Paint application onto a drawdown chart requires a highly precise coating applicator to achieve a consistent dry paint film. Coating applicators can be bar applicators or wire wound rods. BYK-Gardner offers a wide selection of applicators for many end uses.
The gap clearance and film width are important dimensions to consider when selecting a bar applicator. For wire wound rods the wet film thickness, wire diameter, and film width should be considered.
In North America wire wound bars are described as mayer rods; the single clearance bar applicators are described as a bird bar.
An automatic film applicator improves the consistency of a drawdown. When more than one operator is drawing down the same coating or ink, the dry film appearance will vary because of different drawdown techniques. Drawdown speed and pressure on the applicator tool will impact the results.