During Chromalign application, QC needs to be performed after each finish coat to control color and surface quality.
L.Co shares a practical QC checklist to help you easily apply it to your production process.
Inspecting the first coat
After spraying the first topcoat coat and scuff sanding with #400 grit, it is necessary to check the surface dryness before applying Chromalign.
If the sanding dust is loose, dry, and clean, the topcoat coat has reached a stable state. Conversely, if the surface is still sticky or forms stringy rolls, wait an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour before re-checking.
Ensuring the topcoat coat dries to standard helps Chromalign adhere evenly and controls color more accurately in subsequent steps.
Do not spray Chromalign when the topcoat is not dry, as the color will absorb unevenly and become difficult to control.
Chromalign color assessment
After spraying Chromalign Walnut, compare the color directly with master sample.
- Light: an additional coat of Chromalign can be sprayed.
- Dark: wipe lightly with Biosol along the direction of the wood grain, scuff sand lightly, and respray to balance the color.
This is the most critical step for controlling tone intensity before the color is locked in by subsequent topcoats.
Overall color verification
After applying the next topcoat coat, evaluate the overall color and uniformity across the entire surface.
If the color meets requirements, proceed with the finishing process. If there is still a slight color variation, Chromalign Walnut can be touch-up sprayed on the areas that need adjustment. In cases where the surface shows a reddish cast, use Chromalign Red Out to neutralize the tone before continuing.
Inspection should be conducted under standard lighting or natural daylight and always compared against the control sample.
Inspect the color under multiple lighting conditions to ensure an accurate assessment
Final finish audit
After the final topcoat is applied and cured overnight, conduct a comprehensive inspection before packaging.
Examine the surface under raking light to detect color streaks, oil pooling, or shade variations. Perform a tactile check by hand to ensure the surface is smooth and free of roughness, paying close attention to edges and end grain, as these areas are prone to insufficient coverage.
Finally, perform a water resistance test. Water must bead up on the surface without penetrating before the product is cleared for shipment.
Combine visual inspection with touch feedback to detect subtle surface imperfections.
Core QC guidelines
To ensure color consistency across production batches, always apply and evaluate finishes in thin, sequential coats rather than attempting correction in a single application.
Compare work against a physical control sample, evaluate finishes under multiple lighting sources, and conduct test panels prior to mass production to maintain high color repeatability and minimize errors on the shop floor.
Video walkthrough
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