Chapter 8 - Market Needs and End Uses (2) – Industrial Wood Coatings

Abstract

This chapter deals with industrial coatings that are assumed to be applied under factory conditions; subsequently (e.g., for joinery), there may be a need for maintenance and redecoration. The term “joinery” denotes fabricated wood in buildings. Coatings for interior components are often formulated differently from exterior ones. However, in the case of a window frame, which presents an interior and exterior surface, it may be more convenient to continue the coating all around the profile. Coating operations are also modified according to the finish that is required; thus, there may be differences between opaque and transparent coatings. The performance of even the best factory-applied coating is strongly dependent on the design detailing and construction of the joiner, wood quality, wood species (including laminar wood), effective sealing of joints, and the quality of the coating systems. This chapter focuses on the coating of wood that is visible to the user; however, wood may also be used internally as a support for upholstered items. Market sub-sectors include: home, kitchen, seats, office, school, and contract. Some functional types for wood furniture coatings include bleaches, sizes and wash coats, stains, fillers, sealers, and top coats. Factors influencing technology choice in coatings are: economic factors and economies of scale, operational factors, and appearance aspects. High solid technology, UV technology, water borne coatings, UV curing, and power coatings are the main coating technologies for furniture. Wood flooring involves parquet coatings.