Special UV curing on site

DRYING LACQUER OR OIL ON SITE

WE HAVE THE MACHINES AND PRODUCTS, SO WHY NOT?

Photo – Pallmann

The best arguments for using UV light as a ‘drying agent’ usually refer to the speed of operations in industrial applications. However, it is not true to say that UV could only be used in industry. For instance, the use of UV light in dental surgery for hardening fillings is now well established. In other words, UV light left the factory some time ago. For a few years now, we have seen the emergence of UV equipment which floor fitters can use on site. The principle and working method are comparable to the industrial process.

No longer solely industrial In the early days, the use of UV light had strong industrial associations. And so, it didn’t really look like an activity which floor fitters could do themselves unless they had a well equipped workshop. And so, UV drying either stayed within the factory walls of parquet and laminate producers or, fairly soon, fell into the hands of the now renowned coating contractors. Just five years ago, the idea of floor fitters doing the ‘hardening’ themselves on site still seemed like science fiction. Nowadays, it is getting well established. The simplicity of application is one of the reasons for that.

Procedure on site A little training will certainly be helpful (necessary), but, strictly speaking, all the operations are fairly simple. UV coating is usually preceded by a UV drying primer, which is applied with a classic roller, as is the case with a mono-component waterborne lacquer. After the application, the lacquer is left to air-dry for about 45 minutes, and, after that, you ride a motorised mobile UV machine over the entire floor (about 200m² per hour). There is a portable UV lamp for edges and places which are difficult to reach. As we’ve said, the floor is ready for use immediately afterwards. When using UV lamps, floor fitters must wear a suitable outfit, which is generally supplied as standard with the equipment.

‘Chemistry’ is jumping on board More and more producers are making specific UV coatings and that says a lot. Indeed, the qualities of the coatings and the added value of on-site UV drying are gaining the approval of both professionals and project managers. Major clients such as airport managers, retail chains, and hospitals are opting firmly for UV coating on site and some of them are even buying their own equipment so that their employees can do this themselves. The fact that lacquer producers are jumping on board is certainly logical, but it’s no sinecure since various UV machine manufacturers use different lamps.

Looking critically It is quite possible that UV drying on site will become the new standard practice. An important condition for that to happen is proven quality work which stays up to scratch over time. Training will certainly be an essential element there. Parquet floor fitters should also develop their professional competence in this field over time. In some respects this method of drying is comparable with sandpapering a wooden floor; experience and training are essential for a good result.

Quality lacquer The lacquers used for UV applications are ‘outside their category’. They are high-tech lacquers which usually have very high wear and scratch resistance. In order to use these lacquers, parquet floor fitters were, until recently, advised to apply them to pre-finished floors. Now they can even apply these ‘very high-traffic’ lacquers (some people describe them as ‘ultra-varnish’) themselves on site on any floor which clients choose from the range.

Time-saving Basically, the floor is ready for use immediately after UV treatment. That’s obviously a great advantage for major projects, offices, shops, or other commercial premises. In hotels they can announce that a hotel room can be renovated in one night. This advantage is less evident for assignments in private homes. Floor fitters with enough clients are usually at work for different people in the same period. If floor fitters are going to dry the floor with UV drying, they are carrying out a treatment which they really don’t need to do. Strictly speaking, that is a job which nature itself can do for them. And so, they can do a job elsewhere whilst they wait for a floor to air-dry naturally.

Human contribution One of the main benefits of application in the factory is that it happens under controlled conditions, so the result is always identical. Temperature, ambient air humidity, and incidence of light are all parameters which can be controlled and directed. The lacquer application and the time and intensity of radiation with UV light are also always under control. If the application is done on site, the ‘human being’ is undoubtedly the weak link. The amount of lacquer used, the speed at which the appliance is driven across the floor, any breeze, and any dust are all conditions where things could go wrong.

An overview

Chimiver

ECOFAST UV is a single-component polyurethane-acrylic waterbased UV curing lacquer in situ for wooden floors. ECOFAST UV has high abrasion and traffic resistances allowing its use for high traffic surfaces. ECOFAST UV is UV curing with portable UV machines where a fast walkability is required. ECOFAST UV has been formulated in order to meet the highest anti slip standard requirements for sportive wooden floors. ECOFAST UV is in conformity with European standards for sportive wooden floors meeting EN14904 standard's requirements.

Loba LOBACURE WS Rush A.T.: Extreme Durability – Ultra-fast and Environmentally Friendly LOBACURE WS Rush is the new generation onecomponent UV-curing finish for wooden floors. Being cured with a UV machine on site, an exceptionally robust surface is achieved within seconds. Due to instant curing, WS Rush polyurethane finish prevents waiting times and sales downtimes. The outstanding overall durability of WS Rush makes it superior to standard finishes, thanks to its exceptional scratch resistance, chemical resistance and great elasticity. Therefore, it is even suitable for extremely heavy wear. Moreover, the water-based time-saver by LOBA provides maximum environmental friendliness, due to very low emissions (GEV EMICODE EC1 Plus / VOC below 0.3%). It is available in semi-gloss and satin variants and can be applied ergonomically with a roller. All these properties make WS Rush the perfect partner for projects in hotels, restaurants, bars, shops – in all places with highest demands concerning curing time and robustness.

Pallmann STAUF

For UV curing on site Pallmann offers a solvent-free and ozone-free system. The X-Light System consists of 1-component primer X-Light Aquabase, the 1-component lacquer X-Light Coat and the X-Light Mobile, a self-propelling machine with an integrated lamp illuminating the floor. The lamp radiates ultraviolet light. In combination with a specialized UV-primer or lacquer this lamp ensures the UV curing. In this way primer or lacquer dry immediately thanks to a change in their molecular structure. The UV treated surface is loadable immediately. The Pallmann UV curing system has been specially developed and tested for wood floor lacquers only. Pallmann recommends the use of skin protection cream, to wear long-sleeved clothing as well as sunglasses with UV protection. Additionally, it is advisable to ventilate the room well and to protect the surface from direct sunlight by covering windows. The Pallmann X-Light Mobile can be used on cork or bamboo thanks to a moderate radiation.

TIME-SAVING AND EFFECTIVE A unique mix of oils, waxes, resins and additives makes AKZENT LEDHARDWAX OIL by STAUF a revolutionary special product in the wood surface treatment industry. The oil dries within seconds when exposed to LED light, allowing the work on site to be brought to a conclusion within a very short time. The wood surface is then immediately ready for use and is protected from dirt and moisture. Another advantage is the significantly richer and more intensive colour of the floor that can be achieved with AKZENT LED-HARDWAX OIL. Furthermore, the product offers up to 20 different colours, to suit every taste. Heavily trafficked areas in particular benefit from the excellent properties, such as wear resistance, which also allows project-specific use. The special LED drying method avoids the emission of harmful substances such as ozone. The easy care and natural appearance of AKZENT LED-HARDWAX OIL and the possibility of repairing local damage in the wood surface make this product a reliable partner in the field of surface treatment. www.AKZENT-woodcare.com

Photo – Blanchon