Top 5 Mistakes When Choosing an Industrial Finish
12 Jun 2025
Published in: Member News
This article outlines the top 5 common mistakes furniture manufacturers make, from ignoring substrate compatibility to overlooking certifications, and offers practical advice to avoid them.
Choosing the wrong paint, lacquer, or stain doesn’t just affect how a product looks — it can lead to regulatory issues, performance failures, and production headaches.
Here are the top mistakes manufacturers and specifiers make, and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Substrate Compatibility Mistake: Choosing a finish based solely on appearance without considering what it’s being applied to.
Why it matters: Adhesion, cure time, and performance can vary drastically between MDF, metal, plastic, etc.
Solution: Always test on actual substrates and consult technical teams (like Intercoat’s chemists) early in the process.
2. Overlooking Certification Requirements Mistake: Selecting a coating that doesn’t meet industry-specific standards (e.g. FIRA, EN71-3, BS standards).
Why it matters: This can result in failed audits, product recalls, or rejection by specifiers.
Solution: Choose finishes that are certified or tested to relevant performance benchmarks — Intercoat’s Aqualine range offers FIRA certification.
3. Prioritising Cost Over Lifecycle Performance Mistake: Opting for the cheapest coating without considering long-term durability or maintenance.
Why it matters: A lower up-front cost can lead to more rework, higher failure rates, and dissatisfied clients.
Solution: Focus on total cost of ownership — ask for proven performance data, especially on abrasion, stain, or UV resistance.
4. Choosing Solvent-Based When Water-Based Would Perform Better Mistake: Defaulting to traditional solvent-based coatings due to habit or outdated assumptions.
Why it matters: Solvent-based finishes can be more hazardous, less sustainable, and more regulated.
Solution: Explore modern water-based alternatives that offer equal or better performance — Intercoat’s water-based finishes eliminate formaldehyde and reduce odour.
5. Failing to Consider End-User Experience Mistake: Selecting finishes without considering how they’ll feel, smell, or hold up in real-world use.
Why it matters: If a coating off-gasses, feels tacky, or shows wear quickly, your customers will notice.
Solution: Prioritise both performance and sensory qualities — low odour, fast drying, pleasant finish textures.
Not sure what finish is right for your project? Talk to our technical team or request a sample today on 01922 638821 or email sales@intercoat-paints.co.uk
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