Comparison of Some Mechanical Performances of UV Varnish Systems Used in Furniture and Yacht Manufacturing

This study comparatively evaluated the scratch and abrasion resistance of daylight UV-curable and high-energy UV-curable varnish systems applied to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.), and mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) wood species commonly used in furniture and yacht manufacturing. Scratch resistance was determined using a progressive loading method, while abrasion resistance was assessed based on mass loss using a Taber abrasion testing machine. The results indicated that both wood species and varnish type had statistically significant effects on scratch and abrasion resistance. High-energy UV-curable varnish systems exhibited significantly higher scratch resistance than daylight UV-curable systems across all wood species. In abrasion resistance, mahogany showed the lowest mass loss (0.11 g), indicating the highest resistance, whereas Scots pine and oriental beech exhibited higher mass loss values (0.20 g). The findings suggest that varnish type has a stronger influence on scratch resistance, whereas abrasion resistance is more closely related to wood species characteristics. Overall, high-energy UV-curable varnishes provide superior surface performance in applications requiring high durability.