SMOOTH POLYUREA
Formulations and Techniques
for a smooth Finish
Since polyurea was introduced in the 80’s it has changed many industries. While the rough texture of polyurea is great for many applications, some applications require a smooth finish. Let’s take a look at the formulations and spraying techniques to get a smooth polyurea finish.
Formulation Adjustments
The formulation of a polyurea coating affects its smoothness. Key components that affect the texture are:
- Prepolymers: The choice of prepolymers in polyurea formulations is critical. Using lower viscosity prepolymers will give you a smoother finish.
- Additives: Adding specific additives like flow agents and leveling compounds will enhance the smoothness of the coating. These additives help the polyurea to spread more evenly on the substrate.
- Particle Size: The size of the filler particles in the polyurea mix also affects the texture. Smaller, more uniform particles will give you a smoother surface.
spraying techniques
Getting a smooth polyurea finish is not just about the formulation. The spraying technique is also important. Here are some advanced techniques to consider:
- Spray Gun Calibration: Calibrate your spray gun , including pressure and nozzle size. High pressure, fine mist will give you a smoother finish.
- Substrate Preparation: The substrate surface must be spot on. A well prepared, clean and smooth substrate will give you better adhesion and a finer finish.
- Spray Pattern: Keep your spray pattern consistent and overlap each pass by 50% to prevent ridges and ensure even application.
- Environmental Control: Temperature and humidity during application can affect the smoothness. Controlled environment with optimal conditions will give you a better finish.
unique insights
One often missed benefit of smooth polyurea is noise reduction. In applications like automotive undercoatings, a smooth polyurea layer will dampen vibrations and reduce road noise, making it more comfortable.
Another advantage is the aesthetic flexibility. Smooth polyurea can be tinted or colored to match your design requirements, functional and decorative.
EXAMPLE OF SMOOTH POLYUREA
To the left is an example of how ArmorThane incorporated a smooth finish to a custom application. A customer wanted his wheel wells to match. Unfortunately, Ford sends out their trucks with blacked-out front wheel wells and white uncovered wheel wells in the rear. In order to match the black smooth finish of the front wheel wells, ArmorThane sprayed a pure polyurea product with no texturing to complete a smooth finished look.
COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL FLOORING
Smooth polyurea is often used in commercial and residential flooring projects to create a seamless and glossy surface that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also provides a durable and easy-to-clean flooring solution. Click here to learn more about these applications.
DECORATIVE FINISHES
In the decorative industry, smooth polyurea is applied to countertops, furniture, and architectural elements to create a seamless and glossy finish that adds elegance and sophistication to the overall design.
AUTOMOTIVE COATINGS
The automotive industry utilizes smooth polyurea coatings to protect and enhance the appearance of vehicles, thanks to its high-performance properties such as resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and UV rays.
THEME PARK / PROP INDUSTRY
The theme park and prop industry relies on smooth polyurea coatings to create realistic and durable surfaces for props, sets, and themed environments, providing a seamless and glossy finish that enhances the visual appeal and withstands the demands of high-traffic areas.
