SPI vs. PPG reducers have same numbers?

MikeS

MikeS

Camaro Nut
While going through some inventory I have I noticed the PPG DT and SPI reducers share common numbers.
Example: PPG has DT860/870/885/895 and SPI has 860/870/885/895
Can SPI 885 be used in place of PPG DT885 to reduce PPG base if in a pinch?
Just curious if there was a reason for the same numbers or it was just coincidental.

Mike
 
SPI reducers are similar to DT reducers, but without the diluents, which is to say that they are superior. They are direct replacements, yes.
 
Reducers of the major brands (not their crap lines) are all pretty close as far as quality and water content, about the only difference in the top line ones may be the evaporation point, close but not exact.
Best example I can give is say Diamont reducer, their medium might come in half way between the other majors are half way between medium and slow.

The number system by PPG is just a brilliant idea as each number represents the temp range.

No matter what reducer you use, always stick with a major brand, as a lot of the lower grade ones are made by the same company for cheapness and reducers can cause a lot of problems if of low grade. Its one of my bigger headaches on the tech line!
 
I may run short on PPG DT885 on the next round of spraying Deltron base but I do have a gallon of SPI 885 (that I use for reducing SPI epoxy to a sealer) that would help me get through. But, if you feel that may not be a good idea then it's just as easy for me to go to my local paint store and get another gallon of DT. I've pretty much phased out all my PPG stock in favor of SPI but for a custom color base I'll still use PPG Deltron. Thank you all for the replies.

Mike
 
A buddy told me he chooses the reducer when the air temp is +- 5 degrees of the reducer number. So, 80-90 degrees for the 885.
 
I typically try to stay in the midpoint of a reducers specified range.
The only exception is when I spray during the winters colder temps, which then, I'll look for the lowest range specified (usually DT860).

Mike
 
I think others will agree with me Mike, you'll always get a better job using the slowest reducer possible. I only use 885 or when it's really hot (like now) 895. I use 885 in the winter as well when booth temps are around 68-72. The SPI 885 is a little slower than PPG 885 so I sometimes blend a small amount of 870, but most of the time just 885. Really helps your basecoat lay down.
 
So far this week the booth ( a temporary setup in the garage) temp will average low to mid 70's though outside the garage will be in the mid-80's. The SPI 885 should be OK then?

Thanks,
Mike
 
In my shop, it's not quite that simple. The size of the job helps determine reducer selection. The number on the can should match the temp for about 1-3 panels, more than that and it's time to blend reducer speeds or just step to a slower one. So a whole side at 85 degrees could use a 50/50 mix of 885 and 895, a complete would use straight 895, imo.
 
Good point, 'Crash', and I can see why, I think (time it takes to spray all the panels vs. flash times?).
In my case it's a whole Camaro front end (hood, 2 fenders + lower extensions, upper and lower valence).

Mike
 
It has to do with the environment, air flow, time it takes to get around the vehicle. Ideally, flash should occur just as overspray is mostly clear, imo, but it often takes some experimentation to get that right. Too long and too short of flash times are both troublemakers in their own way. Also, my rule is BS for high flow booths...
 
I can either go with the SPI 885 fully or just go and buy PPG DT885 and DT895 to get past this spray session providing I do any blending of reducers. My instincts tell me not to mix reducer brands (ex: SPI 885 and PPG DT895) though I may just be over cautious. For my next project I'll stock up on SPI reducers.

Mike
 
Well you wouldn't want to use one brand on one coat, and a different brand on the next, unless there was a lot of flash time, since they are probably not quite the same speed. But other than that, there's no real issue. If more than one speed of material is to be used, just use the fastest one on the initial coats.
 
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