How to Read and Use Our Technical Data Sheets for Best Practice Usage

In today’s competitive market, achieving exceptional product performance and consistency requires more than just selecting the right raw materials—it requires understanding them. This is where Technical Data Sheets (TDS) come into play. At Altus Coatings, our TDS documents are crafted not only to convey vital product specifications but also to empower your quality control (QC) and formulation processes. But how do you make sense of all the numbers and figures? In this article, we break down how to read and use Altus’s Technical Data Sheets for best practice usage, guiding you toward smarter decisions in product development and manufacturing.

Understanding the Purpose of a Technical Data Sheet

A Technical Data Sheet isn’t just a formal document stuffed with technical jargon—it’s a roadmap for product success. Designed for formulators, chemists, and QC teams, a TDS outlines a product’s key chemical and physical characteristics. When properly interpreted, these data points can improve:

• Formulation accuracy
• Quality control consistency
• Regulatory compliance
• Product performance and stability

Key Sections of Altus’s Technical Data Sheets

1. Solid Content

Solid content refers to the percentage of non-volatile matter in the product—the component that remains after all solvents or water have evaporated. This number is critical for a variety of reasons:

• Determines film build during applications
• Influences drying time and adhesion
• Essential for calculating VOC content

To apply solid content in formulation:

• Use it to calculate the resin requirement per liter of paint.
• Adjust blends to meet desired film thickness without over-thinning.
• Compare batch consistency in QC checks.

Example: If a coating has 55% solid content, every 100g contributes 55g of film-forming material. Adjust other formulation components accordingly.

2. Viscosity

Viscosity measures a liquid’s resistance to flow, often reported in centipoise (cP) or seconds using specific flow cups (e.g., Zahn, Ford). It affects application ease, film uniformity, and sprayability.

• High viscosity products may require thinning to ensure proper spray characteristics.
• Low viscosity may lead to sagging or surface defects.

Best practices for using viscosity in QC:

• Measure under the same temperature and using the same cup standard provided in the TDS.
• Compare production batch results to TDS parameters to catch anomalies early.
• Use controlled variations to achieve different finishes like smooth, textured, or matte.

3. pH Level

pH is crucial when working with water-based or hybrid systems. It influences things like shelf-life, compatibility with other components, and film-formation behavior.

• Most coatings are stable within a defined pH range (usually 7–9).
• Drastic pH variations may lead to destabilization or reduce effectiveness of additives.

Make pH monitoring part of your routine QC protocol:

• Use a calibrated pH meter and follow TDS sampling guidelines.
• Add neutralizing agents cautiously if adjusting pH is necessary.
• Log all pH values to detect trends or batch inconsistencies.

4. Application Guidelines

This section often includes recommended techniques such as:

• Spray type (airless, HVLP, conventional)
• Thinner type and ratio
• Recommended substrate preparation
• Curing or drying conditions (temperature and time)

Using this section effectively can dramatically improve product results:

• Align your application method with the product’s physical characteristics.
• Follow thinning and mixing guidelines exactly to avoid performance issues.
• Ensure environmental conditions match the recommended curing parameters.

Pro Tip: Deviating from application guidelines can result in adhesion failure or undesired surface finish—always test a small area first if conditions differ from those in the TDS.

Practical Strategies for Integrating TDS in QC and Formulation

For Quality Control

QC teams can use TDS documents as benchmarks for validating batch consistency. Here’s how:

• Set up a master reference based on Altus’s TDS values for each product.
• Compare every production or received batch against this reference.
• Look for red flags like significant shifts in viscosity or pH.
• Document deviations and investigate root causes accordingly.

Remember: Even minor differences in TDS-referenced values can lead to large downstream performance issues. Use the data proactively to prevent customer complaints or field failures.

For Product Formulation

A well-prepared formulator knows that the TDS is not just a reference point—it’s a formula-shaping guide. Use TDS figures to:

• Select compatible co-binders and additives based on pH and solids content
• Estimate expected finish properties like gloss, hardness, or coverage
• Scale up formulations with predictability and consistent output

Pilot batches can be fine-tuned using ARC (Altus Reference Curve), which pairs TDS values with expected application outcomes. Request this from our technical team for high-stakes projects.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a TDS

Despite its importance, many users misinterpret or misuse technical data. Eliminate these common errors:

• Assuming all brands use the same measurements – Always check the method used (e.g., ASTM, DIN) for consistency.
• Over-thinning based on ‘gut feel’ – Follow thinning guidelines exactly or consult Altus support.
• Missing temperature context – Viscosity and drying times can vary significantly based on ambient temperature.

Interpretation is all about context and accuracy. If unsure, don’t hesitate—reach out to Altus technical advisors for clarification.

How Altus Makes It Easier

We recognize the complexity of interpreting technical documents. That’s why Altus TDS are designed for clarity and precision, covering real-world application variables like temperature, humidity range, and recommended film thickness.

Here’s what you get when you work with Altus products:

• Standardized testing methods clearly defined
• User-centric layout for easy reference
• Application-specific variations included where relevant
• Dedicated technical support for interpreting TDS values

Conclusion: Harness the Power of Data for Better Results

Understanding a Technical Data Sheet is about more than compliance—it’s about maximizing performance. At Altus, we believe our partners should exploit the full value of these technical guides to create precise formulations, run tight QC programs, and ensure customer satisfaction. By mastering how to read and implement TDS information, you’re not just using a product—you’re leveraging a science-backed tool for excellence.

Have questions about specific Altus products or need help navigating a TDS? Contact our technical team today for personalized support. And remember: the better you understand the data, the better your results will be.