Knowing the volume solids of the paint has many advantages:
It allows you to compare the true cost of different paints.
It enables you to predict how much paint you need to spray to get adequate coverage.
It allows you to control the quality of your paint job.
It allows you to avoid production delays because thick layers of paint dry more slowly.
Understanding paint volume solids starts with realizing that as the paint dries, some components evaporate while others deposit on the surface. Most of what evaporates is thinner, either water or solvent added to the paint so it can be applied. In simple terms, volume solids are "what's left after the paint dries".
Paint manufacturers express "Volume Solids"* as a percentage of total volume. This information can be found on the paint's technical data sheet and sometimes on the label.
For liquid paints, "paint volume solids" can vary widely depending on the type of paint and its use. For example:
By knowing the volume solids of the paint, you can calculate how much paint is left in each gallon of paint to perform its function. Higher volume solids are not necessarily better than lower volume solids, it really depends on the type and application of the paint, higher volume solids usually means a higher price per gallon.
