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TECHNICAL GUIDE

Matte Waterborne Polyurethane: What to Evaluate Before Selection

A matte target is not only a gloss number. Material selection should also consider hand feel, film elasticity, abrasion and scratch performance, hydrolysis requirements and the customer’s coating process.

MATTE SELECTION

Treat appearance and durability as one technical brief

For synthetic leather and related coating systems, a matte requirement normally sits alongside tactile and durability targets. The most useful project brief combines the desired appearance with the substrate, coat position, hand feel, abrasion / scratch tests, hydrolysis requirement and process conditions.

AppearanceTarget gloss or visual reference, and whether a uniform matte surface is required.
Hand feelSoft, dry, smooth or another defined tactile target.
DurabilityAbrasion, scratch, flex, cold, hydrolysis or other required tests.
Process fitSubstrate, coat position, coating weight, drying / curing conditions and key additives.
CURRENT FAST CANDIDATE

RU-6880 is the current TDS-supported matte starting point

RU-6880

Polycarbonate-based aliphatic matte PUD

The current FAST TDS positions RU-6880 as a matte polyurethane resin based on polycarbonate chemistry. It documents abrasion, scratch, cold and hydrolysis resistance directions while describing a soft, elastic film.

Important validation point

Final gloss, hand feel and durability depend on the complete customer formulation, substrate and processing conditions. Website information supports screening, not a final formulation guarantee.

PROJECT CHECKLIST

Information to provide for a matte coating discussion

Surface target

Gloss range or reference sample, color, transparency / opacity needs and tactile target.

Performance target

Required abrasion, scratch, hydrolysis, cold or flex test method and acceptance criteria.

FAQ

Common matte-PU questions

Is “matte” enough information to select a resin?

No. The target appearance must be evaluated together with hand feel, durability and the actual coating process.

Which current FAST model is specifically documented as matte?

RU-6880. Its current TDS identifies it as a polycarbonate-based matte polyurethane resin.

Can the final gloss level be guaranteed from the resin page alone?

No. Final appearance depends on the complete formulation, coating build, substrate and processing conditions.

NEXT STEP

Define the matte target before requesting a sample

Send the substrate, coat position, gloss target, hand feel, durability tests and process conditions for a more directed technical discussion.