>
technology
>
Coating Types

WATER-BASED VS. SOLVENT-BASED COATINGS.

HALCON TECHNOLOGY

COATING TYPES:
WATER-BASED VS. SOLVENTS

Water-Based Coatings Love Short-Wave IR
Water-Based Coatings

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

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 fast— no matter which coating is chosen.

Water-Based Coatings with Halogen Short-Wave IR
  • Cures in ~ 5 minutes — twice as fast as solventbased coatings.
  • Higher temperature tolerance than solvents— allows for rapid processing.
  • Easier application—enhances sanding, scuffing, and touch-ups.
  • More worker-friendly—reduced exposure to hazardous chemicals.
  • Meets strict environmental regulations— VOC-compliant.
Solvent-Based Coatings with
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.
Prime Heat Tests
Coatings
FREE
We test costumer’s coatings free of charge to develop custom curing solutions and cure schedules.
Contact us for more information.
contact us

MOVING AT THE SPEED OF EFFICIENCY

CURING WATER-BASED POLYURETHANE IN 6 MINUTES

The Future Of Finishing
Halogen Technology:
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

Key Benefits of Halogen:
  • 6,000-hour life expectancy—longer durability with minimal maintenance.
  • Instant heat-up to 4,040°F—eliminates preheating downtime.
  • Cures coatings from the inside out—prevents moisture entrapment and defects.
  • Converts 95% of energy into Short-Wave Infrared—unmatched efficiency.
  • Uses 50% less power than gas systems— significantly lower operating costs.
  • Safe & sealed—does not require oxygen to operate, reducing factory risks.
  • Zero carbon emissions—environmentally friendly, OSHA & EPA compliant.
HalCon Tunnel:
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.

Key Benefits of HalCon Tunnel:
  • Combines Halogen IR and Electric Convection for ultimate curing precision.
  • Uses 50% less power than traditional gas systems.
  • Instant activation—no warmup time required.
  • Touch-screen PLC for complete automation and control.
  • Integrates with PowerCart for automated heat program selection.
  • Compact factory footprint—efficient layout with easy integration.
  • Maintains a comfortable working environment—minimal ambient heat.
  • Explosion-proof Class 1, Division 1 complaint
Coating Types:
Why HalCon is the Best for:
Water-Based Coatings

Switching to water-based coatings has long been a challenge due to issues like printing—where moisture gets trapped under the surface. Traditional gas convection ovens cure from the outside in, making moisture entrapment a common issue. HalCon’s 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 coatings—making it the most versatile and future-proof finishing system available.

Water-Based Coatings with HalCon:
  • Cures in ~ 5 minutes — twice as fast as solventbased coatings.
  • Higher temperature tolerance than solvents— allows for rapid processing.
  • Easier application—enhances sanding, scuffing, and touch-ups.
  • More worker-friendly—reduced exposure to hazardous chemicals.
  • Meets strict environmental regulations— VOC-compliant.
Solvent-Based Coatings with HalCon:
  • 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 — Water-Based Top Coat
3.5 minutes

COATING SAMPLE

Type of industry