Very matt and resistant surfaces, where fingerprints don't show?! Such varnishes and paints already exist!

If the demands on the appearance of furniture are fashionable, the demands on surface resistance are permanent. For manufacturers of finishing materials, this means a constant improvement in the solutions they offer, constantly on the lookout for trends set by architects and designers. All this against a backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental and public health requirements. Complicated, isn't it? One growing trend is for surfaces that are as matt as possible, with no reflection of images. Product series S-MATTby Italian varnish and paint manufacturer ICA Group, combines this requirement with outstanding surface performance and reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The series has been highly acclaimed since its launch, winning awards in both Europe and the US. The products are now available in the country through Lomilux, ICA's distributor in Romania.

What makes the S-MATT Series special

Furniture manufacturers and customers alike complain that it is hard to find a quality product that does not reflect light at all, is pleasant to the touch and is highly durable. S-MATT meets all these requirements. The varnishes and paints in the series have gloss level under 5, they do not reflect light at all and have a silky, pleasant touch. The series is by no means limited, offering a wide range of colors and textures.

The products are resistant to coffee, alcohol and wine stains, to scratching, and if a very rough action has nevertheless resulted in fine scratches, the surface can be easily and quickly repaired with an iron. Yes, no mistake! With S-MATT UV-cured products, heat does not damage surfaces, but actually does good, helping to repair light scratches. Simply place a cotton cloth on the spot, dampen it with water and then iron it. In less than 20 seconds, the scratches disappear and the surface returns to its original shape, with no whitening or other traces of the moist heat.

One property that is sure to make many people happy is the lack of fingerprints on surfaces finished with S-MATT Series products. Even if the surface is smooth and fine, the touch of your fingers will not leave the usual annoying fingerprints, especially in public spaces (restaurants, conference rooms, dining rooms). The lack of fingerprints will keep the space looking neat and tidy at all times and will add to the comfort of those inside.

Last but not least, the products are low in volatile organic compounds, both on application and in use, and do not emit formaldehyde. The S-MATT series includes products with a high level of safety and reliability. They meet the requirements of the EN 71 standard for objects with which children come into contact.

What surfaces can be covered with these materials

Practically, the series includes materials for covering any type of surface - solid wood, veneered panels, plywood, MDF, melamine chipboard, glass. The products are perfect for furniture in modern and functional living spaces or in offices, hotels or restaurants. They can be applied on wooden floors, highlighting its natural beauty and ensuring durability and strength. They can be used to protect furniture in kitchens, where surfaces must always be clean and resistant to scratches and stains. No matter what type of furniture they're used on, S-MATT Series materials help keep it looking beautiful and durable for longer.

One use for which varnishes and paints have not previously been highly recommended is the protection of heavily used kitchen worktops and tables. UV-cured products in the S-MATT series meet the requirements of the UNI 11216 standard for the resistance of kitchen worktops, offering new opportunities for designers.

S-MATT series products

The S-MATT series includes a large number of products, transparent or opaque colored, differentiated by the way of application or drying. In terms of drying, there are 4 main product groups:

• UVX, UV-cured products,
• UVAX, products that combine the characteristics of water-based drying with UV drying,
• AOX, products using conventional drying methods,
• OPX, products that use the drying methods of traditional solvent-based products.

UVX range uses UV lamps to achieve quality matt surfaces without the use of, or greatly reducing the amount of, matting agents. This produces surfaces with very good physico-chemical properties. The products can be applied by waving, spraying or molding to obtain smooth or 3D surfaces. They are recommended for coating kitchen worktops, table tops, floors or doors.

Products from UVAX range combines the drying properties of water-based products with UV curing. These products are very suitable for vertical application or on profiled edges, they lay well on surfaces and have very good resistance.

Group AOX are two-component waterborne products with conventional drying and spray application. They are recommended for surfaces that do not have the strength requirements of kitchen worktops.

In OPX range are solvent-based products with conventional drying. They have very good resistance and are recommended for intensively used surfaces such as floors or kitchen worktops.

A range of products whose outstanding qualities have been recognized by international awards

Ever since the first product presentation at the fair Xylexpo, în 2018, the S-MATT Series took second place in the
category Coating/Finishing of awards Xia-Xylexpo Innovation for the extraordinary level of innovation and originality. The following year at Interzum, the series won the Intelligent Material and Design the category High Product Quality. Two months later, it also conquered the USA at AWFS, the most prestigious international fair for the wood industry, winning the Visionary New Product.

The S-MATT series products are an important aid for the finishing departments in factories and an important benefit for the owners of the finished objects. Last but not least, their presence opens up new opportunities for architects and designers.