hose to reach mixing area. • Holding on firmly to the end of the air hose, crack compressor valve to blow out hose (verify there is no dirt, grit, etc. in air line that will damage mixer). • Connect hose to mixer. • Verify air valve at mixer is turned OFF. • Turn ON air supply at compressor. ◆CAUTION: Run hoses out of the way of walking paths and securely tie off. ◆CAUTION: Verify all hose connections have whip checks and safety pins in place. |
|||
| 1.4 | Ensure mixer is placed in a secure location or hung, so it cannot be dropped, damaged, or cause environmental impacts. This reduces accidental engagement of the mixer. | |||
| 1.5 | Review the SDS and PDS prior to mixing any material. ! WARNING – Review all safety precautions for the material being mixed. | |||
| 1.6 | Inventory materials to ensure correct amount is on site and all components are in the proper kit ratios. | |||
| 1.7 | Review bucket labels for batch numbers and document on QC form. Verify product is within shelf life. | |||
| 1.8 | Complete workplace inspections throughout the project, verifying that ▪ Cords and hoses are secure and routed properly.
▪ Mixing paddle is in good condition. ▪ Air mixer is lubricated periodically and muffler is installed. Mixing area is kept clean and tidy. |
|||
2. Managing Paint/ Coating Materials
The following guideline should be used to manage paint or coating materials.
| Step | Action |
| 2.1 | Review and understand the SDS (Safety Data Sheet).
• Hazards associated with the product • Protective measures needed when using the materials |
| 2.2 | Review the PDS (Product Data Sheet) and AIS.
Understand the following: • Surface preparation requirements • Application equipment • Environmental conditions • Application procedure • Pot life • Dry/cure times • Recoat windows • Shelf life • Mixing ratios • Induction times / Sweat-In times |
| 2.3 | Manage the storage and organization of materials.
• All materials must be in properly labeled containers. Note: If coating gets on label, it must immediately be cleaned off to preserve label and information. Make every attempt to avoid labels being covered. • Lids or caps must be secured on all containers when not in use • Paint and Coating materials in use should always be covered with plastic or a rag to prevent dust and debris contamination • Ensure materials and solvents are stored in a well ventilated and secure location out of weather that may enter the containers. • Ensure materials are stored in environmental conditions in accordance with product data sheet requirements. • Materials should be segregated into like components and like kits to avoid accidental miss match and miss mix. • Materials should always be stored in a tidy and organized manner with labels and handles facing forward for easy identification and handling |
3. Mixing
The following guideline should be used when mixing paint with air or electric mixers.
◆ Caution: Inspect all equipment for damage. If damage is present, replace, red tag, and report to supervision.
◆ Caution: Always keep lids on buckets or ensure buckets are covered to prevent contamination, spillage, or fires.
| Step | Action |
| 3.1 | Verify that mixing area has adequate ventilation prior to mixing. |
| 3.2 | Stage components to be mixed and verify correct material in the correct ratio. |
| 3.3 | Remove lids and premix components separately.
Note: See 4.1 for detailed instructions when boxing is required. |
| 3.4 | If mixing a full kit, verify there is sufficient space in bucket for both components and thinning solvent.
• If mixing a partial kit, utilize a proportioner bucket to ensure correct ratio of base to hardener. Note: When pouring from buckets avoid covering labels with paint. Pour opposite side of labels and/or batch number. Note: Solvents, resins, and additives can settle to the bottom. Premix to ensure all components of paint are mixed uniformly. |
| 3.5 | Pour the hardener into the base and thoroughly mix the material.
Note: See 4.1 for detailed instructions |
| 3.6 | Refer to PDS and painter to determine amount of solvent needed. |
| 3.7 | Thoroughly mix the solvent into the coating. |
| 3.8 | Refer to PDS to check induction time. Let mixed coating sit for the amount stated (when required). |
| 3.9 | Coating is ready for use. |
4. Boxing
The following guideline should be used when boxing.
Note: Boxing is a method of mixing by means of pouring material in rotation between 2 or more buckets to ensure consistency.
| Step | Action |
| 4.1 | Pre-mix coatings (without hardener) thoroughly to ensure consistency using air or electric mixer. |
| 4.2 | Box tinted coatings together (without hardener) for color consistency by pouring material back and forth between buckets.
• Start by pouring half of bucket 1 into an empty bucket • Use bucket 2 to fill bucket 1. • Use bucket 3 to fill bucket 2, etc. • Repeat this process until all coating has a uniform tint and consistency |
| 4.3 | Pour all material into original containers and scrape leftover material from extra bucket into original containers. |
| 4.4 | Replace and seal lids. |
5. Tips & Tricks
Boxing The following tips should be used when mixing paint:
| Step | Action |
| 5.1 | Refer to PDS to understand coating characteristics to ensure success:
• Pot life • Shelf life • Drying Schedule • Temperature Parameters • Mixing Ratios • Mixing Methods • Mixing Equipment • Thinning Solvents • Cleanup Solvents • Container Sizes • Induction Time / Sweat-In Time • Flash Point |
| 5.2 | Follow these steps each time you mix:
• Start with mixing paddle at low speeds to pull material from sides of the container. Adjust mixer speed as necessary: • Slightly tilt the mixer when mixing. • Place the paddle on the bottom of the buck to fully pull all material from the bottom of the bucket. Watch closely for tint and consistency: • Once consistency is correct, slowly lift mixer while reducing speed to free material from paddle. Place the mixing paddle into a second bucket and spin off the additional material from the paddle. |
| 5.3 | Keep the paddles clean, as dried material will cause paddle to rotate at uneven speeds and will cause vibrations or render paddle ineffective. |
| 5.4 | Thinning Solvent can be used to clean buckets to minimize material usage and waste. |
| 5.5 | Document batch number. |