Test Panel Preparation

Question:

I am chair of a historical society paint committee which is trying to determine the correct paint colors used by a long-defunct railroad company for their equipment and structures. I need a procedure for preparing painted panels, which will be submitted by members of the committee for color choices. After the committee chooses the correct colors, they will be submitted for instrumental analysis to determine their Munsell Notations.

Most of these panels will be prepared by committee members at home. How can we make sure we are all on the same page during test panel preparation? P. R.

Answer:

Don’t try this at home kids” doesn’t apply here because this is the only way the project can proceed. It is always important to recognize that during the painting of these panels, sound surface preparation and painting practices must be followed. Furthermore, every effort must be made to provide for personal safety, fire protection and environmental regulatory compliance. These efforts must include proper transportation, storage and handling of hazardous materials and proper disposition of hazardous wastes in accordance with all applicable safety and environmental regulations.

The following procedure is recommended for color test panel preparation:

1. Clean panels to be painted by removing oily soils.
2. Pretreat panels to remove rust and corrosion if present.
3. Prime steel panels on both sides. Aluminum panels don’t need priming.
4. Apply the color coat to one side of panels to a dry film thickness of 1–2 mils (0.001–0.002 inch).