Ultivar testing process

The challenge to develop the ultimate varnish and ensure its suitability for South African conditions was enormous, considering the significant amount of permutations of resins and oils, and the number of other raw materials required to yield the perfect product.

Process followed:

Initial test

We initially produced 12 samples, based on a number of binders, and applied these to pine panels. These were subjected to very strong ultra violet light, humidity and temperature to about 40°C in a QUV Accelerated Weathering testing machine. We also obtained 13 local and imported varnishes that were exposed in the same manner. As a QUV test takes 1 000 hours (42 days) we prepared another set of panels on Meranti wood, which is denser and contains more oils and anti-oxidants.

Most locally produced varnishes failed between 300 and 800 hours. One product passed 1 000 hours on pine, but failed on Meranti, while another passed on both Pine and Meranti.

Second test

Using the binder that passed the first test, we set out to refine the formula to incorporate the other 12 components in the correct quantities to develop Ultivar. We again exposed the product to 1 000 hours of QUV and achieved excellent results.

Final test

We prepared a series of exposure panels on several Pine and Meranti products. Apart from minor discrepancies, the exterior exposure of 10 months gave similar results to that of the QUV. Further trials involved professional contractors testing for application properties, re-coating time, appearance, gloss and flow.

Following these tests, we were confident and proud to have achieved our goal of successfully developing the ultimate varnish.

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