Diverse UV Wood Coating Finishes (Part 1)


In modern wood coating applications, decorative effects and surface aesthetics have become core differentiators in product competition. UV wood coatings, with their rapid curing, environmental friendliness, and high efficiency, offer distinct advantages in achieving a wide range of decorative effects. Among the various effect types, tinting UV coatings and matte UV coatings provide rich expressive possibilities for wood surfaces by addressing color adjustment and gloss control, respectively.

I. Color-Enhancing UV Varnish

The primary function of tinting UV varnish is to adjust and enhance the color of the wood substrate, serving as a critical step in transparent coating systems for achieving uniform color and aesthetically pleasing grain patterns.

1. Base Color Retouching and Overprinting Process

Due to variations in wood species, color differences within the same species depending on the specific part of the tree, and color inconsistencies in spliced panels, wood substrates often require base-color correction. Color-correcting UV varnish achieves uniform surface coloring by adding an appropriate amount of transparent dyes or pigments to a clear resin, thereby harmonizing the overall color. Base-color correction is typically performed after the application of the primer and before the topcoat; during application, the color-correcting UV varnish is evenly sprayed onto the workpiece surface and, upon UV curing, forms a transparent colored film. This approach not only adjusts the overall tone of the wood but also avoids completely obscuring its natural grain, preserving the wood’s inherent texture.

Overlay staining is a more sophisticated color-repair technique that involves applying multiple layers of stain in different hues to create gradient or contrasting color effects on the wood surface. This method is commonly used for high-end products such as antique-style furniture and artistic parquet flooring, and it places stringent demands on application skills and color control.

2. Transitional Application with Solid-Color Paint

There are numerous application scenarios where tinted UV coatings serve as a transitional layer between solid-color coatings. In solid-color coating systems, the tinted layer can act as an intermediate coat between the primer and the topcoat, enhancing the adhesion and color saturation of the solid-color paint. In products that combine clear-coat and solid-color finishes, the tinted layer facilitates a seamless transition between the two coating effects, eliminating any abrupt or jarring demarcation.

II. Matte UV Varnish

Matte UV coatings are a type of topcoat that reduces the gloss of the coated surface, delivering a soft, understated visual effect. In recent years, the market share of matte finishes has steadily expanded in sectors such as furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.

1. Precise control of varying gloss levels

The gloss of matte UV coatings is typically measured at a 60-degree angle, with common specifications including low-gloss grades such as 3°, 5°, and 7°. The lower the gloss, the stronger the diffuse reflection on the coating surface, resulting in a softer visual appearance. A 3° gloss finish delivers an ultra-matte effect, with virtually no specular reflection; a 5° gloss is a standard matte specification that offers a soft, comfortable visual impression; and a 7° gloss falls into the semi-matte category, balancing a subtle sheen with a gentle, refined look. The choice of gloss level depends on the product’s positioning and design aesthetic.

2. Selection of Matting Agents and Uniformity Control

The matte finish is primarily achieved by incorporating matting agents, with commonly used options including fumed silica, organic matting powders, and wax powders. The selection of a matting agent must take into account its matting efficiency, dispersibility, and sedimentation stability. Matting efficiency determines the amount of matting agent required to attain the desired level of gloss; excessive addition can compromise coating transparency and mechanical properties. Dispersibility affects the uniform distribution of the matting agent within the coating, while sedimentation stability impacts the storage stability of the coating. Gloss uniformity is a key quality indicator for matte coatings and requires strict control over the dispersion performance of the matting agent, the uniformity of coating thickness, and the stability of curing conditions.

III. Conclusion

Tone-adjusting UV coatings and matte UV coatings enrich the surface finish of wood products from two distinct dimensions: color and gloss. Tone-adjusting UV coatings achieve color uniformity and artistic expression of the wood substrate through base-color correction and overcoating techniques, while matte UV coatings meet the varying gloss requirements of different product styles by precisely controlling gloss levels and carefully selecting appropriate matting agents. Each technology plays an irreplaceable role in its respective application area, offering a diverse range of options for wood coating.

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Boxing Recommended Products – UV Wood Coatings

Color correction

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-560

Polyester acrylate

Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting

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 performance, good wetting properties, and excellent flexibility.

B-650A

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

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

Individual 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

Excellent 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

Ethoxylated trimethylolpropane 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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