The effect of ageing and finishing type on the service properties of lacquer coatings on oak wood (quercus robur)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility properties of lacquer products used for finishing flooring elements. Four variants of oxidative varnishes were analysed: standard, white, matte, and additionally brushed, applied to a two-layer parquet made of pedunculate oak wood (Quercus robur), obtained under industrial conditions. The aesthetic characteristics, adhesion properties, and mechanical resistance of the coating systems were evaluated in the context of their durability and functional performance. As part of the accelerated ageing tests, after exposure to IR radiation, gloss stability was determined using a Pico Gloss glossmeter, while colour changes were evaluated by visual assessment. The conducted experiments showed that the analysed coating systems were characterised by high visual qualities, particularly in terms of colour and gloss. It was found that the accelerated ageing process affected the optical properties of the coatings, resulting in a reduction in gloss values and visually perceptible colour changes. All tested variants exhibited very good adhesion to the substrate, with the highest values obtained for the brushed lacquers. The matte coatings showed the greatest resistance to scratching, whereas, in visual assessment, the brushed varnish exhibited the lowest visibility of surface damage. The best results in terms of abrasion resistance were obtained for the white-coated systems, which showed the lowest mass loss. In the impact resistance test, the best properties were demonstrated by the matte-finished elements. The results indicate that the appropriate selection of a coating system influences the functional and aesthetic properties of flooring elements, including the reduction of visible surface scratches.