Aesthetic Wood Protection: Matt Glaze As A Trendy Alternative

Matt surfaces are not only a trend indoors, but are also increasingly in demand for the design of exterior facades. A new matt glaze gives the natural look of wooden facades and other wooden components - without sacrificing protection.

Author: Susanne Sachsenmaier-Wahl | Photos: Brillux

External facades are heavily used due to the constant weather load. This also applies, or in particular, to wooden facades. A suitable coating can provide wooden components outdoors with protection against moisture and UV radiation.

A matt glaze has been on the market for some time now, which also wants to meet the request of many customers for matt surfaces outdoors. Michael Hilgert, product group consultant for paints and varnishes at Brillux, the manufacturer of the new matt glaze, summarizes their properties as follows: “Our matt glaze emphasizes the natural wood grain and structure of the surface. In addition to the look, it also impresses with wood care and protective properties, which make the coating particularly robust against weather and other stresses."

But does the new glaze protect wooden components as well as their shiny counterparts? Michael Hilgert makes it clear: “Basically, matt systems are more sensitive to pollution and weather exposure due to the rougher surface. This cannot be prevented physically.”But with regard to the new development of his company, he adds:“However, our intensive outdoor weathering tests on the weather conditions and on real objects show that the durability of our matt glaze is only slightly reduced.”

Special matt glaze recipe

If the matt glaze is only slightly less durable than conventional (silk) glossy glazes, it is worth taking a look at the recipe. Of course, this is also "top secret" at Brillux, but Michael Hilgert willingly answers our questions. First of all, we are interested in how the matt effect is achieved. The product group consultant contradicts our assumption that the binder content of the matt glaze was kept lower in order to achieve the effect: "No, the matt glaze is comparable in this respect to the surface glaze 620 (silk-gloss version at Brillux, editor's note)." Instead, the Hilgert explains that matt effects are achieved using additives, so-called matting agents.

However, the question of how the surprisingly good durability of the matt glaze comes about has not yet been answered. "This is due to the high solids content, the advantageous binder package and the added, high-quality matting agent", Michael Hilgert lets us know. Fillers were deliberately not used, he explains to us: "Fillers not only influence penetration, but also accentuation." However, the additives added to the formulation did not influence penetration behavior. Brillux certifies both the satin surface glaze and the matt glaze a particularly good penetration.

No cutbacks in processing

According to Hilgert, there should be no differences in processing between the two aromatics-free glazes: "When developing the matt glaze 618, great care was taken to ensure that the processing was at the tried-and-tested level of the silk-gloss counterpart, the surface glaze 620." Matt glaze could have a worse course, the product group consultant brushes aside: "The matte surface even creates a visually more homogeneous surface than with glossy systems, in which bumps are more noticeable."

Because of its well-adjusted viscosity, both spreading and, for example, processing can be carried out overhead. Hilgert recommends brushes with conical synthetic bristles (eg the "Uni-Plus brush" from Brillux) for the application: "These have not only proven themselves with water-based paints, but are also ideal for the application of solvent-based glazes. The Chinese bristle brushes, which have been popular with skilled trades for years, can also be used.

Can be used without restriction

The new matt glaze does not appear to be inferior to its silky glossy “sister”. Nevertheless, we want to know from Michael Hilgert whether there are cases in which he advises not to use the matt glaze and instead to use the satin surface glaze. "We recommend the matt glaze 618 as a matt counterpart to the satin surface glaze 620", he summarizes. "With a slight thixotropy, i.e. drip-inhibited setting, but still pleasant to work with, the matt glaze is suitable for all wooden components that are not true to size or have limited dimensions. The only significant difference is ultimately the look. If you value a natural appearance of the wood, you can use the matt glaze 618. If you prefer a satin gloss look, choose the surface glaze 620. “

Optional algae protection for the matt glaze

Both glazes are available in eleven standard colors and in 60 additional colors via the Brillux color system. "So there are no limits to the freedom of design," says Hilgert. There is also no need to fear a higher level of algae and fungi: "As with almost all Brillux glazes, the very good durability can be reduced by the optional use of Protect (Brillux protection concept against algae and fungi, editor's note) and this reduces it Risk of microbial growth can be increased again."

Practical data sheet on matt glaze

Michael Hilgert, product group consultant for lacquers / glazes at Brillux

The matte surface even creates a visually more homogeneous surface than with glossy systems, in which bumps are more noticeable.