What Are the Types of UV Wood Coatings (Part 1)?


Over several decades of development, UV wood coatings have evolved into a rich and diverse product portfolio that meets the coating requirements of various substrates, application processes, and performance specifications. Ranging from application functions to product forms, and from resin systems to gloss levels, UV wood coatings exhibit multiple classification dimensions, with each category tailored to specific application scenarios and technical characteristics. This article provides a systematic overview of the main types of UV wood coatings, organized around two key dimensions: application function and application method.

I. Classification by Construction Function

Based on their respective functions within the coating system, UV wood coatings are primarily categorized into three main types: UV putty, UV primer, and UV topcoat, which work in concert to form a complete coating system.

1. UV Putty Paint

UV putty paint is used on board materials with numerous surface pores and poor flatness, such as particleboard, fiberboard, and medium-density fiberboard. These boards typically exhibit a large number of microscopic pores and fibrous burrs on their surfaces; applying topcoat directly would result in substantial penetration of the coating into the substrate, leading to material waste and making it difficult to achieve a smooth finish. The function of UV putty paint is to fill the substrate’s pores and minor defects, seal the surface, and provide a smooth, uniform base for subsequent coating applications. UV putty paint is characterized by its high viscosity—often reaching a paste-like consistency—and by its high content of inorganic fillers such as talc and calcium carbonate. It cures rapidly, sands well, and is relatively low in cost. By filling the substrate with a putty layer, it effectively reduces the consumption of topcoat and prevents coating penetration into wood pores, thereby minimizing waste. During application, one to two coats of putty are usually required; after each coat is UV-cured, it is sanded to produce a smooth, dense primer layer.

2. UV Primer

UV primer is applied to wood surfaces that are relatively smooth and even, such as solid wood and veneer panels. Compared with putty paint, primer contains a lower content of inorganic fillers and has a lower viscosity, bringing it closer to the viscosity level of the topcoat. After applying the primer, its low-viscosity formulation can penetrate the wood’s fine pores, and through the refractive effect of the film, it preserves and enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain. The primary functions of primer are to improve intercoat adhesion, provide adequate film thickness, and facilitate smooth sanding. Depending on the specific application, primers can be categorized into several types: standard primer for routine coating; sanding primer, which has been optimized in formulation to deliver superior sanding performance and resist sticking to sandpaper; tinted primer, which incorporates transparent pigments to achieve uniform coloration within the primer layer; hardening primer, with higher hardness, suitable for applications requiring enhanced surface durability; high-transparency primer, formulated with a special resin system that delivers exceptional clarity, ideal for products with stringent requirements for wood-grain visibility; and yellowing-resistant primer, based on an aliphatic polyurethane system that resists yellowing over long-term use. Primer typically requires one to three coats, with sanding between each coat to eliminate surface defects and enhance intercoat adhesion.

3. UV Topcoat

The UV topcoat is the outermost layer in the coating system, directly performing both decorative and protective functions. The primary difference between the topcoat and the primer or putty is that the former contains no inorganic fillers; only matte topcoats require the addition of matting agents. The topcoat must exhibit excellent scratch resistance, chemical resistance, weatherability, and aesthetic appeal. Based on gloss level, it can be classified as high-gloss or matte; based on color, as clear or pigmented; and based on application method, as roll-applied, curtain-coated, or spray-applied. Typically, one to two coats of topcoat are applied, followed by UV curing to complete the entire coating process. The quality of the topcoat directly affects the final product’s visual appearance and service life.

II. Classification by Construction Method

UV wood coatings can be applied using a variety of methods, each with distinct rheological properties and curing requirements, resulting in product formulations tailored to different production processes.

1. Roller-applied UV coating

Roller-applied UV coatings are well suited for the large-scale production of flat panel materials, such as flooring, cabinet doors, wall panels, and furniture components. In the roller-coating process, a steel or rubber roller is used to apply the coating uniformly across the panel surface, offering high efficiency, excellent paint utilization, and the ability to support continuous, automated production. Roller-applied UV coatings must exhibit good leveling properties and appropriate thixotropy to ensure a uniform, consistent film free from roller marks and orange-peel defects. Depending on the application stage, roller coatings encompass a complete product line that includes fillers, primers, and topcoats. The coating weight in roller application is easy to control, resulting in a uniform film thickness, making it ideal for high-volume, standardized production—and currently the most widely used method for UV wood finishing.

2. UV Coating

UV coating spray application is suitable for three-dimensional components such as irregularly shaped parts, openwork carvings, and curved surfaces. The spraying process atomizes the coating using compressed air or high-pressure airless equipment before applying it to the workpiece surface, offering great flexibility and the ability to accommodate a wide range of complex geometries; however, it demands higher operator skill and results in slightly lower coating utilization compared with roll coating. UV coatings for spray application require low viscosity to ensure effective atomization, as well as good wetting properties to prevent cratering and sagging. Product offerings include specialized primers and topcoats designed for use with reciprocating spray systems and vacuum spray systems. Reciprocating spray systems enable automated coating and are well suited for medium-volume production, while vacuum spray systems leverage vacuum adsorption to apply the coating onto the workpiece surface, achieving higher coating utilization and making them ideal for large-scale production of complex-shaped parts.

3. UV Coating by Spraying

Slot coating with UV paint involves applying the coating to the substrate surface by allowing a continuous curtain of paint to flow over it. The paint is dispensed from an elevated supply tank to form a steady curtain, beneath which the substrate passes, ensuring uniform coverage. This process is well suited for large-scale, flat-surface coating applications, producing thick, even films—particularly ideal for high-gloss topcoats. UV slot-coated finishes must exhibit excellent defoaming and leveling properties to prevent bubble formation and orange-peel defects; moreover, the coating formulation must remain stable in the curtain state and resist curtain breakage. High-gloss topcoats are often applied via slot coating to achieve a mirror-like finish; this method delivers superior film build compared with roll coating, but it requires higher capital investment and more complex color-change cleaning procedures.

III. Conclusion

Classification by application function and application method constitutes the fundamental framework for understanding the UV wood coating product system. Putty, primer, and topcoat each serve distinct roles, collectively forming a complete coating hierarchy; roller application, spray application, and curtain coating each offer unique advantages, making them suitable for different production scales and workpiece geometries. A clear grasp of these classifications facilitates the selection of appropriate coating materials and processes based on substrate characteristics and production conditions, thereby laying the groundwork for subsequent performance optimization and cost control.

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Boxing Recommended Products – UV Wood Coatings

Putty primer

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-520

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, high gloss, excellent wettability, and cost-effective

B-522

Polyester acrylate

Low shrinkage, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and high cost-effectiveness.

Sanding primer

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-160D

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.

B-163

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion.

B-520

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, high gloss, excellent wettability, and cost-effective

B-522

Polyester acrylate

Low shrinkage, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and high cost-effectiveness.

Apply primer

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-02

Phosphate ester acrylate

Enhances adhesion to substrates such as metal, glass, and plastic.

B-05

Phosphate ester acrylate

Enhances adhesion to substrates such as metal, glass, and plastic.

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-165

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility and strong adhesion

B-522

Polyester acrylate

Low shrinkage, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and high cost-effectiveness.

B-535

Polyester acrylate

Excellent adhesion, rapid curing, good flexibility, and yellowing resistance.

B-546

Polyester acrylate

Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent flexibility.

White primer

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-160D

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.

B-520

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, high gloss, excellent wettability, and cost-effective

B-522

Polyester acrylate

Low shrinkage, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and high cost-effectiveness.

B-529

Polyester acrylate

Good adhesion, low shrinkage, and excellent resin compatibility.

B-560

Polyester acrylate

Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting

Gloss topcoat

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-163

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion.

B-165

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility and strong adhesion

B-21C

Active amine photosensitizing promoter

Low color number, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor, and enhanced curing rate

B-301

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

Fast curing, good toughness, and excellent grindability.

B-302

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

Fast curing, high strength, good toughness, and excellent grindability.

B-574C

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability; suitable for LED UV.

B-601

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

High hardness, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent cost performance.

B-609

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance.

B-868

Organosilicon UV-Curable Resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-868H

Organosilicon UV-Curable Resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-910A2

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, yellowing resistance, chemical resistance, and steel-wool resistance.

B-912

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, and outstanding chemical and wear resistance.

Matte topcoat

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-160D

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.

B-163

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion.

B-21C

Active amine photosensitizing promoter

Low color number, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor, and enhanced curing rate

B-328M

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low gloss, low viscosity, excellent wettability, and a pleasant hand feel.

B-328R

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low gloss, excellent matting, good wetting, and a fine, smooth, and silky hand feel.

B-333

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, excellent matting effect, good wetting properties, and excellent flexibility.

B-572

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability; suitable for LED UV.

B-650A

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, excellent matting effect, fast curing, and good wettability.

B-868

Organosilicon UV-Curable Resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-868H

Organosilicon UV-Curable Resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-910A2

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, yellowing resistance, chemical resistance, and steel-wool resistance.

B-912

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, and outstanding chemical and wear resistance.

Bright White Finish

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-160D

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.

B-301

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

Fast curing, good toughness, and excellent grindability.

B-302

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

Fast curing, high strength, good toughness, and excellent grindability.

B-560

Polyester acrylate

Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting

B-574C

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability; suitable for LED UV.

B-601

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

High hardness, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent cost performance.

B-868

Organosilicon UV-Curable Resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-868H

Organosilicon UV-Curable Resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-912

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, and outstanding chemical and wear resistance.

Adherent

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-05

Phosphate ester acrylate

Enhances adhesion to substrates such as metal, glass, and plastic.

B-509B

Polyester acrylate

Good adhesion, good flexibility, and excellent pigment wetting.

B-531

Polyester acrylate

Good adhesion, impact resistance, excellent flexibility, and yellowing resistance.

B-535

Polyester acrylate

Excellent adhesion, rapid curing, good flexibility, and yellowing resistance.

B-546

Polyester acrylate

Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent flexibility.

B-590

Polyester acrylate

Excellent adhesion, rapid curing, and good pigment wetting.

Filler type

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-520

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, high gloss, excellent wettability, and cost-effective

B-522

Polyester acrylate

Low shrinkage, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and high cost-effectiveness.

B-529

Polyester acrylate

Good adhesion, low shrinkage, and excellent resin compatibility.

Color correction

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-560

Polyester acrylate

Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting

Harden

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-301

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

Fast curing, good toughness, and excellent grindability.

B-302

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

Fast curing, high strength, good toughness, and excellent grindability.

B-560

Polyester acrylate

Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting

B-574C

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability; suitable for LED UV.

B-601

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

High hardness, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent cost performance.

B-912

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, and outstanding chemical and wear resistance.

Matte

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-328M

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low gloss, low viscosity, excellent wettability, and a pleasant hand feel.

B-328R

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low gloss, excellent matting, good wetting, and a fine, smooth, and silky hand feel.

B-329D

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low irritation, low viscosity, excellent wettability, and a pleasant feel.

B-333

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, excellent matting effect, good wetting properties, and excellent flexibility.

B-650A

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, excellent matting effect, fast curing, and good wettability.

Solid-color paint

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-519

Self-curing polyester acrylate

Self-initiated photopolymerization performance

B-530

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, excellent hydrophobicity, thixotropy, and improved ink misting

B-560

Polyester acrylate

Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting

Yellowing resistance

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-160D

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.

B-431

Cycloaliphatic Specialty Acrylates

Yellowing resistance, excellent wettability, low viscosity, and fast curing

Dip coating

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-160D

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.

Roll coating

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-100

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, excellent chemical resistance, and high fullness.

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-160D

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.

B-163

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion.

B-165

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility and strong adhesion

B-520

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, high gloss, excellent wettability, and cost-effective

B-522

Polyester acrylate

Low shrinkage, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and high cost-effectiveness.

Solvent-free spraying

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-251

Aromatic Polyurethane Acrylate

Fast curing, excellent flexibility, and good wetting of black ink pigments.

B-520

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, high gloss, excellent wettability, and cost-effective

B-574C

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability; suitable for LED UV.

LED-UV

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-21C

Active amine photosensitizing promoter

Low color number, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor, and enhanced curing rate

B-241

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, excellent skin feel, and yellowing resistance.

B-27

Active amine photosensitizing promoter

Low color number, benzene-free, low odor, antioxidant and anti-polymerization

B-570

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, benzene-free, low odor, suitable for LED UV

B-574

Polyester acrylate

Benzene-free, low odor, and VOC levels meet cigarette pack standards.

B-574C

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability; suitable for LED UV.

Excimer lamp

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-241

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, excellent skin feel, and yellowing resistance.

Skin feel

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-113

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, contains 20% TPGDA

B-165

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility and strong adhesion

B-241

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, excellent skin feel, and yellowing resistance.

B-328M

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low gloss, low viscosity, excellent wettability, and a pleasant hand feel.

B-328R

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low gloss, excellent matting, good wetting, and a fine, smooth, and silky hand feel.

B-574C

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability; suitable for LED UV.

B-868

Organosilicon UV-Curable Resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-868H

Organosilicon UV-Curable Resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

Single-item recommendation

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

BM2223/TPGDA

Di(propylene glycol) diacrylate

Good flexibility and low volatility

BM2224/EO-HDDA

Ethoxylated 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate

Good adhesion to plastics, good dilutability, and low volatility.

BM3231/TMPTA

Trimethylolpropane triacrylate

High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance.

BM3235/PET3A

Pentaerythritol triacrylate

Fast curing, high crosslink density, high hardness, and excellent chemical resistance.

BM3380/3EO-TMPTA

Tripropylene Glycol Triacrylate

More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA.

BM6261/DPHA-80

Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate

High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance.

BM6263/DPHA-90

Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate

High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance.

 

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