Effects of artificial weathering on the surface properties of coated radiata pine

Radiata pine boards were coated with two different methods A and B both beginning with a hydro primer and finishing with a mat oil but method A using an acrylic high gloss coating and method B three layers of an acrylic sealer in between. The samples were subjected to aging processes for 144 h, 288 h, and 432 h by using UV-A 340 nm lamps. The CIE L*a*b* and CIE L*C*H* coordinates were determined (L*, a*, b*, C*, h(o)*, Delta E*), gloss (perpendicular (perpendicular to) and parallel (//) to the grain at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 85 degrees angles) and surface adhesion strength via the pull-off method were tested before and after weathering. Results have shown that lightness (L*), decreases with weathering for both varnish applications with a higher decrease for the B coating system. Redness increased for both applications with no significant differences. At the same time there was a yellowing of the samples along the weathering period. Parallel and perpendicular gloss decreased for 20 degrees and 60 degrees angles while it increased for 85 degrees angle. The adhesion strength of method A was higher and its decrease with weathering was smaller than for method B. Both varnish applications have proven to confer some protection against wood discoloration, but method A showed the best results and is therefore the best method to be used by radiata pine.