Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use my usual paints when I change from thermal drying to UV?
2. Are UV paints harmful to use?
3. What is the ecological status of UV paint?
4. Will UV paints dry without special equipment?
5. Do I need to wash up equipment between shifts etc. as I do with conventional paints?
6. How much power does it use?

Can I use my usual paints when I change from thermal drying to UV?

No. UV cure paints are chemically different and dry by a completely different mechanism. They are generally nearly 100% solids (UV convertable form liquid state).

Are UV paints harmful to use?

Provided that good industrial heigene is practiced they are not harmful. Since they are almost 100% solids and non-volitile, they are less harmful than most paints from an inhalation hazard point of view, but they can be irritating to the skin. We recommend disposable nitrile gloves, but if skin contact occurs, wash with solvol soap and water. It is best not to use solvent wash-up on the skin.

What is the ecological status of UV paint?

UV paints are listed as "best available control technology" for reduction of atmospheric polution from coating processes by the California EPA. This is as a result of their very high solids, very low VOC's (volitile organic compounds) and speed of cure with low energy input.

Will UV paints dry without special equipment?

Generally not - they require UV lamps, but it is possible to formulate UV crosslinking paints that will phisically dry before cure (eg by solvent or water evaporation). This is sometimes suggested if there is likely to be shadow zones in the curing oven - eg with 3 dimensional objects. UV cross linking Polyurethane dispersions are useful for this.

Do I need to wash up equipment between shifts etc. as I do with conventional paints?

Not necessarily. Since UV paints don't dry unless they are exposed to light it is possible to simply cover equipment between uses. Clean up is also an easy process owing to the non-drying nature of these paints.

How much power does it use?

Generally about 20% of that for thermal processes.

If you have any further questions, please contact us.

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