Site-applied polyurethane coatings for wood flooring are forecast to grow at a 5.5% CAGR rate for 2018-2023. This is more than double the estimated U.S. GDP rate during the same time period as reported by ChemQuest’s American Coatings Association U.S. Market Analysis report. This includes the residential and commercial market sub-segments, as well as new unfinished wood floor installations and restoration of existing wood floors in the built environments.
These coatings are usually one-component (1K) solventborne or two-component (2K) waterborne (WB) polyurethane (PUR) coatings. In the past, 1K solventborne polyurethane coatings were the premier coating product on wood floors. Polyurethane-coated floors are extremely durable and have a very desirable, warm look. However, with the advent of stricter volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations, and the desire for low-odor coatings, 2K waterborne polyurethanes are being used as high-performance coatings on wood. These coatings provide durability, stain resistance, easy cleanability, adjustable gloss levels, improved adhesion to reactive substrates and enhanced aesthetics. However, their 2K format requires measuring and mixing at the job site. This type of formulation also typically has a limited pot life, and the recoat window is slightly shorter, which may require the coating to be scuffed before applying a second coat. Unused material from 2K systems adds the extra task of proper disposal.