Advances in Field-Applied UV-Curable Floor Coatings

By J.A. Arceneaux, S. Smeets, J.C. Smith, G. Vanmeulder

Field-applied, UV-curable floor coatings were first introduced around the turn of the century. These floor coatings provide value to the end-user through fast return to service and improved coating properties that are fully developed immediately after cure. This value serves to minimize downtime, post-coat defects, and maintenance, thereby providing cost savings to the end-user.

The performance of the floor coatings has been improved since their first introduction. However, there is still a need for even stronger functionality, such as increased scratch and abrasion resistance, improved chemical resistance, and better appearance. This article discusses recent improvements in resin and formulation design that allow for enhanced coating performance in UV-curable concrete, wood, and vinyl composition tile (VCT) floor coatings.