Investigation of the Process Flow for UV Wood Coatings


The ability of UV wood coatings to achieve instant curing and form high-performance films stems from a meticulously engineered process flow. From substrate preparation to final product release, every step directly influences the ultimate coating quality. This article systematically outlines the standard process for UV wood coatings and highlights the key operational considerations of photopolymerization technology in production practice.

I. Substrate Treatment

Any high-quality coating begins with thorough substrate preparation. As a natural porous material, wood’s surface condition directly affects coating adhesion. Prior to coating application, the substrate must be thoroughly degreased and dusted, and any static electricity on the workpiece surface must be eliminated to prevent secondary dust adsorption.

Sanding is the core step in substrate preparation. Wood surfaces must be sanded meticulously to remove oil stains, mold spots, and airborne dust. For substrates with surface defects, filler putty or primer can be applied for repair to enhance the fullness and uniformity of the paint film. After sanding, the substrate surface should be smooth and even, with no obvious sanding marks or scratches.

II. Paint Preparation

UV coatings must be thoroughly stirred before use. Sediment often settles at the bottom of primer cans; thorough mixing is essential to ensure proper fill and smooth sanding. Similarly, if the matting agent at the bottom of matte topcoat cans is not adequately mixed, it can result in uneven gloss and an undesirable tactile finish.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation, which can cause coatings to prematurely cure upon prolonged exposure. Therefore, coating tanks, pipelines, and spray booths on the production line must be shielded from light to prevent the paint from gelling and solidifying within the piping. Once a paint container is opened, it should be used as soon as possible and kept tightly sealed to prevent the evaporation of reactive thinners, which can increase viscosity.

III. Coating Method

The application methods for UV wood coatings are primarily roll coating and spray coating, with the choice depending on the workpiece geometry and production scale.

Roll coating is suitable for flat panel materials, such as flooring and cabinet door panels. By using steel or rubber rollers of appropriate hardness, this process offers high efficiency and excellent paint utilization, making it well-suited for large-scale automated production.

Spray coating is well suited for three-dimensional components such as irregularly shaped parts and intricately carved, openwork designs. It offers high flexibility and can accommodate a wide range of complex geometries; however, it demands advanced operational skills and results in relatively lower paint utilization.

IV. Leveling

The wet film after spray or roll coating must not be immediately subjected to curing; it must be allowed to flow and level adequately at an appropriate temperature before being fed into the UV curing unit. This step ensures a smooth, even paint film and allows complete evaporation of the solvent prior to curing; otherwise, issues such as whitening, pinholes, and cracking may occur.

The leveling temperature must not be too high; otherwise, the escape of air trapped within the wood will result in pinholes and bubbles. The leveling time should be appropriately adjusted based on the coating’s properties and environmental conditions to ensure adequate film leveling.

V. UV Curing

After leveling, the workpiece enters a UV curing unit, where it undergoes an instantaneous transition from liquid to solid under ultraviolet irradiation. Curing parameters include the type and power of the light source, as well as the irradiation time and distance. An excessively short working distance can lead to cracking of the coating film, while an excessively long distance will compromise the curing performance.

LED-UV light sources are becoming increasingly widespread, and their advantages—precise wavelength control, instant on-off operation, and low energy consumption—are transforming curing processes. For waterborne UV coatings, the drying process is more complex, requiring a combination of microwave, infrared, and hot-air drying to ensure thorough moisture evaporation before UV curing is applied.

VI. Interlayer Sanding

High-quality coating typically employs a multi-coat, multi-surface process design. After the primer has cured, it must be sanded to remove surface particles and minor defects, thereby enhancing intercoat adhesion. Once the primer has been sanded, it should not be left on the production line for an extended period; the next process step should be carried out promptly. If the primer has been on the line for too long before the subsequent step is performed, it must be lightly sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure stable intercoat adhesion.

After sanding, any localized areas with insufficient fill can be spot-filled; if the paint film is punctured, only the affected area needs to be touched up—there’s no need for a full spray coat. This approach effectively improves yield and reduces waste.

VII. Recycling

A major advantage of UV coatings is that they do not cure on their own without exposure to ultraviolet light. Consequently, paint used during the spraying process can be recovered and reused. After filtration, the recovered paint can be reintroduced into the coating line, eliminating the need for disposal—thereby reducing costs and protecting the environment. This characteristic enables UV coating lines to achieve significantly higher paint utilization rates than conventional spray systems; when combined with waterborne UV coatings, volatile organic compound emissions can be reduced to extremely low levels.

During recovery, filtration should be performed promptly to prevent contamination by impurities. The recovery ratio must be carefully controlled, and prior to blending with fresh paint, thorough mixing and performance testing are required to ensure consistent coating quality.

VIII. Conclusion

The process flow for UV wood coatings is a sophisticated system that integrates materials science, mechanical engineering, and control technology. Every step, from substrate preparation to UV curing, requires precise control. With the maturation of new technologies such as waterborne UV and LED-UV coatings, the process is evolving toward greater efficiency, environmental friendliness, and intelligence. Mastering this process is a critical foundation for furniture manufacturers to achieve high-quality finishes and enhance their competitive edge.

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Bossin 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, good toughness, and excellent 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, good toughness, and excellent 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, good toughness, and excellent 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, good toughness, and excellent 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-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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