A Sustainable Approach to the Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical Surface Performance in Pigmented Paint and...

Selecting appropriate coating chemistry is essential for extending the service life of wood products and improving resource efficiency in sustainable manufacturing. This study comparatively evaluated the mechanical surface performance of transparent varnish and white pigmented paint systems applied to Eastern beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood panels. Four representative coating chemistriesacrylic, polyurethane, water-based, and cellulosicwere investigated for both transparent and pigmented formulations. Mechanical performance and damage evolution were characterized using König pendulum hardness testing, scratch resistance testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT), and correlation analysis, were performed to assess the significance of coating chemistry and coating architecture on surface performance. The results demonstrated that acrylic and polyurethane systems exhibited superior hardness and scratch resistance compared with water-based and cellulosic coatings. Furthermore, transparent varnish consistently outperformed their pigmented counterparts within the same resin chemistry, indicating that coating architecture significantly influences mechanical durability. SEM observations revealed that scratch-induced damage mechanisms, including crack initiation, localized deformation, and coating fracture, were strongly dependent on coating composition and microstructural characteristics. The findings indicate that acrylic and polyurethane transparent varnish systems provide the highest mechanical durability and surface protection performance, supporting extended service life and improved resource efficiency in wood finishing applications.