FOCUS TECHNOLOGY THE BEAUTY OF A LACQUERED SURFACE

Transcription

1 FOCUS TECHNOLOGY

2 FOCUS TECHNOLOGY THE BEAUTY OF A LACQUERED SURFACE Snaidero is one of the few companies on the market with more than 50 years experience in the development of lacquered kitchens. Its product range certainly represents one of its strengths. Snaidero further stands out due to its very wide range of doors and fittings developed in different lacquering styles. Matte, embossed, polished, metallized and micalized finishes are available. Unique processing techniques and the use of special machines with exclusively hand-operated processes are indispensable in the development of lacquered surfaces in a rainbow of colors.

3 MANUFACTURING PROCESS

4 VARNISHING: A STRATEGIC PROCESS Developing a wide range of colors and finishes for doors and cabinets with customized technological components and relatively short response times is possible due to the integration of the lacquering process into the production chain. This enables Snaidero to meet any market need.

5 EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATION The first development of lacquered, shaped elements dates back to 1991, with the introduction of lacquered curved doors for the historical Pininfarina-designed model Ola. With the restyling of Ola, as well as the Viva and Idea models carried out by Pininfarina in 2000, innovative polished and matte metallized lacquered finishes were introduced, inspired by a typical process from the automotive sector. After 10 years, at Eurocucina 2010, Snaidero introduced a new technology, also of automotive origin: micalized lacquering.

6 BUT HOW ARE THE LACQUERING PROCESSES CARRIED OUT, PRECISELY?

7 2 layers metallised varnish I drying phase 3 layers bright and glossy varnish II drying phase polishing by using abrasive papers with fine grains brightening by using cotton brushes and polishing waxes LET S START WITH THE POLISHED METALLIZED FINISH: It is essential to have a starting base that is fit to support the subsequent varnish applications: that is why surfaces prepared with polyester or acrylic bottom with UV crosslinking are used when applicable. Semi-finished products must be smoothed until a perfectly uniform surface is achieved, free from chips, holes or cracks. On top of this base, metallized varnish is applied in 2 layers. In the first phase, the metallized varnish coat is applied wet, which enables a surface chromatic uniformity. After a drying phase, a second layer is applied. This way, the metallic scales that are present in the varnish can be arranged almost vertically, which helps to showcase the metallic reflections. After the drying step, a glossy and bright varnish is applied in three coats, which is allowed to dry partially between one layer and the next, in order to obtain a thicker layer of the final varnish. At the end of the difficult process, doors fully dry for several days, to allow the varnish and paints to harden perfectly. Then, in order to eliminate any possible traces of dust, surfaces are polished by using abrasive papers with fine grains and the brightening phase is completed using cotton brushes and polishing waxes. The end result is a highly scratch-resistant door, with a brightness and a deep, rich color highlighted by the thick varnish layer that is unique to the market. The matte metallized lacquer version differs from the glossy one in that, instead of the brushable bright polished layers, a matte bright finish is applied

8 1 coat micalised varnish short drying phase 1 coat micalised varnish I drying phase 1 coat finishing varnish with the wished opaqueness II drying phase THE NEW MICALIZED FINISH FOLLOWS: The starting point for the application of micalized finish is similar to what we have already described for the metallized finish. The micalised varnish coat is applied, and after a short drying phase, a second coat is applied to develop the micalized effect. After the previous partial drying, finishing varnish with a slight opaqueness is applied. At the end of the process, doors are dried over several days to make varnishes fully harden before they are passed to the assembly phase. The difference in the final look is quite evident to a careful observer. In practice, the metallized effect is more marked and evident than the micalized effect, which is a lighter color with a more subtle reflective surface.

9 NOW LET S TALK ABOUT THE GLOSSY LACQUERED STYLE: The starting base for the glossy lacquered style application is not vastly different from the one described for the metallized and micalized finishing. Like the previous 2 processes, the glossy lacquered varnish is applied in two coats. After a first varnish layer, a second-one is applied in a process known as wet-on-wet. This ensures a chromatically uniformity and thicker varnish layer is achieved, which is more suitable to be subject to the following brushing treatment. At the end of the lacquering process, doors of this glossy lacquer style are dried for several days to enable the paints to harden completely. Then, just as it occurs in the metallized process, surfaces are smoothed, through abrasive papers with fine grains and brightening is carried out by using cotton brushes and polishing waxes in order to eliminate any possible trace of dust that can be deposited. The end result that is achieved is a glossy, bright and uniform door, with good surface resistance. 2 coats glossy lacquered varnish drying phase polishing by using abrasive papers with fine grains brightening by using cotton brushes and polishing waxes

10 1 coat matt lacquered varnish drying phase LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE MATTE LACQUERED STYLE: The matte lacquered style can be applied on the same starting base used for the application of the glossy lacquered and metallized processes and even on the surface of the doors made from opaque polymeric materials that are present in some models. On these appropriately prepared bases, the matte lacquered varnish is applied in a single layer. This varnish is water base, to further reduce the varnishing process s environmental impact. At the end of the varnishing process, doors are dried for a few days, in order to let paints fully harden. The application in a single layer of the matte lacquered varnish is required for the appropriate surfacing of the micro-particles that are present in the lacquered surface, leading to the creation of a varnish layer whose opacity is deep and solid, slightly embossed, with a silky, scratch-resistant touch.

11 BUT WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN METALLIZED AND MICALIZED VARNISHES?

12 METALLIZED VARNISH Metallized varnish is achieved by mixing in the colored base with powdered metal, generally composed of aluminum scales (in a size calibrated for the purpose), that are appropriately processed and dispersed. Metal powder, once it is applied, takes on - depending on additives and the type of application - a special configuration that is both flat with respect to the support and dynamic. This ensures that every scale reflects the light in a different way from the others, thus generating the typical bright reflective effect. A limitation for these products lies in their grey shade that is typical of metals, and that does not enable them to be used in certain colors. MICALIZED VARNISH On the other hand, micalized varnish is achieved by using mica as a reflecting agent. Mica is a monoclinic mineral with a tendency towards pseudo-hexagonal crystals. If blended with paint, it creates a bright effect that varies from the one achieved by using the metallized process. Mica is actually less reflective but brighter, which is why darker and more subtle colors like dark blues and different grey and black shades are offered.

13 LACQUERED SURFACE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING To clean lacquered surfaces, neutral and non-abrasive liquid detergents (in a solution of 1-2 parts detergent to 10 parts water) should be used as well as more concentrated detergents in the presence of very dirty and greasy surfaces. Rinse and dry immediately with a soft and clean cloth, avoiding the use of steel wools, bleach, acidic detergents, solvents such as trichloroethylene, acetone, alcohol, and any abrasive substance that may damage the surface s integrity.

14 A WIDE SELECTION OF FINISHES AND A BRAND NEW RANGE OF COLORS Color is a real architectonic element. It can dramatically define space perception and the total atmosphere of an environment. The latest interior design trends showcase a color s expressive potential even in accessories and furnishings. It is actively involved in creating the feelings associated with any room.

15 SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

16 CERTIFIED AND SENSITIVE QUALITY With a mission rooted in aesthetic and product quality excellence, Snaidero never forgets to pay specific attention to environmental safety in its manufacturing process. The company was certified to Iso 9001 for its Quality Control System in It was the first kitchen manufacturer in Italy to be awarded this distinction. Snaidero was then certified to Iso for its Environmental management system and to SA 8000 for social responsibility management system, which further testifies to Snaidero s care for the environmental issues. ISO 9001 QUALITY CERTIFICATION FOR OUR ENTIRE PRODUCTION PROCESS UNI EN ISO INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION SA 8000 SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY CERTIFICATION

17 SNAIDERO QUALITY. AN AWARENESS CAPABLE OF LOOKING AHEAD

18 WATER BASE VARNISHING. ENVIRONMENTALLY- FRIENDLY AND HEALTHY Water base varnishing in the furnishing field represents a new frontier for an environmentally-friendly production. Opting for water is not just an environmental choice, but it also considers the consumer s health and workplace. Varnishes and paints assume responsibility for a large portion of air pollution. During the manufacturing process and for at least two years following, they disperse many tons of volatile organic compounds into the air, accounting for one-third of motor vehicle emissions. Depending on the type of varnishes that are applied, a certain amount dissolves in the environment. It is important to know if the varnishes that are used contain toxic substances (heavy metals, formaldehyde ) noxious for human health and for the ecosystem. Environmental impact reduction and a controlled process that started many years ago at Snaidero has led to the elimination of pigments containing heavy metals that might make lacquered varnishes dangerous to the consumer. The aromatic diluents used in the process have also been dramatically reduced. All of the varnishes used in Snaidero s products are non-toxic and they do not contain any heavy material, formaldehyde or any of their bi-products. The company s commitment to reducing volatile organic substance emissions in the atmosphere and to improve the job s healthfulness led to this introduction of water base matte lacquered varnishes many years ago, keeping the functional, performance and aesthetic characteristics needed in a kitchen unaltered.

19 TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT WATER BASE VARNISHED PRODUCTS EXPLOIT WATER S SOLVENT CAPACITIES AND THEY ARE CAPABLE OF ALMOST COMPLETELY REPLACING ORGANIC SOLVENTS. DRYING OF WATER BASE PRODUCTS OCCURS THROUGH A PROCESS DIVIDED INTO TWO STEPS: Physical water evaporation; Mechanical melting (coalescence) of small drops of resin. This stage of the varnishing cycle, as well as the application of the varnish itself, must take place in environments with a temperature that is not lower than 15 C and a relative humidity not higher than 60%. If these specific conditions are not met, the drying process slows down and/or a poor quality film is formed.

20 THE ADVANTAGES OF WATER BASE VARNISHING WATER BASE VARNISHES WERE FIRST MENTIONED AS AN OPTION FOR FURNITURE PAINTS IN THE FIFTIES, IN NORTHERN EUROPE COUNTRIES. YET, DUE TO SCARCE RESEARCH AND A LACK OF ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS, THAT TECHNOLOGY DID NOT SPREAD VERY RAPIDLY AT THE TIME. THANKS TO CONSTANTLY-EVOLVING INNOVATIONS IN BOTH FIELDS OF STUDY, WATER VARNISHING STARTED TO SPREAD LIKE MANY OTHER CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES. The benefits of water base varnishing, in terms of pollution reduction in both the atmosphere and at home, are clear in solvent emissions (which measures the varnish volume that is dispersed in the environment). Water varnished products actually considerably reduce air pollution, bringing the emissions in the atmosphere to a value that is lower than 10% compared with the results achieved with solvent-based varnishes. Air pollution reduction is clear if you consider that: 1 kg of solvent varnish pollutes air with about 600/700 grams of solvent in the form of gas. 1 kg of water base varnish contaminates air with about 60/70 grams of solvent in the form of gas. The application of water base varnishes bring an environmental benefit not just associated with a reduction of the solvent contained in their formulation, but also with the elimination of the solvent used to wash the application equipment, as only water can be used.

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