Film Applicators
BYK-Gardner · Manual Film Applicators
Manual Film Applicators
A comprehensive range of hand-drawn applicators for producing uniform coating and ink films on drawdown charts. Available as single-gap bars (Bird bars), 4-sided multi-gap bars, wire-wound rods (Mayer rods), applicator frames for low-viscosity fluids, adjustable film casting knives, and specialty tools such as anti-sag meters and step-gap frames. All manufactured in high-quality stainless steel and fully compatible with automatic film applicators.
BYK-Gardner · Automatic Film Applicators
Automatic Film Applicators
Motorised drawdown machines that eliminate inter-operator variability by maintaining a precise, programmable traverse speed and consistent applicator pressure across the full length of the drawdown. Compatible with bar applicators, applicator frames, casting knives, and wire-wound rods without additional fixturing. Programmable start position, stroke length, and multiple saved presets ensure fully reproducible test results across operators and shifts.
BYK-Gardner · Drawdown Cards & Panels
Drawdown Cards & Panels
A wide range of drawdown cards and panels for virtually any application and coating
material. Consistent color and gloss provide a reliable substrate for evaluating opacity,
spreading rate, penetration behavior, and flow and leveling. Suitable for architectural,
industrial, automotive and wood coatings, inks, and cosmetic products, with options for
solvent- and water-based systems.
Why control your film application?
Eliminate operator variability
Hand pressure and speed differ between technicians. Controlled application delivers the same film thickness regardless of who runs the test.
Standards compliance
Application conditions are prescribed by ASTM D823, ASTM D4147, and ISO 11998 — critical for QC reporting and customer approval documentation.
Reliable downstream measurements
Gloss, opacity, and color readings are only meaningful when the underlying drawdown is consistent and correctly executed every time.
Industries We Serve
Film applicators produce smooth, repeatable drawdowns with a controlled wet-film thickness for laboratory evaluation and quality control. Fixed-gap, multi-gap, adjustable and wire-wound applicators help compare coatings, inks, plastics, adhesives and other materials under consistent application conditions.
Explore BYK-Gardner Film Applicators
Prepare uniform paint and coating films for colour, gloss, opacity, drying and physical-performance testing.
Create repeatable primer, basecoat and clearcoat samples for formulation screening and OEM laboratory evaluation.
Apply consistent ink films for colour strength, density, drying, rub resistance and substrate comparisons.
Cast controlled polymer, resin and masterbatch films for appearance, colour and material-performance studies.
Produce consistent primer and topcoat drawdowns for formulation development and coated-metal quality control.
Apply controlled coating, finish and printing-paste layers to flexible substrates for comparative laboratory testing.
Prepare uniform stain, varnish and lacquer films for colour, appearance, durability and cleanability assessment.
Draw down controlled adhesive and sealant layers for formulation comparisons, curing studies and bond testing.
Need help selecting the right applicator?
Our team advises on the best configuration for your substrate and test method requirements.