UV-curable field-applied coatings for wood, vinyl composite tile (VCT) and concrete are in various stages of commercial development. For all substrates, UV-cured coatings provide many advantages over conventional epoxy, polyurethane and related systems with respect to both application and performance properties. Improvements in both portable UV-curing equipment and resin technologies are driving the further adoption of field-applied UV-cured coatings in all of the above flooring applications. Most recently, new resins have been introduced that change color to indicate coating thickness and cure, and provide increased ease of application, greater efficiency and cost savings.
Whether applied on wood, concrete or VCT, UV-curable coatings have clear advantages over conventional coatings, such as fast return to service with fully developed properties and reduced VOCs. Furthermore, UV-cured coatings often have enhanced adhesion, hardness, and scratch, abrasion, chemical and solvent resistance properties compared to conventional coatings. These properties can be customized for specific end-use applications by adjusting the polymer crosslinking through the choice of resin and other coating ingredients.