¡Descarga el catálogo ahora!

    Introduce tu email y accede a la descarga directa

      ¿Otra vez por aquí?
      Nos alegra verte de nuevo

      Introduce tus datos y no te pierdas ninguna de nuestras novedades



      Decorative paper: Impregnation and varnishing

      29 March, 2023

      Impregnation and coating of printed paper: The transformation of paper to design

      Paper is a versatile material used in a wide variety of products and applications. One of the most interesting and creative uses of paper is its transformation into decorative paper for coating all kinds of indoor surfaces, a process that involves impregnating and coating the paper after printing. In this article, we will explore in depth the process of paper impregnation and coating, its importance and use.

      What is paper impregnation?

      Impregnation is a process in which printed paper is immersed in a solution that gives the paper a number of additional properties. These properties may include increased water resistance, increased wear resistance, increased brightness and increased overall durability. The solution used for impregnation may vary depending on the specific paper application.

      What products are used for paper impregnation?

      Paper impregnation involves the use of specific chemicals that vary depending on the paper application. The most common products used for paper impregnation include:

      • Melamine resins: these are widely used for the production of decorative paper, as they offer excellent water resistance and high durability.
      • Urea resins: are mainly used for the production of wallpaper, as they offer excellent wear and stain resistance.
      • Phenolic resins are used in applications where high wear resistance is required, such as in the production of flooring paper.

      What is paper coating?

      Paper coating is a process in which a layer of lacquer is applied to impregnated paper to give it greater strength and gloss. The lacquer is a solution that is applied in liquid form and dries to form a solid, glossy coating on the surface of the paper.

      What types of lacquers are used in the paper coating process?

      The types of coatings used in the paper coating process vary according to the specific paper application. Some of the most common types of coatings include:

      • Urethane lacquer: used for the production of wall and floor paper, as it offers high wear resistance and excellent durability.
      • Acrylic lacquer: is widely used for the production of decorative paper, as it offers exceptional gloss and excellent water
      • Nitrocellulose lacquer: used for the production of paper for packaging and labels, as it offers excellent wear resistance and high durability.

      How is impregnated and lacquered paper used?

      Impregnated and lacquered paper is used in a wide variety of decorative solutions, including the production of paper for walls, floors, furniture, doors, panels, mouldings and packaging. The additional strength and gloss provided by impregnation and lacquering make the paper ideal for use in applications where greater durability and a more decorative appearance are required.

      Paper impregnation and coating process

      The paper impregnation and coating process is a complex procedure involving several steps and chemicals. The process is described in detail below:

      1. Printing: first, the desired design is printed on the paper using special inks and advanced printing technology.
      2. Impregnation: Once the paper has been printed, it is dipped in a specific chemical solution that gives it the desired properties, such as water resistance, wear resistance, gloss and durability. The most commonly used chemical solution for paper impregnation is melamine resin, which offers excellent water resistance and durability.
      3. Drying: after impregnation, the paper undergoes a drying process to remove residual moisture and allow the resin to adhere firmly to the paper.
      4. Lacquering: once the paper has dried, a layer of lacquer is applied to the impregnated surface to provide extra gloss and durability. The type of lacquer used depends on the specific application of the paper.
      5. Final drying: Finally, the paper undergoes a final drying process to allow the lacquer to dry and adhere firmly to the paper. Once the final drying process is complete, the impregnated and lacquered paper is ready for use.
        Importance of the paper impregnation and coating process

      The paper impregnation and coating process is important for several reasons:

      Improved properties: impregnating the paper gives it additional properties, such as water resistance, wear resistance and durability, making it ideal for use in applications where a higher degree of protection and durability is required.

      • Improved properties: impregnating the paper gives it additional properties, such as water resistance, wear resistance and durability, making it ideal for use in applications where a higher degree of protection and durability is required.
      • Improved appearance: paper coating provides a uniform glossy coating that enhances the overall appearance of the paper, making it more attractive and decorative.
      • Versatility: Impregnated and coated paper can be used in a wide variety of decorative applications.

      Use of impregnated and coated paper

      Impregnated and lacquered paper is used in a wide range of design applications, including:

      • Wallpaper.
      • Flooring.
      • Furniture and doors.
      • Packaging and labels.