WATER-BASED VS. SOLVENT-BASED COATINGS.
COATING TYPES:
WATER-BASED VS. SOLVENTS
Switching to Water-Based coatings has long been a problem for companies. Finishing Lines used to Air-Drying or using a Gas-Convection Oven have had issues with “Printing” on the product because curing Outside-In leads to water being trapped beneath the surface–so the coating does not fully cure. Prime Heat’s Halogen Infrared cures Inside Out to force the water out. Water-Based loves Short-Wave IR and requires less Flash-Off Time before heat is applied.
This means the cure schedule of a Water-Based coating is typically 1/2 the Time of an equivalent Solvent–typically ~5 minutes for a Top Coat. They are easy to spray and make Sanding/Scuffing and Touchups a breeze. Water-Based coatings will stand toe to toe with a Solvent in quality, but increase production due to being so much faster and easier to use. The process advantages of Water-Based combined with being friendlier to workers make it the obvious choice.
Solvents have long been the preferred coating type–especially for wood working companies such as cabinets. Solvents often require ~5 minutes of Flash-Off Time via Air-Only and then Heated-Air, then a few minutes of Medium-Wave IR to pull the Solvents to the surface, until Short-Wave IR fully cures the coating. A typical cycle time for a Solvent is ~10 minutes. Trying to move too quickly by cutting down Flash-Off Time with Solvents will often lead to Solvent-Pop, which requires rework. Being too aggressive with Temperature will also lead to issues.
Prime Heat’s Halogen IR Ovens will cure any paint-supplier’s Solvent and Water-Based coatings, at any stage of the process such as: Stain/Color, Sealer, and Top Coat. It makes finishing easy and fastβ no matter which coating is chosen.
- Cures in ~ 5 minutes β twice as fast as solventbased coatings.
- Higher temperature tolerance than solventsβ allows for rapid processing.
- Easier applicationβenhances sanding, scuffing, and touch-ups.
- More worker-friendlyβreduced exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Meets strict environmental regulationsβ VOC-compliant.
Halogen Short IR
- Follows a structured Flash-Off & IR schedule to prevent solvent-pop.
- Best results when using Medium-Wave & Short-Wave IR sequencing.
- Ensures deep, consistent curing without surface defects.
- To Mitigate Solvent-Pop: Air-Flash should be 2-3 Min, then Heated-Air Flash for 2-3 Min, then Medium-Wave IR for 3-4 Min @120-130F, then finally Short-Wave IR for 3-5 Mins @ 135-145F. Adequate Flash-Time is Crucial to preventing popping.
Coatings
FREE
MOVING AT THE SPEED OF EFFICIENCY
CURING WATER-BASED POLYURETHANE IN 6 MINUTES
The Engine Behind HalCon
The Halogen element is the most energy-efficient heat source available, making it the foundation of HalCon Tunnels. Unlike conventional heat sources, Halogen reaches full operating temperature in just one second and is ideal for drying, curing, and forming processes across industries
- 6,000-hour life expectancyβlonger durability with minimal maintenance.
- Instant heat-up to 4,040Β°Fβeliminates preheating downtime.
- Cures coatings from the inside outβprevents moisture entrapment and defects.
- Converts 95% of energy into Short-Wave Infraredβunmatched efficiency.
- Uses 50% less power than gas systemsβ significantly lower operating costs.
- Safe & sealedβdoes not require oxygen to operate, reducing factory risks.
- Zero carbon emissionsβenvironmentally friendly, OSHA & EPA compliant.
The System That Maximizes
Halogen Technology
HalCon Tunnels are designed to optimize the finishing process by leveraging Halogen ShortWave and Medium-Wave IR alongside Electric Convection heating. This combination delivers the fastest, most efficient, and most consistent finishes in the industry.
- Combines Halogen IR and Electric Convection for ultimate curing precision.
- Uses 50% less power than traditional gas systems.
- Instant activationβno warmup time required.
- Touch-screen PLC for complete automation and control.
- Integrates with PowerCart for automated heat program selection.
- Compact factory footprintβefficient layout with easy integration.
- Maintains a comfortable working environmentβminimal ambient heat.
- Explosion-proof Class 1, Division 1 complaint
Why HalCon is the Best for:
Water-Based Coatings
Switching to water-based coatings has long been a challenge due to issues like printingβwhere moisture gets trapped under the surface. Traditional gas convection ovens cure from the outside in, making moisture entrapment a common issue. HalConβs Short-Wave IR penetrates the coating, curing from the inside out, ensuring complete moisture evaporation. HalCon enables seamless curing of both solvent and water-based coatingsβmaking it the most versatile and future-proof finishing system available.
- Cures in ~ 5 minutes β twice as fast as solventbased coatings.
- Higher temperature tolerance than solventsβ allows for rapid processing.
- Easier applicationβenhances sanding, scuffing, and touch-ups.
- More worker-friendlyβreduced exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Meets strict environmental regulationsβ VOC-compliant.
- Follows a structured Flash-Off & IR schedule to prevent solvent-pop.
- Best results when using Medium-Wave & Short-Wave IR sequencing.
- Ensures deep, consistent curing without surface defects.
Coating Test β Water-Based Top Coat
3.5 minutes