Wood conversion companies seeking higher end finish performance such as in consumer cabinetry, furniture and flooring have embraced waterborne (WB) energy curable coating technology as a preferred coating method. WB energy curing gives an appearance similar to solvent based coatings but, eliminates the plastic look of 100% solid ultraviolet (UV) coatings and provides superior solvent and impact resistance. Although advancements in microwave drying have made WB energy curing more attractive to end users, the need to thermally dry sensitive substrates still remains a limiting factor in the proliferation of WB UV/electron beam (EB) energy curing in wood and other sensitive renewable substrate conversion applications. Thermal drying is a challenge for any heat sensitive, resinous and oily woods such as pine, fir, spruce and mahogany. When resinous woods become too hot, the resins or pitch come to the surface or "bleed," causing problems with coating adhesion and discoloration."
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