Field-Applied UV-Curable Coatings for Flooring

The wood coating industry initially embraced UV-curing technology as a way to increase both productivity and performance, and more recently as a means to save energy and meet environmental regulations. Initially, all applications were based on 100% solids UV-curable products, coating mainly flat panels by roller coater. During the 1990s, UV-curable polyurethane dispersions in water (UV-PUD) were developed, and PVC floor coating was the first industrial application. The flexibility, adhesion and stain resistance of these coatings made this new technology very successful. The low viscosity and the very low VOC of these dispersions also made them very attractive for spray, curtain and vacuum applications onto wood.

Field-applied wood floor coatings, until recently however, have required conventional curing. Polyurethanes are the leading type of field-applied floor coatings. Others include conversion varnishes, oils and waxes. Today, there are several UV-curable wood floor coatings in varying stages of commercial development, including 100% solids and waterborne coatings.