Here is a quick look at some of the types of finishing materials used in woodworking.

Binders provide coatings with good adhesion,  flexibility and durability. Typical binders include nitrocellulose, alkyd resins, amino resins, acrylates and polyester resins.

Additives control properties, such as gloss, consistency, wetting,  flow, blister prevention and sandability.

Pigments give  finishes hiding power and specific color.

Waterborne materials can be one-pack, two-pack or UV curing systems. Environmentally friendly, they are available in clear lacquers and pigmented products,

Stains add color without hiding the structure of the substrate. They consist of dyes and transparent pigments, water, solvent and binder. They can be applied by spray, roller, flowcoat or manually, by dipping, brushing or sponging.

In addition to air drying, curing can be triggered by chemical reaction. Materials utilizing this system include:

Acid-curing systems: The hardener (acid) is a catalyst for curing, and the solvent evaporates and forms no part of the final film of lacquer, paint or filler.

Polyurethane systems: These are two-pack systems in which the binder reacts with the hardener.

UV curing systems: Cured by exposure to UV radiation, the lacquers form a  film by cross-linking with the pre-polymer. Waterborne primers can be used in combination with UV finishing systems.

Source: AcromaPro, “Facts on Finishing.”  For information call 888-277-1448 or visit AcromaPro.com.