Comparative test of yellowing resistance between furniture lacquer coating and UV cured coating

Understanding Yellowing in Coatings

When it comes to coatings used in furniture, one of the most common concerns is yellowing.
This is a term used to describe the discoloration that occurs over time, which can diminish the aesthetic appeal of furniture.
Yellowing occurs due to several factors including UV exposure, oxidation, and natural aging processes.
Two popular finishes used are furniture lacquer coatings and UV cured coatings, each with distinct properties and advantages.
In this article, we’ll delve into a comparative test of the yellowing resistance between these two types of coatings.

Furniture Lacquer Coating

Lacquer coating has been used as a protective finish on furniture for many years.
This option is favored for its ease of application and the smooth, glossy finish it provides.
Lacquer is usually a solvent-based product.
When applied, it creates a hard, durable surface that can resist scratches and abrasions.
However, one of the drawbacks of lacquer is its tendency to yellow over time, particularly with exposure to UV rays.
This yellowing occurs as the solvents in the lacquer react with light and air, causing chemical changes in the finish.

Advantages of Lacquer Coating

Despite its tendency to yellow, lacquer coating boasts several benefits:
– Fast drying time: Lacquer dries quickly, which makes it ideal for high-turnaround environments.
– Easy to apply: It can be easily sprayed on, allowing for an even coat without the need for extensive labor.
– Reparable: Damaged surfaces can often be repaired with a new coat of lacquer without requiring complete removal.

UV Cured Coating

In contrast, UV cured coatings are a more modern innovation in the world of furniture finishes.
These coatings are applied as a liquid and then cured using ultraviolet light, resulting in a quick and efficient curing process.
UV cured coatings are lauded for their minimal environmental impact due to lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during application.

Advantages of UV Cured Coating

UV cured coatings offer several distinct advantages:
– Superior yellowing resistance: The UV curing process stabilizes the coating against the discoloration that occurs with other finishes.
– Faster productivity: The curing process is near-instantaneous when exposed to UV light, vastly speeding up production times.
– Durability: These coatings often have enhanced hardness and scratch resistance compared to traditional finishes.

Comparative Test: Yellowing Resistance

To understand which finish offers superior yellowing resistance, a comparative test is essential.
The test involves applying both furniture lacquer and UV cured coatings to identical pieces of furniture, and then subjecting them to controlled UV exposure to mimic prolonged sunlight exposure.
Measurements are taken at specific intervals to monitor changes in the color and appearance of each finish.

Test Conditions

For the test setup:
– Samples are subjected to simulated UV exposure for a specified duration.
– Colorimeters are used to measure any changes in color to note any visible yellowing.

Results of the Test

As expected, the furniture lacquer exhibited noticeable yellowing after a few months of UV exposure.
The change was visibly significant, as it developed a warmer tone compared to its original appearance.
On the other hand, the UV cured coatings showed remarkable resistance to yellowing.
Even after extended exposure, the color change was negligible, maintaining the furniture’s original look.

Implications for Furniture Manufacturers

These results offer valuable insights for furniture manufacturers:
– Choosing UV cured coatings can enhance the longevity and aesthetic of their products, maintaining their intended appearance over time.
– Despite the historical use and familiarity of lacquer coatings, the improved properties of UV cured finishes cannot be overlooked, especially in premium products.

Practical Considerations

Manufacturers must weigh the pros and cons of each type of coating.
While UV cured coatings provide excellent yellowing resistance, they also require more sophisticated application equipment and curing processes.
On the other hand, the simplicity of lacquer coatings can be a significant advantage in certain contexts.

Conclusion

While both furniture lacquer and UV cured coatings have their place in furniture finishing, when it comes to yellowing resistance, UV cured coatings show clear superiority.
For those who prioritize maintaining the original color and appeal of furniture over time, UV cured coatings are the preferred choice.
Furniture makers must assess the needs of their production lines and target demographics to choose the best finish for their products.
Understanding these differences allows for more informed decisions to best meet customer expectations.