Changing Paint Suppliers

4 Key Factors Manufacturers Should Consider Before Changing Paint

Written by: Baril Coatings USA

For product finishers, changing paint can be overwhelming. For original equipment manufacturers, changing suppliers for components used for finished goods is a normal and ongoing process. Technology updates, price fluctuations and the evolution of a manufacturer’s supply chain are among the many reasons why OEMs work with different suppliers over the life of their business. In general most of these changes are relatively seamless. Some however require more analysis up front and can be fraught with challenges if the proper steps are not taken. One particular modification that can be especially overwhelming is changing the paint used within a finishing line.

Protective coating chemistry is complex and directly influenced by multiple dimensions that must be accounted for during the formulation, handling and application process. The primers and topcoats used on a daily basis are highly dependent on everything from the equipment used to apply them to the ambient temperature and humidity. When one considers all of the different elements that impact how a coating reacts when it is applied and how it ultimately performs, it is understandable why manufacturers may have elevated levels of anxiety when switching to a new and unfamiliar paint. This guide attempts to break down the primary issues OEMs face when evaluating a potential paint change and provides a framework for a comprehensive decision making process.

Here are our four (4) factors to consider when changing paint:

Long Term Performance

Will long-term performance of the paint impact competitive advantage?

A finished product’s paint finish provides customers with their initial impression of a product’s overall level of quality. A higher performance coating will make products less susceptible to corrosion and allow them to retain “like new” color and gloss for longer periods of time. Higher performing coatings may also allow manufacturers to provide extended warranties and offer more favorable service contracts. Qualitative attributes such as these directly influence a product’s competitive advantage and subsequent pricing power.

Within the universe of finishing systems for OEM applications, there are several categories of liquid applied coating technology. Characteristics within these segments varies greatly as it relates to long-term performance, application process, and cost. Some manufacturers specialize in certain types of paint technology while others offer a full spectrum of systems that are promoted into multiple vertical markets. These primary categories are further enhanced to engineer coatings with specific performance benefits such as high corrosion resistance, improved weathering and anti-microbial properties. Organic zinc-rich primers, acrylic modified polyurethanes and moisture-cured urethanes are all examples of highly popular coating segments designed for more targeted applications. Selecting the appropriate paint all starts with a basic understanding of general coating chemistry. From there, manufacturers should work with their paint suppliers to determine the appropriate finishing solution.

Review a coating manufacturer’s specified product performance as it relates to metrics such as corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance and weathering. Ask for testing data and samples for comparison. Finally, determine the potential long-term accretive value driven from an improved paint finish so that it may be incorporated into the final decision.

Key testing methods to consider when evaluating coating performance include:

• UV Resistance: ASTMG154 UV-A; measures accelerating weathering using moisture and UV exposure over a period of time
• Florida Black Box Test: ASTMD4151; measures gloss retention over a period of time using concentrated UV exposure
• Salt Spray: ASTMB117; used to produce relative corrosion resistance information for coated metals over time
• Impact Resistance: ASTMD2794; tests related deformation or damage to coatings as a result of sudden impact
• Abrasion Resistance; ASTMD4060; tests resistance of coatings to abrasion by measuring related coating loss over time
• Pull Off: ASTMD4541; uses a pull-test to measure coating substrate adhesion based on PSI
• Flexibility: ASTMD522; measures a coating’s ability to resist cracking when elongated (bent) while on a substrate
  
  

Financial Impact

What tangible financial benefit will switching paint have on our overall business?

One of the most critical factors to consider when evaluating a new paint system is the resulting financial implications for the company. Beyond the actual per-gallon unit cost of the coating, manufacturers need to consider the overall solids content of the material and projected coverage rates based on the application method and environment. Theoretical coverage rates are based on the solids content of the paint and how thick it is applied. Practical (actual) coverage rates differ significantly and depend on how clean the environment is, the type of spray equipment used and the dimensions of the product being sprayed. Based on standard transfer efficiencies, practical coverage rates for smaller and larger dimensions are 50% and 70% respectively of their theoretical coverage rates.

Outside of any cost differentials between paint products, often times the more significant financial variable lies with how the new paint will impact a manufacturer’s finishing line process. Primers and topcoats that cure slower may cause production bottlenecks or worse, the need for rework once the finished good has been transferred over to shipping.

Over the last decade, paint manufacturers have made significant advancements in the development of paints and coatings that are designed to cure faster within OEM settings. These systems are especially useful within LEAN manufacturing processes where companies are focused on optimizing product flow and reducing waste and inventory throughout the process. This frees up cash and allows for improvements in other areas such as storage optimization and warehouse overhead while adding greater flexibility to the overall process. Faster curing finishing systems are a new and exciting tool that manufacturers are using to streamline their overall operation and increase productivity.

Common Financial Considerations When Switching Paint

Potential costs:

• Increase (Decrease) in ft2 paint cost
• Amortized costs of new equipment

Potential benefits:

• Reduced WIP (work in process) inventory
• Reduced space allocation
• Reduced paint waste
• Improved product flow / reduced bottlenecks
• Energy consumption decreases
• Improved production flexibility

Equipment Requirements

Will new equipment investments be required to upgrade paint?

Along with advancements in coating technology have come substantial technological improvements with regards to application equipment. Equipment manufacturers offer a multitude of specialized high and low pressure airless and air assisted airless spray systems that can be configured to dispense all types of coatings. This new technology provides for increased product-finishing efficiencies through features such as proportioned mixing of 2-component (2k) products, integrated purging for maintenance purposes and the ability to mix off-ratio products (3:1, 4:1 ratios, etc.). The type of coating selected will directly impact what equipment is needed. An effective relationship with both the paint and equipment manufacturer/distributor is key to ensure that equipment is properly installed, calibrated and maintained to work as efficiently as possible

Specialized equipment may be a logical investment for several reasons. It can help manufacturers become far more efficient in their overall production and allow for an improved, more consistent finish. It can also save money by reducing paint waste and limiting the potential for errors. In addition, this equipment allows manufacturers to better track material usage– a critical cost factor and QC metric for high volume operations. Most importantly, it can improve morale which is directly tied to productivity. In the greater context of upgrading paint, any necessary equipment investments along with associated manufacturing through output improvements should be taken into consideration.

Manufacturer Support

What Ongoing Support is Available from my Paint Manufacturer?

The high performance coating industry is loaded with sales professionals who are very knowledgeable about the capabilities of their paint. They maintain a deep understanding of where their products should be used and are a great resource for OEMs when evaluating potential finishing options. In addition, most paint manufacturers employ a technical services team that works with clients on an ongoing basis to ensure that the products are working appropriately and per the specification. A paint manufacturer’s ability to provide expert and timely assistance from both a paint and equipment standpoint is a critical factor to consider when evaluating a potential supplier. A halted production line due to a finishing issue can lead to significant costs and a proper sense of urgency and competence from your supplier is imperative.

Your evaluation of a potential paint supplier’s technical support capabilities should start during your initial product evaluations - likely on or prior to the product demonstration. Paint suppliers are generally willing to hold a full product demonstration at your facility and if necessary, bring in outside equipment. There you will be able to meet with their technical support team and have your painters directly interact with them to determine if the relationship is a good long-term fit.

While changing paint can be an intimidating prospect, if done carefully and with the appropriate amount of research, it can provide businesses with significant improvements and the scale necessary for sustained long-term growth. Special care should be taken to consider the true financial impact, the product quality implications, and your level of confidence in the paint manufacturer to help support the growth of your business.

Your Framework for optimal finishing productivity

“With You Every Step of the Way”

Baril Coatings works with manufacturers and product finishers to engineer and implement high performance finishing solutions tailored to the needs of our clients. Our comprehensive line of primers top-coats offer industry leading performance and production efficiency - all supported forever by our veteran technical team.

• Evaluation: We meet with you to learn more about your current finishing line needs and provide you with initial insight on potential options, benefits, and cost.
• Recommendation & Demo: We develop a specification binder that includes a range of finishing options. An onsite demonstration is held to confirm the appropriate systems.
• Implementation: Baril works onsite with your team to activate your new paint system and help calibrate equipment for maximum production efficiency.