The finishes applied to a panel play an essential role in the appearance and durability of buildings, both internally and externally. In the case of Viroc, a compound and versatile panel used in several phases of construction, choosing the correct finish is crucial. This application will help define the identity of the buildings and guarantee their maintenance over time.
In this article, we explore the benefits of the finishes of the VIROC panels, mainly in outdoor applications, and provide tips on how to achieve the desired results.
Benefits of applying finishes in VIROC panels:
VIROC is a panel made up of a mixture of wood and cement particles, which combines the flexibility of wood with the resistance and durability of cement. However, if left without a finish, these panels may undergo alterations when exposed to damp and rain. By varnishing the panels, we can obtain the following benefits:
- Protection against moisture: VIROC panels have a natural tendency to absorb water owing to their porosity. When varnished, they are protected against the excessive absorption of water, preventing problems such as unsightly efflorescence and seepage.
- Minimisation of the dimensional variations: unvarnished panels may suffer significant dimensional variations owing to the changes in the moisture levels of the wooden particles. Applying varnish will reduce the dimensional alterations, avoiding damage in the clamping zones and ensuring a safe installation.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance: Varnishing the VIROC panels makes it easier to clean and maintain them.
Advice for varnishing VIROC panels:
Before varnishing the panels, it is important to correctly prepare the surfaces.
- Cleaning and preparing surfaces: Make sure the surfaces are clean, dry, and free from fat, dust and salts. Cleaning disks consisting of Scotch Brite abrasive fibres or sandpaper disks of 120 grit or higher may be used to clean the surfaces. Remove all the dust, salts and dirt resulting from the cleaning, preferably through aspiration, to prevent unwanted marks in the final finish.
- Choosing the right varnish: There are no specific varnishes for VIROC panels, which is why we recommend using varnishes designed for concrete and wood surfaces. These varnishes perform better in the presence of alkalinity on the panel surface (pH of 11-13). Water-based varnishes, with acrylic resins or aliphatic polyurethane resins, are options that minimise the alteration of the natural colour of the panel. However, solvent-based varnishes generally perform better.
- Choose the varnish for its specific purpose: Make sure you choose a suitable varnish. If it is for outdoor façades, apply a varnish recommended for outdoor use, which is resistant to the environmental conditions. For indoor flooring, go for a varnish with sufficient hardness and resistance to support the constant traffic.
- Continuous and homogeneous application: When applying the varnish on the panels it is essential to ensure a continuous and uniform finish, meaning you should paint/varnish all the surfaces and edges of the panels. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, respecting the recommended number of layers.
A suitable finish is essential to improve the appearance, durability and maintenance of the constructions that use VIROC panels. When varnishing these panels, especially for outdoor use, it protects them against moisture, minimises dimensional variations, and makes it easier to clean and maintain them.
To obtain exceptional results, it is crucial to follow the preparation steps and the advice regarding application contained in this article. It is vital to choose the suitable varnishes and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the quality of the VIROC panels.
