Selected Answers

From Tom Schwerdt of Active Transportation Advocates on December 12, 2017:
Sometimes a "conflict" isn't actually a conflict. ...read more Sometimes a "conflict" isn't actually a conflict. Let's say my specification (which allows a variety of organic zinc primers from different manufacturers) requires a DFT of 4-10 mils. The painter selects a material off the list with a manufacturer data sheet DFT requirement of 3-5 mils per coat. The painter therefore needs to keep the paint to a DFT of 4-5 mils in a single application, or select a different material from the approved list which allows a thicker DFT, or apply the primer in more than one coat to achieve the required DFT.

From Erik Andreassen of CPS on December 7, 2017:
Many times this happens because the specifier has ...read more Many times this happens because the specifier has little or no contact with the coating supply companies. Their technical people are there to assist the client when proposing materials and systems and to provide the specifier with the product data for his recommended materials. Based on this cooperation, it should avoid any conflict at a later date.

From Dennis Kelley of Kelly Moore Paint on December 6, 2017:
I agree with Michael that it must be communicated ...read more I agree with Michael that it must be communicated to the person producing the spec that it is very important that the technical data sheet provided by the manufacturer be followed in order to give the product the best chance to succeed.Since different raw materials are used in products from different manufacturers, it is important to apply the product to the manufacturer's specification in order to protect from failures due to over- or under-applying the specific product.

From sean newhall of NEWPORT FAB on December 6, 2017:
The manufacturer's data sheet will always win in t ...read more The manufacturer's data sheet will always win in these cases as there will be no warranty on the coating if the DFT is out of spec. Any time I have seen this issue, I present them (the customer) with this information backed by an email from the manufacturer and the discrepancy goes away. Always go with manufacturer's specs.

From Ronald Truman of Veritas Steel, LLC. on December 6, 2017:
We have a state that requires that we apply 3 - 6 ...read more We have a state that requires that we apply 3 - 6 mils of inorganic zinc, which is higher that the recommended dft, according to the product data sheet, which, of course, results in mud-cracking on the welds. But that is their spec for organic and inorganic zinc.

From Michael Halliwell of Thurber Engineering Ltd. on December 4, 2017:
This is a simple one: communication. It is a matte ...read more This is a simple one: communication. It is a matter of talking to the person who did the spec to find out why it was spec'd the way it was. Sometimes, they copy and paste from another spec (using a different material) and numbers were carried over instead of matched to the project. Other times, they are trying to achieve something different and may not be aware of the product recommendations / limitations. Communication is needed to get to the bottom of the different spec and to find the appropriate solution.

From JAVIER JIMENEZ of yo on December 4, 2017:
A good specification should respect the recommenda ...read more A good specification should respect the recommendations described on the product data sheet by the manufacturer. If the specification demands a certain thickness and the product is not able to resist it, the result will be a disaster.