Polyurethane (PU) paints represent one of the most advanced coating technologies available to today's joinery professionals. These high-performance finishes have revolutionised how we protect and enhance wooden surfaces, offering durability and aesthetic appeal. At Ultrimax we offer a range of different PU paint options from both Sayerlack and our own Ultrimax brand at our depots across the UK & Ireland.
For professionals in the joinery sector, understanding polyurethane paints is essential for delivering superior results to clients while maintaining competitive advantage - whether you're crafting bespoke fitted furniture or manufacturing kitchen units.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything you need to know about polyurethane paints, and both the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of coating in joinery applications.
What Are Polyurethane Paints?
Polyurethane paints and lacquers are advanced coating systems that create exceptionally durable, protective films on surfaces through a chemical curing process. Unlike traditional paints that simply dry through solvent evaporation, PU paints undergo a chemical reaction that creates strong, cross-linked polymer chains, resulting in a finish that's significantly tougher and more resilient. This can make them perfect for high traffic areas such as kitchens where there is potential wear and tear.
Types of Polyurethane Paints:
- Single-pack PU systems come pre-mixed and cure through reaction with moisture in the air. These are more convenient to use but generally offer lower performance characteristics compared to two-pack systems. They're ideal for smaller projects or situations where ease of application is prioritised over maximum performance.
- Two-pack PU systems require mixing a base component with a separate hardener or catalyst immediately before application. This chemical reaction produces superior durability, chemical resistance, and overall performance, making them the preferred choice for demanding joinery applications. Our 2 pack PU Systems include Sayerlack TZ99 or our Ultrimax Polyurethane Topcoat UMX019, both can be tinted using our Colormax technology and used for interior applications. With a variety of sheen levels available including dead matt, matt, satin and gloss – Click here to read more about sheen levels.
Is Polyurethane Paint Good for Wood?
Polyurethane paint is exceptionally well-suited for wood applications, making it an ideal choice for joinery professionals. The chemical structure of PU paints creates a flexible yet durable film that can accommodate the natural movement of wood while providing superior protection against environmental factors and high traffic areas.
What are the Advantages of PU Paint?
Polyurethane paints offer numerous advantages that make them particularly valuable for joinery applications:
- Exceptional Durability: The cross-linked polymer structure creates a finish that can withstand heavy use, impact, and abrasion. This makes PU paints ideal for high-traffic items like kitchen doors, staircases, and commercial furniture where longevity is essential in the joinery industry.
- Superior Environmental Resistance: PU coatings excel at resisting moisture penetration, preventing the wood swelling, warping, and rot that can destroy unprotected timber. They also offer excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and UV radiation, making them suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
- Versatile Appearance Options: PU paints are available in a full range of sheen levels from dead matt through to gloss, allowing joiners to achieve exactly the aesthetic their clients desire. Custom colour matching capabilities ensure perfect coordination with design schemes.
Disadvantages of Polyurethane Paint
Despite their many benefits, polyurethane paints do present some challenges that joinery professionals must consider:
- Application Complexity: Two-pack systems require precise mixing ratios and careful timing. Once mixed, the paint has a limited pot life, ensure to refer to the datasheets of the product for information to avoid product and time waste.
- Health and Safety Considerations: Many PU paints contain isocyanates, which require careful handling and appropriate PPE. Proper ventilation and respiratory protection are essential, particularly in spray applications, at Ultrimax we have a range of respiratory protection along with gloves and overalls.
- Regulatory Compliance: Higher VOC content in some formulations may present challenges in meeting increasingly strict environmental regulations. Joiners must stay informed about local requirements and may need to invest in VOC-compliant alternatives. Water-based coatings offer an excellent solution to reduce VOC emissions while maintaining high performance standards, with options available in both Aquimax and Sayerlack product ranges.
- Equipment Requirements: Professional application often requires spray equipment, which represents a significant investment for smaller operations. The equipment also requires regular maintenance and cleaning with appropriate solvents.
How to Apply PU Paint to Wood
Successful application of polyurethane paints requires attention to detail at every stage of the process:
- Surface Preparation: Begin with thorough sanding, ensure to remove all dust using Ultrimax tack cloths, make sure the surface is completely clean and dry. Any oils, waxes, or previous finishes must be completely removed.
- Priming and Undercoating: Most wood surfaces benefit from a compatible primer or undercoat designed specifically for use with PU topcoats such as the Sayerlack Tinted Primer TU0148 or the Ultrimax Polyurethane High Build White Primer UMX073. This improves adhesion, provides a uniform base for the finish coat and can improve the final appearance by ensuring even colour development.
- Application Methods: Spray application typically produces the best results with PU paints. Airless spraying such as using the Graco Contractor PC Airless Spray Gun and electric spray pump is particularly effective for large surfaces.
- Environmental Conditions: Maintain paint shop temperature between 15-25°C with relative humidity below 80%. Ensure adequate ventilation while avoiding excessive air movement that could cause overspray or dust contamination. Ensure that spray booth filters are changed regularly to help with air quality.
- Topcoat and Curing: Allow adequate flash-off time between coats. Using a topcoat and hardener to give maximum protection. Full cure usually occurs within 24-48 hours, but the coating continues to improve in hardness and chemical resistance over several days, please refer to datasheets for more information.
Conclusion
Polyurethane paints are ideal for the wood coating industry, offering joinery professionals the perfect combination of durability, appearance, and application efficiency. While they may require more careful handling and application techniques than conventional paints, the superior results and long-term performance make this investment in quality worthwhile.
As environmental regulations continue to evolve and client expectations for quality and longevity increase, polyurethane paints offer joinery professionals a competitive advantage that combines technical excellence with business success. While traditional solvent-based PU paints remain available, the industry has seen a significant shift towards water-based coating systems as businesses adapt to stricter environmental standards and growing sustainability demands.
Contact our technical team today in the UK and Ireland for expert advice tailored to your specific requirements. We can provide paint trials, detailed application guidance, and custom colour matching services to ensure your next project achieves outstanding results.