Coating Connections Podcast: ML Campbell

Coating Connections: Partnering with DSI and ML Campbell for Real-World Results

At Superfici America, we’re always looking to create meaningful connections in the coatings industry—and our latest lab session with Bryan Worsley from DSI/Hood Distribution is a great example of what happens when trusted brands and proven technologies come together.

Bryan joined us for a day of hands-on testing, showcasing products from the ML Campbell line—a long-standing staple in the wood finishing world—and the Sayerlack brand, which DSI recently began distributing.

View the full episode on YouTube

“We’ve been selling ML Campbell products for 27 years,” Bryan shared. “And recently added Sayerlack to our offering. We’re excited to get these products into the hands of our customers and see how they perform in real-world settings.”

What We Tested

The goal of the session was to put both pigmented and clear coatings through real-world trials using Superfici’s automated spray and drying equipment. We worked with:

• ML Campbell pigmented products over white quick-claw conversion varnish primer

• Sayerlack clear urethane coatings for high-end finishes

• A natural white oak substrate with ML Campbell’s crystal high-build conversion varnish sealer and Sayerlack acrylic urethane topcoat in a 20 sheen

These coatings were applied on our Mini Plus one-arm flatline reciprocating spray machine, using high-pressure pumps and guns, followed by drying in our Laminar flash oven—with excellent results.

“The primer sanded beautifully, the top coat flowed out nice, and we had fantastic coverage—especially over shaker doors. Even on dark colors over a white primer, the results were tight and consistent,” Bret noted.

Application & Performance Highlights

• Application: Coatings were applied at 5–6 wet mils, with some tests pushing up to 7 wet mils. Even at higher builds, everything laid down well.

• Dry Times: Using the flash oven, dry times were as low as 3.5 minutes.

• Durability: The conversion varnish sealer was extremely forgiving—even under intense test conditions.

• Finishing: Top coats came out clean, dust-free, and ready for handling right off the line.

“One sealer and one top coat did the job. Low flash time, quick oven dwell, and it came out tough as nails. We even turned everything up just to see if we could break it—couldn’t do it,” Bryan laughed.

Why It Matters

As more customers explore automation for reasons ranging from labor efficiency to finish consistency, the ability to test products on production-scale systems becomes invaluable. Bryan emphasized the importance of this:

“Being able to come down and test on automated equipment lets us confidently walk into new accounts with settings that are already dialed in for success.”

At Superfici America, we believe in empowering partners and customers with the tools, insights, and technology they need to succeed. We’re proud to provide a space where coatings suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers can experiment, innovate, and grow.

Thanks again to Bryan and the DSI team for coming out—we’re looking forward to next time.

Want to learn more about Superfici America? Visit our website: superficiamerica.com or reach out to your local Superfici America sales rep to schedule your own R&D session!