We are repeatedly asked if our finish top-coat is durable to water stains/marks. We’ve not had a complaint yet, but feel it necessary to answer this question with a test rather than ‘our opinion’. Presently, the finish ‘beads’ like a fine automobile wax. Yet, it does beg the question of what happens over years of abuse.
We plan to conduct 3 finish durability tests
Water Condensation Test (listed below)
Chemical Test (details to follow)
To Be Announced
We are currently conducting a test with 7 sample chips from our SAMPLE PACK. We have modified the 7 chips to meet the requirements listed below. We will try and be as detailed as possible in describing this unscientific-scientific experiment. Why is it an unscientific-scientific experiment? Simply because we are trying to be scientific, but completely morons in reality.
The sample finishes are being applied to Kauri wood. We expect the experiment to be no different if it was mahogany wood. The wood hardness/softness rating seems unimportant to the durability of the finish. In the future, we may do this with mahogany, but again, feel this is related to a chemical test and not a wood species test.
Samples that are mailed to the customer in our SAMPLE PACKS are (1) coat finished (like Sample 2).
Sample 4, Sample 5, Sample 6 are potential option upgrade ideas.
Sample 7 is a commonly used finish in our industry area. We have inserted it into the test to compare it to PU. This might be commonly used by our competitor’s.
Sample 8 is an American cabinet company drawer front (head). The wood species is cherry. We cannot confirm the type of finish. Keep in mind this drawer head may deteriorate quick, since it was never meant to be a table top. In addition, cabinet finishes are normally a simple lacquer.
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Sample 1 |
completely unfinished |
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Sample 2 |
1) coat of PU finish + (2) undercoat PU sealers |
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Sample 3 |
(2) coats of PU finish + (2) undercoat PU sealers |
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Sample 4 |
(5) coats of PU finish + (2) undercoat PU sealers |
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Sample 5 |
(2) coats of PU finish + (4) undercoat PU sealers |
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Sample 6 |
(2) coats of PU finish + (6) undercoat PU sealers |
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Sample 7 |
(1) coat of Melamine finish + (2) undercoat Melamine sealers |
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Sample |
American cabinet company drawer front (head). |
Click This Under
The finish is an industry Poly 2-part finish. We have it custom-made (mixed) in the plant for our use.
This will be a 60-day test.
The test start date is February 13, 2006.
The weather is 75-90 degrees F and the humidity is 50-60%.
We are leaving the samples in our office with intermittent air-conditioning.
Each day the cups will be emptied and filled to the top with ice, then water. The next day, the same step will be repeated. The test will be Monday-Friday.
The cups will be changed from 8am-11am each day.
Water condensation will not be removed from the sample each day. Therefore, if water is presently sitting on the sample, it will stay sitting until evaporated.
At the end of the week, the samples will be cleaned with a 150:1 Simply Green solution and evaluated. Pictures will be posted weekly with comments.
The SAMPLE CHIP color is Danbury Brown.
The cup used is a simple plastic drinking cup that holds 100 ml of liquid. After adding ice to the top, the cup will hold about 50 ml of liquid. We have chosen this cup because it condensates very well. Pictures will be posted showing and commenting on how quick the ice evaporates.
We believe the conditions of the test are more extreme than the actual use of a residential bar. We don’t expect that people leave water standing on table top finishes for hours on end. Yet, it is not uncommon to leave drinks on wood table tops and remove them the next day. A beer can that sweats will not give off the same amount of water condensation as our plastic cups. A glass cup will also give off less water condensation. Yet, the size of the cup also determines the amount of condensation. Therefore, a larger cup or mug might give-off an equal amount of water.
We will conduct wine and beer tests on the samples at a later date. We tried to conduct the beer tests first, but it seems it always evaporates the day before the tests. In honesty, it seems the current test is better suited since evaporation from the beer cans, glassware, or other, is water.
If anybody has an opinion for additional tests, we are open to try anything.
573 Angliana Avenue
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 255-4700