FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Are the colors for the different species of hardwood standardized?
A: NO. We realize that each manufacturer and customer have different ideas as to color. For example, some wish to match the lighter summer growth while others wish to match the darker winter growth. For this reason, we have different colors for each manufacturer, for each species, depending upon preferences. Once a standard for a manufacturer is established, we guarantee that each shipment will match the last shipment. We employ a rigorous qualification of change process which ensures that your product will consistently meet your specifications.
Q: Staining can be a real problem, what precautions are taken to minimize this?
A: We ask each customer to send us end-trims or side-trims from each specie. We then apply the putty, let it dry, and sand it to determine that there is no staining. Our final quality control test involves applying a finish to ensure that the putty receives the finish without significantly changing the color.
Q: Are samples of shipments kept for future analysis?
A: YES! We keep a "retain" on each production batch and each hardwood quality control test. In this manner, we can look at the same product as our customer in the event that there are questions.
Q: Is there a difference in hardwood and softwood putty?
A: Hardwood putty requires significantly more high quality latex resin. Due to the thin face on hardwood plywood and the fact that most of the patch is held in place by adhering to the edge of the face...not the core...hardwood putty must be of a significant higher quality. Softwood panels are made with faces ranging from .093" to .1" allowing sufficient area for bonding of the putty.
Q: What experience does Wade Sumpter, Inc. (KMF Research, Inc.) have in manufacturing hardwood putty?
A: Without a doubt, at one time we were the largest manufacturer of hardwood putty in the West, supplying most of the manufacturers. Many Southern manufacturers found it beneficial to ship our products all the way from Eugene, Oregon (virtually doubling the price with the added freight cost).
Q: Will the price of solvent-based putty fluctuate?
A: Unfortunately, acetone will experience price fluctuations. MEK (methylethylketone) has remained more stable, however we have found that acetone is a superior solvent for putty.
Q: Is there a way to budget for solvent-based pricing?
A: Because of our large volume, we have been able to obtain annual purchasing contracts. We anticipate doing the same in the future. This allows us to stabilize our costs and thus, yours, as well.
Q: What is the shelf life of putty?
A: Although there are a number of variables involved, from heat to humidity, we do not recommend putty being used after six months.
Q: What OSHA labels are used with your putty?
A:
| Water-based | Acetone-based | |
| Health | 1 | 2 |
| Flammability | 0 | 3 |
| Reactivity | 0 | 0 |
| Personal Protection | B | G |
Q: What terms do you offer to your customers?
A: We have always allowed 2%, 10 days, Net 30 days.
Q: What precautions are used to prevent the putty from spoiling?
A: A strong biocide is used in our water-based putties while acetone acts as its' own biocide.
