Professional Detailing2 min read

Ceramic Coating Trial Scores: Do Not Let an Average Hide a Critical Failure

An average score can conceal a result that makes a coating unsuitable for the intended use. Keep mandatory acceptance criteria separate from preference scores before using a combined number to choose a product.

Updated · NANOLAB Knowledge

The key distinction

A weighted average is useful for comparing trade-offs only when those trade-offs are allowed. Appearance, application effort and packaging convenience may be scored, but a required surface approval or an unresolved application restriction cannot be made acceptable by strong results elsewhere. Decide which criteria are gates and which are preferences before the trial begins.

Practical checks

  1. List the mandatory conditions and the evidence needed to satisfy each.
  2. Score preferences only for candidates that meet the mandatory conditions, keeping the individual observations available.
  3. Review the outcome if the ranking changes substantially when reasonable preference weights are adjusted.

Example

Arithmetic example: a sample scores 9, 9 and 2 across three equally weighted preferences, giving an average of about 6.7. That number says nothing about whether the low result concerns a minor convenience or an essential requirement. The decision rule must explain the meaning of the criteria.

Scope and limits

Do not invent a passing threshold after seeing which product wins. If a mandatory condition is unresolved, record that status instead of assigning a convenient score. A scorecard organizes evidence; it does not replace the technical judgement needed to select a suitable coating system.

Related guidance

Ask NANOLAB about the exact product and intended use. Use the current product documentation for formulation-specific instructions.