Expert: Gary - 5/1/2008

Question
I'm trying to use ppg's 3000 clear with the dx685 flattening agent.  What ratio do I need to use fore a nice satin, simi gloss look?  The ppg store where I bought it printed me out a tech sheet that told me to use the ratio of 4.3.1  4 beeing the dc3000 and the 3 being dx685.  That seems like it would be real flat.  Any advise would be greatly appriciated!

Thanks, Ricky

Answer
Hi Ricky,

The correct ratio according to PPG will be 32 oz of pure DC3000 to 19 oz of DX685 flattening agent to 13 oz of DCH30-XX Hardener. Where the XX is you will substitute for the correct temperature of Hardener such as: DCH3070 (70 degree) DCH3085 (85 degree) DCH3095 (95 degree). So the ratio 4-3-1 wouldn't quite be correct. Actually it would be something like 4 to 2-1/3 to 1-5/16. You might notice that this recommendation actually uses more hardener than the original ratio of 4-1. What this does is counteracts some of the flattening agent and brings the gloss to the sheen that you are wanting. It will also help with the durability of the finish.  I hope this helps out.

Gary