Part Two: How We’ve Perfected Our 2K Polyurethane Finish

In Part 1, we explained why Meridian Products chose 2K polyurethane over conversion varnish and what makes this technology superior. But choosing a new finishing system was just the beginning.

Over the past two years, through multiple rounds of R&D, process tuning, and quality auditing, we’ve transformed a good finish into an exceptional one. 

In fact, the 2K polyurethane finish we deliver today is materially better, objectively tougher, more stable, and more consistent than the version we launched two years ago.

Here’s how we did it, and what it means for you.

5 Key Areas of Improvement

1. Formulation Optimization

• Refined the ratio, catalyst selection, and UV-stabilizer package – reducing yellowing, improving cure speed, and tuning gloss retention
• Blended in more robust cross-linkers and additives to raise chemical and abrasion resistance

2. Precision Mixing & Automation

• Upgraded metering and mixing systems to reduce human error and maintain sub-percent precision in A:B ratios
• Improved agitation, degassing, and handling to reduce bubbles, dust, and micro-defects

3. Environmental & Shop Controls

• Enhanced temperature, humidity, and airflow control in spray booths and reduced variability in our curing rooms
• Implemented stricter quality checks to catch any batch outliers before they reach production

4. Curing & Post-Cure Regimes

• Revised our post-cure schedules (time, temperature) to ensure full cross-linking, thereby improving hardness and stability
• Added annealing and stabilization steps in borderline environments to “lock in” performance

5. Field Feedback & Iterative Tuning

• Collected feedback from installed products over the past two years to identify real-world wear, cleanability, gloss drift, or failure modes
• Fine-tuned our topcoat thickness, scratch resistance, and buffer hardness based on actual wear patterns

Measurable Results

Here are the measurable results of those efforts:

• Significantly reduced warranty claims for finish failures (chipping, delamination, gloss shifts)
• Test coatings show stronger resistance to common household chemicals (e.g., cleaners, alcohol, oils)
• Long-term in-place samples show better retention of clarity and less yellowing than prior versions
• Increased throughput without sacrificing quality, which helps keep costs under control

Environmental & Long-Term Advantages

Reduced VOCs & Emissions

One major advantage of newer 2K polyurethane systems is their potential to reduce VOC emissions compared to traditional solvent-heavy conversion varnishes. Many modern 2K systems are engineered to emit fewer volatile organic compounds, or to use solvents that are less harmful.

By moving in this direction, we not only reduce regulatory burden (air permits, emissions caps) but we also improve the environmental footprint of our finishing process.

Longevity = Less Waste and Maintenance

A finish that outlasts alternatives means fewer re-finishing cycles, less material wasted, and lower environmental impact over the life of the product. 

Because our 2K polyurethane is engineered for toughness, it resists scratches, chemicals, wear, and delamination better – so customers will need to refinish or repair less often.

This translates to less waste in landfills and reduced consumption of finishing materials over time.

More Stable Over Time – Better Value, Less Waste

Because our finish resists yellowing, gloss drift, and failure, the product retains its aesthetic value longer. 

That means less “throwaway” or replacement of pieces that degrade visually. In contrast, finishes that degrade prematurely lead to more frequent replacements, re-coats, or discards.

What 2K Polyurethane Means for Our Customers
When you choose a Meridian Products item finished with our 2K polyurethane, you’re getting:

• A surface that can better stand up to everyday abuse – scratching, cleaning, impact – for years
• A more stable appearance (less yellowing or gloss shifts over time)
• Lower maintenance and less need for touch-ups or re-coats
• A product whose finish is better aligned with modern environmental and emissions regulations

While no coating is truly “indestructible” our goal is that your items remain beautiful, stable, and functional for decades – without the compromises that can happen in older finishing technologies.

The Bottom Line

Choosing 2K polyurethane was a strategic decision based on performance, durability, and environmental responsibility. But we didn’t stop there.  

Over the past two years, we’ve systematically improved every aspect of our finishing process, from formulation to application to curing.

The result is a finish that’s measurably tougher, more stable, more consistent, and more environmentally friendly. And because continuous improvement is built into our process, we’re not done yet!