Decoding coatings, with Giardina

WoodNews recently visited the new Experience Centre of Giardina Finishing. Excerpts from a conversation with Vinit Bhatia, CEO of Giardina India and Vinpack Systems:

The many coating and finishing options that can be produced from Giardina’s machines.

Wood is a highly versatile and renewable material that has been used for centuries in a wide variety of applications. From furniture to flooring, from construction to decorative objects, wood offers a natural and aesthetic appeal that cannot be matched by other materials.

However, wood is also susceptible to degradation due to exposure to various environmental factors such as moisture, sunlight and temperature fluctuations. To mitigate these effects, wood coatings have been developed that not only protect the wood but also enhance its appearance and durability.

PU paint

Polyurethane (PU) paint is a type of coating used in a variety of applications, including automobiles, furniture and industrial equipment. PU paint is known for its durability, chemical resistance, and ability to provide a glossy, smooth finish.

The process of applying PU paint typically involves several steps, including surface preparation, mixing and application of the paint, and curing.

The process of applying PU paint involves several critical steps, including surface preparation, mixing and application of the paint, and curing. Proper surface preparation is essential for ensuring proper adhesion of the paint and a smooth, even finish.

Mixing and application of the paint must be done carefully to ensure proper coverage and adhesion, and the paint must be allowed to cure properly for maximum hardness and durability.

By following these steps, it is possible to achieve a high-quality finish with PU paint that will provide long-lasting protection and enhance the appearance of the painted object.

Water-based coatings

Unlike traditional solvent-based coatings, water-based coatings are formulated with water as the primary solvent, making them a more environment-friendly option. Water-based wood coatings are a type of coating that is designed to protect and enhance the appearance of wooden surfaces.

Water-based coatings are available in a variety of formulations, including lacquers, varnishes, stains and paints. They are commonly used for finishing furniture, flooring, cabinetry and other wooden surfaces in both residential and commercial settings.

One of the main advantages of water-based coatings is their low VOC (volatile organic compounds) content. VOCs are harmful chemicals that are released into the air as the coating dries, which can be harmful to both human health and the environment.

By using water as the primary solvent, water-based coatings significantly reduce the amount of VOCs released into the air during the coating process. They also have a lower odour, making them a more pleasant option for indoor applications.

Water-based coatings also offer excellent adhesion and durability, making them suitable for use in high-traffic areas. They are resistant to scratches, stains and other types of damage, which helps to prolong the life of the coated surface.

Water-based coatings also offer excellent ultra-violet (UV) ray resistance, which helps to prevent fading and discolouration over time.

Acrylic-based coatings

Acrylic-based wood coatings are available in a variety of formulations, including paints, stains and clear coatings. They are commonly used for finishing furniture, flooring, cabinetry and other wooden surfaces in both residential and commercial settings.

One of the main advantages of acrylic wood-based coatings is their excellent adhesion and durability. Acrylic resins have a strong affinity for wood surfaces, which allows them to form a strong bond and provides excellent protection against scratches, stains and other types of damage.

They also have excellent resistance to UV light, which helps to prevent fading and discolouration over time.

Acrylic-based wood coatings also offer several other advantages over traditional solvent-based coatings. They have a low VOC (volatile organic compounds) content, which makes them a more environment-friendly option. They also have a lower odour than solvent-based coatings, which makes them a more pleasant option for indoor applications.

UV-based coatings

UV-based wood coatings are a type of coating that is cured using ultra-violet light. These coatings are designed to protect and enhance the appearance of wooden surfaces, while also providing excellent durability and resistance to scratches, stains and other types of damage.

One of the main advantages of UV-based wood coatings is their quick curing time. Unlike traditional solvent-based coatings, which may require several hours or even days to cure, UV-based coatings can be cured in a matter of minutes. This reduces the amount of time required for the coating process and allows for faster production times.

UV-based coatings also offer excellent adhesion and durability, making them suitable for use in high-traffic areas. They are resistant to scratches, stains and other types of damage, which helps to prolong the life of the coated surface.

UV-based coatings also offer excellent UV resistance, which helps to prevent fading and discolouration over time. In addition, they have lower VOC content and low odour.

Preparing surfaces

Preparing and ensuring only the best surface as a base for these coatings is the golden rule when it comes to any application of coatings on a surface. Remember that if we use high-quality products the output will always be the best possible.

With proper surface preparation and application, any wood wood-based coatings can provide a long-lasting finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood while protecting against scratches, stains and other types of damage.

This typically involves sanding the surface to ensure proper adhesion, as well as cleaning the surface to remove any dirt, grease or other contaminants. Any wood-based coatings can be applied using a variety of methods, including spraying, brushing or rolling. The coating should be applied in thin, even coats to ensure proper coverage and adhesion.

Depending on the specific application, multiple coats of coating may be required to achieve the desired finish. Most coatings offer from 5% to 90%+ gloss levels, ensuring a variety of finishes that suit any space or application.

Many applications

The roller coating line currently does high gloss and matte finishes for different suppliers, including ICA, Renner and Sherwin-Williams. The automatic spraying line allows for the painting of curved parts, edges or shaped elements that are not suitable for UV roller line coating/painting.

A pressurised painting booth allows painting of panel of any size or shape that is unable to be done on either the roller line or spraying line. This can also be used for custom job work/designs requiring more detailing or hand-crafted paint finishing. To this end, this processing completes all possible types of elements at 360 degrees.

UV coating can produce transparent or lacquered glossy or opaque finishes, as well as glossy metallic and transparent and lacquered embossed finishes. “A new line of lacquers and UV inks allow us to comply with the most restrictive market demands,” Vinit points out.

The high-end digital printing line allows for customised jobs to be done on wood, acrylic or glass.

The hot air ovens for doors and windows are normally used in combination with the manual, Air Green spray or CS spray painting systems, or with the use of vertical robots, vertical reciprocators and flow coating.

Experience centre

Giardina India, together with its partner, Vinpack Systems (packaging machinery materials and tools), launched the Giardina India Experience Center as a ‘one-stop shop’ for finishing solutions, with sales, service, spare parts and technical assistance.

The ‘state-of-the-art’ facility provides builders, wood product manufacturers and furniture makers the ability to provide their clients with European quality finishes in an affordable and time-saving method.

“Italy-based Giardina Finishing is often referred to as ‘the Ferrari’, alluding to its ability to come up with tailored-made solutions, specific for each customer,” says Vinit.

The 42,000-square-foot facility has spray lines, roller coating lines, complete finishing solutions and logistics systems, for customers to see and experience its complete offerings for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and surrounding regions.

In addition, a 10,000-square-foot warehouse ensures that spare parts are available locally and at reduced service cost.

Located in Kumbalgodu Industrial Area, Kengeri, the centre is strategically located to provide great connectivity to the surrounding states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Goa.

Asked about his future plans, Vinit confidently says, “We plan to launch the India Finishing School, where we will conduct training and teach the nuances of great finishing on wood, glass and acrylic.”

For more information, write to sales@giardina.in.

 

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