What Does
Dry Fall Range Mean?
The dry fall range is the span between the minimum and maximum distances from the point of application to where dry fall overspray is designed to dry to a powder form. The dry fall range (e.g., within 10-20 feet from point of application) and the required application conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, sprayer setting) are usually specified on the material data sheet or on the packaging label.
Corrosionpedia Explains Dry Fall Range
The dry fall range specifies the minimum and maximum distance from the point of application to where the coating overspray is supposed to turn to dry dust as it falls. If properly used, dry fall paint reduces the time and labor cost that would have been spent cleaning the nearby areas where overspray landed.
However this dry fall effect is not guaranteed to occur every time dry fall paint is applied because there are several factors that influence the actual dry fall range, including:
- Humidity – High humidity reduces the evaporation rate of liquid in the paint and extends drying time.
- Ventilation – Fresh air movement helps increase evaporation and shortens the drying time.
- Temperature – Low temperature reduces the evaporation rate and extends drying time.
- Paint atomization – Finely atomized paint dries faster. This requires the correct sprayer setting and spray pattern.
Observe the recommended application conditions to ensure that the application is within the expected dry fall range. Then evaluate the actual dry fall performance before continuing the coating application.