A New Approach for Millwork Finishes
The LED-cure products from LED Coating Solutions offer a fast-curing, zero-VOC finish that works well for trim and cabinetry in small shop settings.
As a millworker and finish carpenter, I have extensive finishing experiences that range from working with wipe-on products to spraying two-part poly in temporary spray booths. However, I’ve often found the results of these shop-based and on-site wood-finishing options to be limited and the processes challenging. That has led me to outsource most of my clear-coat trim and cabinet work to professional spray shops.
While this approach has ensured quality, the extra costs and complications of packaging and transporting the materials have led me to look at ways of increasing the productivity of our small millwork shop and have encouraged me to reexamine finishing options. Although I knew of LED-cure technology as a specialty floor finish, I had never considered its application in my workflow.
Choosing an LED-Cured Finish
After researching many new products and talking with suppliers, I decided to experiment with the zero-VOC Vesting products from LED Coating Solutions alongside the company’s Portable LED Cured Furniture Light and Handheld Battery-Operated LED Cured Light.
The application process is straightforward: Prep the surface, apply a modest amount of material, and work it in until a dry rag no longer picks up any residue. Then activate the curing process with the LED light, buff, and repeat. The results were impressive. And because there isn’t any “wet” material left on the wood for dust to stick to, I can apply the material in less-than-clean conditions without concern.
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Photos by Mark Petersen.
A Speedy Process
The LED light truly does cure the product 100%, which means you can package finished components that had been raw wood just a few minutes earlier. This efficiency has significantly reduced handling time and decreased the amount of packaging consumables I use.
While the curing lights are a significant investment, I believe the upfront costs are justified. For my shop, the ability to achieve a professional-quality finish without the constraints of traditional spray systems or slow-curing wipe and roll-on products means that these expenses will be recovered quickly.
Vesting offers a wide range of color options. A quart of clear runs $150 and will cover approximately 500 sq. ft. in two coats (the second coat takes significantly less material). The Handheld Battery-Operated LED Cured Light costs $650, and the Portable LED Cured Furniture Light I used is $1800.
It’s important to note that the handheld light is only recommended for smaller spaces. The larger plug-in light guarantees a 100% cure and is a must for larger and horizontal surfaces. The Vesting finishes and curing lights can be bought directly through ledcoatingsolutions.com.
— Stefan Straka; cabinetmaker and finish carpenter in Roberts Creek, B.C., Canada.
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