Fall 2010 - Article 4
     

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Fall 2010 - Article 4

Wood Seal Update
Panelization Research Paper

Water-based coatings such as Essential’s Sport Kote® (#222) have been accepted for decades in finishing and recoating wood floors. However, water-based coatings have not found wide acceptance for sealing large areas of bare wood such as gymnasium floors. The primary reason is that waterborne products can cause panelization (also called sidebonding). As VOC regulations continue to get more stringent, adapting the traditional solvent-based system (oil-modified urethane) to meet state laws has become more challenging. This has opened the door for water-based sealer technologies to be used on sanded or newly installed floors.

Essential Industries has published a white paper on its website that explores why water-based technologies have a tendency to cause panelization. The paper then delves into new technologies that are incorporated into our Wood Seal (#226) that are minimizing this issue - making it safe for use as a bare wood sealer. To find the paper, go to Wood Seals and Panelization.

 

         

The boards were tested using
an Instron 5567 load frame
under displacement control
to determine the shear force
required to separate the
boards along the tongue
and groove.