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| Thursday, July 29, 2010 |
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| [Thursday, November 30, 2006] |
| What are the differences between high solids, low solids, and metal interlock finishes? Where would each be used?
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| Hard & Resilient Floor Care - Joseph Desmond |
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Water-based finishes consist of acrylic polymers or polyurethane and other ingredients with water functioning as a thinner or carrier. Water-based finishes cure when
polymer or polyurethane droplets move together and interlock as the water evaporates. When the interlocking ingredient is zinc, these finishes are called "metal-interlocking" - a process designed to increase the durability of the finish.
Metal interlocking of finishes has come under criticism because the zinc released by stripping can, supposedly, interfere with wastewater treatment facilities. The counter-argument is that using zinc produces a more durable finish that requires less maintenance, and thereby lessens other environmental impacts.
The terms "high solids" and "low solids" refer to the amount of acrylic polymer or polyurethane contained in the finish. "High solids" sometimes equates to a longer lasting (thicker) finish requiring fewer coats to achieve desired results. But durability is not always a given, since some high solid thermoplastic finishes designed for Ultra High Speed (UHS) burnishing to a high gloss are "softer" and require frequent restoration. Low solids finishes are "thinner", usually less expensive, generally not for UHS applications, and are intended for lower traffic areas. It's a bit more complicated than that, as there are always exceptions and new technologies, so contact your jansan distributor for more information.
Allen P. Rathey, President
InstructionLink/JanTrain, Inc.
Ph-208-938-3137
arathey@jantrain.com
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| ICAN representative |
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