Finishing worked example

Coating Solids at 3.6% target solids: a worked example

This worked example runs the coating solids numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: 3.6% target solids instead of the typical 5%. Calculate coating solids or volatile share from solids amount and total mixed coating.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Solids volume: 8 lb (held at the documented default)
  • Total mixed coating: 250 lb (held at the documented default)
  • Target solids: 3.6 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 5)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Coverage loss = wasted coating or powder รท total coating used.
  • Rate works out to 3.2 % solids at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Gap to target works out to 0.4 points at these inputs.
  • Affected count works out to 8 count at these inputs.
  • Total count works out to 250 count at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where target solids sits at 5% and the headline result is 3.2 % solids, this scenario lands almost exactly on the baseline at 3.2 % solids.
  • Use it when checking a mixed batch, comparing coatings, or estimating how much cured film a given quantity of wet coating will deliver. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Rate: 3.2 % solids (headline result)
  • Gap to target: 0.4 points
  • Affected count: 8 count
  • Total count: 250 count

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Coating Solids calculator, set target solids to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.