Polyurethane varnish: features and scope

Polyurethane varnish is widely used for processing wooden surfaces. The solution not only improves the appearance of the wood, but also performs protective functions. Polyurethane-based lacquer has its own distinctive features, which will be discussed in more detail in this article.

Polyurethane lacquer coating can significantly increase the service life of a wooden surface and emphasizes the natural structure of wood. Unlike other paints and varnishes, this solution has high protective properties. After processing products on the surface forms a durable layer that protects the wood from mechanical loads, water, weathering, microorganisms and decay.

Paintwork material is most often used for flooring, whether it be parquet or concrete. The properties and purpose of the solution depend on the components that are part of it. Polyurethane varnish significantly improves the performance characteristics of the treated bases. Surfaces become more moisture resistant, high strength, and also resistant to the effects of petroleum products, acids and abrasive products.

Polyurethane varnish has a number of significant advantages over other paints and varnishes.

We highlight the main advantages of this composition:

• Suitable for processing almost any material and wood species, whether it is larch, pine, beech or maple.
• Easy to apply and requires special care. The lacquer coating is resistant to water and household chemicals, so it is not afraid of wet cleaning.
• Good elasticity, so that after drying on the coating does not form cracks.
• Abrasion resistance.
• Good resistance to temperature extremes.
• Big term of operation of the created covering.
• High strength.
• Resistance to direct sunlight and precipitation.

However, polyurethane-based lacquers have their drawbacks.

Highlight the main disadvantages of this material:

• Some polyurethane blends contain organic solvents. Such solutions have an unpleasant odor and are not environmentally friendly.
• Poor quality blends may lose their original appearance and yellow over time.
• High-quality compounds usually have a fairly high cost.
• If polyurethane varnish is not applied correctly, visible defects may remain on the coating.

The main classification of polyurethane varnishes involves the division into one-component and two-component compositions. One-component mixtures are made on a water basis and are produced ready for application. It is possible to work with such structure with a paint brush or roller..

Water-based polyurethane lacquers are environmentally friendly materials, since they do not contain organic solvents. The mixture is odorless and does not emit toxic substances into the air.

In the construction market one can also find one-component polyurethane varnishes in aerosol cans. Aerosols are convenient to use when it is necessary to cover hard-to-reach areas or small products.. In addition, single-component sprays have a high drying rate.

Two-component varnish is not sold ready for application. The solution must be done independentlyby mixing the base and hardener immediately before the work. By some technical characteristics, two-component compositions are superior to one-component mixtures.

According to the degree of gloss, matt, semi-matte, glossy semi-gloss polyurethane varnishes are distinguished. Appearance does not affect the main technical characteristics of the coating.

For coating surfaces that will be exposed to high chemical loads, it is better to use a matt varnish.

As for color, most often polyurethane varnishes are transparent. However, in the construction market one can find a tinting modification of an oil-based polyurethane mixture.This solution has a dual function: varnishing and staining.

In addition to wooden surfaces, other materials can be treated with a polyurethane mixture.

Consider the main area of ​​application of such a coating:

• as an additional protection for walls, floors and ceilings of various materials;
• protection of wooden furniture and stairs from chemical and mechanical influences;
• the formation of a transparent film on ceramic tiles, as well as the impregnation of surfaces from concrete, brick walls and slate roofs;
• for effect of a wet stone;
• to protect mineral bases from corrosion;
• protection and improvement of the aesthetic qualities of the parquet floor;
• to protect stone, metal and concrete foundations from rust.

Despite the high technical characteristics of polyurethane varnishes, there are not very high-quality goods on the construction market. To get a durable beautiful coating, you should not save on the purchase of paintwork material. Before buying a varnish, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with popular manufacturers and reviews of their products.

The American company Petri is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of building materials. In the United States, the company occupies a leading position in the manufacture of high-strength polyurethane-based varnishes. In the production of each individual type of building materials, the company uses special components and technologies, which allows to obtain products with unique technical characteristics.

Petri produces many different modifications of polyurethane varnishes. Each species has its own distinctive features and properties. The general characteristics include high quality and extraordinary hardness, resistance of the formed coating to mechanical and chemical effects.

Petri polyurethane varnishes have a lot of positive customer reviews. Among the shortcomings of the material revealed only that the lacquer has a great value.

Among the positive qualities of consumers are the following:

• Health safety. The solution is environmentally friendly.
• Lack of smell.
• High drying speed.
• Allows you to create an aesthetically attractive coating and perfectly emphasizes the natural structure of wood.
• The coating is durable and does not lose its original appearance and performance characteristics.

The Russian company KrasKo has established itself as a manufacturer of high quality paintwork materials and self-leveling floors. The company actively conducts research and develops new solutions in the field of protection of various surfaces from the negative influence of external factors and mechanical damage.

Krakko polyurethane varnishes are manufactured under the Tistrom brand. In the construction market one can find both Tistrom universal varnishes and mixtures of a specific purpose for coating various types of surface.Krakko polyurethane lacquers are manufactured on a water basis and are an environmentally friendly material.

Mixtures can be used both inside and outside the room, as they have high resistance to the negative influence of environmental factors.

Buyers identify the following positive properties of the paint coating "Tistrom":

• keeps well on concrete floors;
• high strength of the coating;
• good value for money;
• lays down easily and dries quickly.

Among the downsides, some buyers have identified a high consumption of paint mixture on porous surfaces.

VGT Enterprise has been manufacturing and marketing high-quality paintwork materials since 1992. The enterprise has a research center for the development and introduction of new technologies for the production of goods. All products are manufactured in accordance with the specifications and has the appropriate quality certificates.

Polyurethane varnish company "VGT Enterprise" is available in the line "VGT Premium", which also includes high-quality putty mixtures and enamels.In the manufacture of products of this brand are used only high-quality components imported.

VGT Premium polyurethane based varnish has excellent decorative properties and high performance characteristics. This material is intended for processing various wooden surfaces.

Customers note the following positive properties of VGT Premium lacquer:

• made on a water basis without the addition of organic solvents and is completely environmentally friendly;
• no odor;
• dries quickly;
• can be tinted pastes VGT;
• abrasion resistance.

Among the disadvantages of the material buyers highlight the cost.

Features of work with a polyurethane varnish depend on the type of solution and the type of surface being treated. As an example, consider the process of processing wood surfaces.

There are three main methods of coating materials with polyurethane varnish:

• The wood before treatment with varnish can be starved. The stain can give the tree the desired shade, as well as provide additional protection. Instead of the stain, you can use a two-component polyurethane varnish oil-based.
• The use of soil on a polyurethane basis.
• Applying polyurethane varnish in several layers without the use of additional mixtures.

Work with one-component and two-component compositions has some differences. What needs to be done in both cases is to prepare the surface to be treated. The base must be cleaned from the old coating.if available, by solvent or mechanically.

One-component water-based varnishes can be applied with a paintbrush, roller or spray gun.

If the surface is pretreated with a stain or polyurethane primer, then it will be sufficient to apply varnish in two layers. Without preliminary treatment of the base, the number of layers must be increased.Before each subsequent application of varnish, the previous layer should dry. On average, it’s enough to wait 6 hours. The last layer completely hardens 12 hours after application.

Before working with a two-component composition, it is first necessary to prepare a ready-to-apply solution by mixing the base with the hardener. The solution needs some time to brew (approximately 20 minutes)to get air bubbles out of it. The mixture is recommended to use within 4 hours, periodically mixing the composition in order to avoid solidification.

The mixture is distributed on a wooden surface in the direction of the fibers. The solution is applied in thin layers in an amount of not more than 8 pieces. The approximate time that it is necessary to give each previous layer to dry before applying the next one is 2 hours.

When working with polyurethane varnishes, you must follow some rules.Before proceeding with the application of the solution, it is recommended that you read the printed instructions for applying the varnish. It is possible to apply the mixture at an air temperature not higher than 25 degrees, but some types of polyurethane coatings may have other requirements for temperature conditions.

If the mixture based on polyurethane contains organic solvents, then it is necessary to work with such material in a respirator and only in a well-ventilated room. When finishing work is carried out using a paint roller, apply the composition in a criss-cross motion. Thus it turns out to distribute the mixture more evenly and without streaks.

The process of applying polyurethane varnish is shown in the following video.