A Quick Guide to PU and Acrylic Finishes

Wood finishes play a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of wooden surfaces and protecting them from regular wear and tear. In the world of wood polishes, polyurethane (PU) and acrylic finish are two popular choices, each distinguishing themselves with distinctive features and versatile applications.

Let us delve into choosing the suitable wood coating to help you acquire the desired finish for your wooden furnishings.

Understanding PU finishes

Polyurethane finishes for wood are synthetic wood coatings known for their exceptional durability, moisture, and UV resistance. Widely used in furniture and flooring, both, matt or high gloss PU polish offers a robust protective layer that enhances the natural beauty of the wood while providing long-lasting resistance against wear and tear.

Advantages of PU Finish

The below listed advantages makes PU finish a reliable choice for a wide array of surface applications –

  • Transparency – PU finishes feature exceptional transparency, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through, creating an attractive finish.
  • Elasticity – The elasticity of PU finish enables the safeguarding of wooden surfaces by reducing the risk of cracks or damage caused by changes in temperature or humidity.
  • Chemical and Physical Resistance – Like polyester finishes for wood, PU finish provides robust protection against chemical exposure and physical wear and tear, making them highly durable and resilient in various environments.
  • Enhanced Aesthetics – With PU finishes, wooden surfaces acquire a rich and lustrous appearance similar to high gloss polyester finish, enhancing the overall aesthetics and visual appeal of furniture, flooring, etc.
  • Versatility – PU finishes are versatile and suitable for various applications. They can be applied to wood and other surfaces, offering flexibility and adaptability in various settings.

Understanding Acrylic Finishes

Acrylic finish is a synthetic wood finish that forms a transparent protective layer on wooden surfaces, enhancing its natural aesthetics. It also offers resistance against water damage, UV rays, and daily wear and tear. Widely used in furniture, cabinetry, and flooring, acrylic wood finishes provide a durable and transparent coating that preserves the wood’s beauty in various applications.

Advantages of Acrylic Finish

The following benefits of acrylic finishes make them an ideal choice for diverse wooden surfaces – 

  • Versatile – Acrylic finishes are incredibly versatile for wooden surfaces, adapting well to various wood types and making them suitable for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring projects. Additionally, their flexibility ensures adaptability across varied furniture shapes and surfaces.
  • Water-like Transparency – Acrylic finishes provide water-like transparency, allowing the natural beauty of the wood surface to reflect through. This clear and glossy appearance enhances the overall visual appeal of wooden surfaces.
  • Resistance to Chemical and Physical Elements – Acrylic finishes offer robust resistance against chemical exposure and physical wear. This makes acrylic finishes an ideal choice for exterior furniture. 
  • Ideal for High-Traffic Areas – Well-suited for areas subject to high levels of wear and tear, acrylic finishes prove to be durable and resilient. Their protective properties make them a practical choice for maintaining the integrity of wood surfaces in demanding environments.
  • Anti-Yellowing Property – When exposed to environmental factors, wood may undergo a yellowing process, changing its original colour. Acrylic finishes, known for their anti-yellowing properties, help in retaining the original colour of the wooden surface.

Choosing the Ideal Wood Coating with ICA Italian Wood Finishes

Practicality is essential when choosing between PU and acrylic wood finishes. Customise your decision based on your requirements and the desired look. Opt for the ICA Finezza PU finish if you’re looking for a tough, high gloss PU polish that can withstand heavy traffic. The ICA Finezza acrylic finish will be ideal if you want a transparent, long-lasting finish that prevents wood from yellowing. You can opt for either or a combination of both finishes based on your project needs, ensuring a practical and flexible approach. Contact us to learn more about PU and acrylic finishes. 

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