Selecting Coating Finishing Systems
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New coating technology provides finishes that are far superior and higher performing than has been available in recent years. Water-borne coating, UV curable coating, 100 % solids coating, and powder coating are only a few of the new technologies that are available to fit various product finishing niches. Learn more in this article.
Over the past 20 years wood ,coating technologies have changed dramatically. Due to new environmental mandates, coating manufacturers have developed higher solids coatings and low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC) in their finishing systems. Old technology standards, such as low solids nitrocellulose lacquer are rapidly becoming' obsolete. The application of multiple coats of these low solids systems have become unacceptable to remain profitable in the finishing department as well as to meet environmental compliance. Thankfully new coating technology provides finishes that are far superior and higher performing than has been available in recent years. Water-borne coating, UV curable coating, 100 % solids coating, and powder coating are only a few of the new technologies that are available to fit various product finishing niches.
As technology rapidly changes, it is many times confusing to the finisher as to which technology is appropriate for the specific job. In this discussion, in-depth coating chemistry will be avoided and we will focus on the basics of selecting the right coating system. The first step in choosing the right coating for the job is to consider the performance requirements of the finish and the substrate that the coating is to be applied over.
First you must ask these questions
Substrate properties
•Is the substrate natural wood or a non natural man-made product -- Solid wood/Medium Density Fiberboard material?
•Is the substrate open-pore or closed pore—Oak/Maple?
•Does the substrate change under sunlight exposure?
•What density is the substrate—hard or soft wood?
•Does the wood have high mineral content?
Performance requirements
•Does the product require high levels of moisture resistance?
•Will the coating be exposed to elevated levels of ultraviolet radiation — sunlight?
•Does the product require abrasion and scratch resistance?
•Will the finish need to be resistant to household chemicals or other harsh environments?
•Does the product require flexibility of the coating?
•Does the coating need to exhibit extreme levels of adhesion?
•Will the coating need to be easily touched up?
The next step in choosing the right coating technology is considering what is required t meet the aesthetic expectation of the product.
