Target Coatings, Inc.

[Jeff Weiss]

FZ Members and Casual Visitors,

As many of you know, Target Coatings, as a replacement, released the EM1000 formula for the older EM8800 Universal Sealer earlier this year. Although initial feedback on the function of the EM1000 from our custom finishers has been very good, there have been reports of unusual behavior when tinted with certain water-based UTC pigments and dyes. The behavior reports ranged from crazing, fisheyes and color spotting when the tinted EM1000 Sealer was applied to various wood substrates. The report of dry film crackling/crazing when the EM1000 was tinted with Colortone™ brand water-based UTC’s was one of our biggest concerns, considering the large number of luthiers who use both the Target Coatings and the Colortone™ brands in conjunction with one another. These reports, along with our continuous efforts to review and fine-tune our formulas, allowed us to make a few tweaks to the EM1000 system. The minor adjustments have illustrated to us that tinting is now an easier, less stressful process when the recommended procedures are followed. With this said, we want to stipulate that the EM1000 Universal Sealer should not be pigmented with any water-based UTC medium beyond a 20% by liquid volume.

Secondly, older versions of water-based UTC pigments contain additives that will cause fisheyes and cratering. Therefore we recommend that you use UTC pigments that are based on Evonik Colortrend 896 or the new 802 Zero-VOC tints. If you are unsure of the source or quality of the WB-UTC being used to tint the EM1000, perform a sample test to ensure complete compatibility before tinting your entire batch.

Photo 1 illustrates a drawdown of EM1000 Universal Sanding Sealer tinted with Colortone™ Black UTC Pigment #5361. The image illustrates the leveling quality of the following blend:

200ml EM1000 Universal Sanding Sealer
40ml Colortone™ #5361 Black UTC



Next, we would like to clarify the process of using the EM1000 Universal Sanding Sealer as a spray stain vehicle; primarily with water-based dye concentrates. As mentioned, we have received a few comments of concern and decided to run a few tests. It is important to stress that all of the water-based dye concentrates currently available to the woodworking community are just that, concentrates. These are very strong, intense, chemical colorants that contain co-solvents that can cause balling, gelling and clumping within the EM1000 (or any other WB resin system) if not properly handled. Therefore, we wish to clarify the percentages, methods and dilution of the dye concentrates and resin, along with the blending process of putting the two together so that the EM1000 can be used successfully as a spray stain vehicle.

First, dilute the EM1000 with distilled or tap water between 50-75%* by liquid volume. Mix the water/resin solution for a minimum of 5 minutes and allow the solution to synergize for 1 hour before adding colorant. Next, measure upwards of 10-20% WB dye colorant of choice and slowly add into the water/resin solution, mixing slowly but thoroughly, for 5 minutes. Observe the dye dissolve and disperse into the clear solution. Continue mixing until all of the colorant is thoroughly dissolved.

*(EM1000 can be reduced 100% with water (50/50) and still form a level film)*

Photo 2 illustrates the following EM1000 spray stain blend. This image illustrates the clarity of the final solution when drawn down:

200ml EM1000 Universal Sanding Sealer
150ml H20
25ml ColorFX™ Medium Brown Dye
25ml ColorFX™ Amber Dye
Yield = 400ml




When measured and handled properly, EM1000 Universal Sanding Sealer is a highly functional, easy to use waterborne sealer that offers exceptional color clarity and rapid grain sealing and filling. When used in conjunction with any of our WB topcoats, EM1000 will enhance the overall clear color image of your project. The unique functionality of its ability to be used as a spray stain and universal color vehicle is an added bonus for the wood finishing community. The unique properties of EM1000 have not been matched by any other WB formulator, and can only be found through Target Coatings.

http://www.targetcoatings.com/shop/products/EM1000_Universal_Sanding_Sealer_1_Gal-13-0.html

Thank you for your continued business and support.

Sincerely,
Jeff Weiss
President