TM 43-0139
(f)
When painting with acrylic or acrylic nitrocellulose lacquers, it is advisable to add 15 to 30 percent by
volume of acrylic lacquer retarder, MIL-E-7125. The retarder tends to slow the drying of the lacquer and evens out its
viscosity. The amount of retarder will vary depending on temperature and/or humidity.
(g)
Should linseed or other oils be used, the ratio of pigment to vehicle should be reduced, giving the
paint less hiding power and greater penetrating power. On certain primary coats on wood or plaster, this is desirable.
d.
Shop Atmospheric Conditions. If painting is to be done in an enclosed area, efforts should be made to control the
temperature to approximately 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C), and the relative humidity to approximately 45 to 50 percent.
Humidity may be lowered by raising the shop temperature.
3-9. OPACITY AND COVERING DATA
a.
Oil paints. Table 3-2 indicates the approximate area, in square feet, which can normally be covered per gallon of
oil paint. This information can be used as a guide in estimating the amount of paint required for a specific job.
Table 3-2. Oil Paint Coverage
Prime Coat
Second Coat
Third Coat
Material
(In Sq. Feet)
(In Sq. Feet)
(In Sq. Feet)
Steel:
Sheet
400-600
500-600
600-700
Heavy construction
400-550
450-600
550-650
Medium
350-500
450-550
500-600
Light
300-500
400-550
450-550
Wood:
New
500-6001
500-6002
500-600
Weathered
300-4001
400-5002
400-500
Repainted
400-500
500-600
500-600
Concrete and brick
150-3003
300-4004
350-450
Plaster, etc.
250-3502
300-400
400-500
1To each gallon of paint is added approximately two quarts of raw linseed oil and one pint of thinner.
2
To each gallon of paint is added approximately one pint of raw linseed oil and one-half pint of thinner.
3
Special primer or reducer added.
4
Approximately one pint of reducer is added to each gallon of paint.
b.
Enamels, Varnishes, Lacquers, and Stains. In general, the approximate area, in square feet, which can be
covered per gallon, depending on surface and consistency of paint, is as follows: enamels. 400-600: varnishes, 500-700;
lacquers, 75-200; and stains, 500-600.
3-10. STORAGE OF PAINT MATERIALS
WARNING
Post "NO SMOKING" signs in paint warehouses.
a.
The materials covered in this paragraph include the primers, fillers, paints, varnishes, lacquers, and other liquid
products that are required for protective finishes.
b.
Store these materials where they will be protected from the elements and extreme temperature changes. While
freezing temperatures may cause a separation of some ingredients, which are difficult to mix again with
3-7
