Wood is one of the most versatile and attractive materials used in furniture, flooring, and interior design. However, it is also susceptible to various forms of damage, from moisture and chemical exposure to mechanical wear and UV radiation. To ensure the longevity, durability and aesthetic appeal of wooden products, applying a protective coating is essential. But what makes coatings so crucial, and how does UV LED technology play a role in enhancing these coatings?
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of wood coatings and the advantages of using UV LED curing for superior protection.
What are wood coatings?
Wood coatings are protective finishes applied to wooden surfaces to enhance their durability, appearance, and resistance to environmental factors like moisture, UV rays, and wear, but sometimes, coatings can also function as a sealant against the eruption of resins or natural chemicals sitting inside the wood. They come in various types, including varnishes, stains, paints, oils, and lacquers, each offering different levels of protection and aesthetic appeal.
The importance of coating wood products
1. Chemical protection
Wood surfaces are exposed to a variety of chemicals daily, whether in homes, offices, or commercial spaces. Without proper protection, substances such as alcohol, oil, hand creams, and cleaning agents can penetrate the wood, leading to staining, deterioration and surface weakening. Coatings create a special formulation and homogeneous protective film that acts as a barrier against these different types of chemical damage. This protective layer ensures that spills and exposure to everyday household or industrial chemicals do not compromise the integrity of the wood – in other words, coatings make the wood more resilient and long-lasting.
2. Protection against water penetration
One of the biggest threats to wood is moisture. Water can cause wood to swell, warp, mould to appear or even rot over time, leading to structural damage and loss of value. Special formulation of a thick coating layer or a few layers effectively insulates the wood, preventing water from seeping in and causing changes to the structure of the wood product. This is important for wooden flooring, kitchen countertops, and bathroom furniture, where exposure to water and humidity is frequent. By sealing the surface, coatings help maintain the shape and strength of wood products, ensuring their durability.
3. Protection from the sun
UV radiation from the sun can cause wood to fade, discolour, and degrade over time. This is particularly relevant for outdoor furniture, wooden decks, and window frames, but is also an important question for interior furniture tops or parquets, as evidenced by a removed rug or tablecloth that has been lying for a longer time, protecting from the effects of sunlight. Quality coatings that contain UV filters provide an effective shield against harmful rays, preventing sun damage and maintaining the wood’s natural colour and integrity for longer periods. This UV protection extends the lifespan of wooden surfaces, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and refinishing.
4. Protection from the resins
Examples of unsightly resin damage include yellowed knots on pine furniture, or brown stains on whitened oak, due to reacted organic acids. Increased temperature or air humidity can heighten these effects significantly, to spoil the product. However, an isolating coating layer can provide a simple but effective solution to this problem.
5. Meeting special demands
Wood coatings are not just about protection; they also enhance functionality to meet specific needs. Depending on the application, coatings can be formulated to provide:
- Non-slip surfaces – Essential for wooden floors, stairs, and outdoor decking to prevent slipping accidents.
- Resilient and environmentally friendly coatings – Ideal for children’s furniture, sustainable living and eco-conscious consumers.
- Harmless to animals and suitable for food contact – Important for wooden furniture for pets, kitchen countertops, and dining tables.
- Vegan and natural formulations – Catering to environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free product markets.
By offering these features, coatings improve both the safety and usability of wooden products, making them more adaptable to modern living requirements.
6. Hard surface resistant to mechanical friction
Wooden surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas like floors, doors, and kitchen countertops, are subject to constant wear and tear. Scratches, dents, and scuff marks can diminish their appearance and functionality. A well-applied coating forms a hard, abrasion-resistant surface that protects against mechanical friction and daily use. This is particularly important for commercial spaces and busy households, where durability is a top priority.
7. Enhancing aesthetic appeal and emotional connection
Beyond protection, coatings play a crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic value of wood. They simply make the wood product look attractive for longer. They can enhance natural grains, provide different finishes (matt, satin, or gloss), and introduce colours or special effects that evoke emotions. Whether it’s a warm wooden floor that creates a cosy family atmosphere or a luxurious high-gloss finish that conveys elegance and wealth in a business setting, coatings influence how we perceive and experience wood in our spaces.
How UV LED technology enhances wood coatings
While traditional coatings require long drying times and may involve the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), UV LED curing technology offers a revolutionary approach to wood finishing.
Here’s how UV LED enhances the coating process:
1. Instant curing for faster production
UV LED curing technology allows coatings to dry instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light. Unlike conventional methods that take hours or even days to fully dry, UV LED ensures that the coating is hardened in seconds. This rapid curing process is particularly beneficial for manufacturers, as it speeds up production cycles and reduces downtime, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.
2. Stronger, more durable finishes
UV-cured coatings tend to be harder and more resistant to scratches, impacts, and chemicals compared to air-dried or heat-cured alternatives. The molecular cross-linking that occurs during UV curing creates a dense, durable surface that enhances the protection of wooden products. This results in longer-lasting coatings that are better at withstanding everyday wear and tear.
3. Environmentally friendly and low VOC emissions
UV LED technology, like GEW’s LeoLED2, is a greener alternative to traditional curing methods. Since it does not require high temperatures, and curable products have almost 100% solid content, it significantly reduces VOC emissions, making it safer for both workers and the environment. The energy-efficient nature of UV LED systems also contributes to sustainability efforts by lowering overall energy consumption compared to conventional curing methods.
4. Precision and consistency
UV LED curing ensures uniform and consistent finishes, eliminating issues like uneven drying, dust contamination, or variations in gloss or colour across all curable surfaces. This precision is essential for high-quality wood products, where a flawless surface finish is a key selling point. Whether applied on furniture, flooring, or decorative panels, UV-cured coatings deliver a professional-grade result with minimal defects.
5. Safe for heat-sensitive wood products
Some types of wood and wood-based materials, such as particle board, BOF or veneer, can be sensitive to high temperatures and IR radiation. Components treated with thermoplastic glues may lose properties, as soft wood may end up with erupted resins. Traditional curing methods may also cause warping or discolouration. UV LED curing operates at lower temperatures, making it a safer and more suitable option for delicate wood surfaces that require a precise and controlled curing process.
6. Enhancing special effects and finishes
UV LED curing enables innovative coating designs, including:
- High gloss, matt, or textured finishes to suit different design preferences.
- Decorative effects like metallic or pearlescent coatings for added visual appeal.
- Customisable colour tones that enhance the natural beauty of the wood, while providing additional protection.
By utilising UV LED technology, manufacturers can create coatings that not only protect but also elevate the aesthetic quality of wood products.
Conclusion
Coating wood products is essential to protect them from chemicals, water, mechanical wear, and UV radiation, while also enhancing their appearance and functionality. The introduction of UV LED curing technology has revolutionised the coating industry by offering faster drying times, better durability, environmentally-friendly solutions, and enhanced aesthetic options. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, UV LED-cured coatings provide the ultimate solution for maintaining and enhancing the beauty and performance of wooden surfaces. At the same time, the UV LED curing process dramatically reduces the risk of fire in the production environment.
As the demand for high-quality, sustainable, and durable wood products continues to grow, UV LED technology stands out as the future of wood coating solutions, offering efficiency, reliability, and exceptional results.
Learn more about GEW’s LeoLED2, our highest power UV LED curing system for wood coating applications.
