Get the most accurate color from the manual dispenser you have.
A manual dispenser can still produce dependable, repeatable color when it is clean, maintained, and tested regularly. The goal of this quick check is simple: confirm that every canister is delivering the amount of colorant you expect before a small variance becomes wasted colorant, mistints, or an unhappy customer.
Colorant manufacturers work hard to keep colorant strength consistent from batch to batch. Your dispenser is the final step in that process. If it is not dispensing accurately, even a correct formula can miss the mark.
What you will need
- 12 to 16 clear graduated containers with at least 1-ounce markings
- A notepad and pen or pencil to record results
- 15 to 20 minutes
- One clean cup for each canister you test
Graduated 2-ounce cups are a practical option if you do not already have suitable containers.
Eight steps to check manual dispenser accuracy
- Place an empty graduated container on the dispensing platform. A gallon can beneath the cup can bring it closer to the nozzle.
- On one canister, move the plunger up and down several times to fill and flush the cylinder.
- Set the gauges to dispense a small amount: 8/48 on a 1/48 system, or 6/32 on a 1/32 system.
- Recycle the colorant in the valve by moving the plunger several more times.
- Set the gauges to 16/48 on a 1/48 system, or 10/32 on a 1/32 system.
- Recycle the colorant again.
- Set the gauges to 24/48 on a 1/48 system, or 16/32 on a 1/32 system.
- Check the cup. The total should be at or very near the 1-ounce mark.
Repeat the test for every canister. Use a fresh cup when you change canisters, record the result for each one, and pour the tested colorant back into its canister promptly. Some colorants dry quickly.
How to use the result
If each canister is at or close to 1 ounce, your manual dispenser is in good shape to deliver accurate, repeatable color. Keep a simple maintenance schedule and repeat this test periodically so small changes do not turn into customer-facing problems.
If a canister is off by more than a few markings, it may be time for service, repair, or a closer look at whether the unit still fits your store’s workflow and paint volume. Harper can help you understand the result and identify the most sensible next step.
When automation makes sense
Maintaining a manual dispenser can be the right decision for some stores. For others, automation can reduce the manual steps in the tinting process, improve consistency, and help the paint department keep pace as volume and labor demands grow.
Explore automatic paint dispensers to see COROB options for a range of store sizes and paint-department volumes. Whether you retain your manual unit or plan an upgrade, Harper can help you evaluate the right path.
Questions about your test results or an equipment upgrade? Call Harper Inc. at (888) 884-4313.