You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. Specifically, soft-touch coatings give products a warmer and more comfortable feel, and the elasticity and drag from soft-touch coatings can also prevent slippage of parts. It can be applied as a clear translucent topcoat over a wide variety of substrates and basecoats to produce a lustrous full matte finish. “UV technology cures in seconds versus the minutes to hours needed for two-part urethanes. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. This product carries full test approvals from some of the largest general industrial clients on earth. It’s unique UV resistance means it also protects wood surfaces from colour fade caused by sunlight. The results are plotted on a triangular diagram or map, with each corner of the triangle representing one of the three resins and their properties (feel, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance). It is used on automotive interiors, expensive furniture, computer peripherals, hairdryers and even aviation dashboards. Rubbery paint effect with tact, soft-touch rubber “One important note about the model is that it is a quadratic formula. Houle adds that the need to apply thicker coatings (2 mils, or double that of typical coatings) to achieve a soft feel and issues with long-term adhesion performance are other concerns that need to be addressed. By continuing, you consent to the use of cookies for analytic and functional purposes, as discussed in the Types of Information Collected section of our Privacy Policy. Soft Touch. Ultra soft to the touch, it feels like expensive suede or soft leather but offers the tough as nails performance of an automotive grade two component urethane finish. She also notes that defining “soft feel” can be difficult because some customers want a slippery, silky feel, while others prefer a grabby, rubbery feel. This panel is a descriptive human analytical tool, and its services are available to the company’s customers and other value chain partners, according to Swaans. Ease of application. “Research into consumer preferences has shown that buyers are more likely to purchase a product if it engages their sensation of touch. In general, the model indicates that hard coatings have very low coefficients of friction, very high hardness, very low deformation, and very high modulus. It looks stunning and adds a touch of class to metal, plastic, glass and wood with an amazing touch sensation that’s like nothing else. Mapping of the range of sensory feels (rubbery, velvety, silky, hard) is achieved using a mathematical model developed by Covestro that considers four key properties—coefficient of friction, microhardness, polymer deformation, and modulus. There are no free isocyanates, which means an unlimited potlife, and UV-curable chemistry has improved durability,” she states. “To achieve the required chemical and mechanical properties, the coating would require a higher Tg and increased crosslinking density, which would harden the film and make it resistant to attack by solvents and other chemicals. The other key development goal is to further improve the stain resistance of soft-touch coatings. In addition to the subjectivity of sensory feel properties, coating formulators are challenged to get the right balance between these soft touch attributes and performance, including chemical and stain resistance. So please chose your products carefully.