It’s a bold claim, but the companies behind Permaskin copolymer coating say the product could give timber a valuable marketing boost in external applications.
The new product is based on the thermoplastic film LuraSkin made by BASF which has been converted by Alcan Thermoplastics. It is applied using lamination
technology developed by PermaCoat and made by Duplas.
Permaskin is being marketed as a long-lasting alternative to paint and other finishes. Wood products are initially coated with a water-based adhesive which is left to cure before the film is applied.
“The application technology can handle 30-60 items an hour, coating both sides,” said Steve Rusling of Permaskin UK.
“The finish allows the grain to show through, but also has the potential to mask defects.”
He added that Permaskin has been through exhaustive thermal cycle tests in which a coated product was heated and cooled from 80oC to -20oC 1,000 times without cracking.
“The film follows the natural movement of the timber and can bridge cracks up to 5mm,” said Mr Rusling.
