My last article explored the value and purpose for using Target Coatings SA5 Brush and Spray Retarder, especially in warm and/or dry weather environments. For this post, I’ll explain how and when you might want to use the other additive Target Coatings offers, CL100 water-based crosslinker.
What is a Crosslinker (vs. a Catalyst)?
Generally speaking, crosslinkers and catalysts create better adhesion, better scratch resistance, better water/chemical resistance and better gloss retention in a final finish.
The big difference is HOW they do it.
Whereas traditional catalysts and crosslinkers employ dangerous, highly reactive chemicals such as isocyanate or aziridine, which are incorporated to facilitate the curing mechanisms of the resin they are being added into, our CL100 water-based crosslinker is a safer, water-soluble additive that reacts with oxygen in the air to tighten up the resin structure of the Emtech coating as the wet film is drying on the surface of your substrate.
On a molecular level, the crosslinker draws the resin molecules closer together, creating a reaction that results in a harder, tighter bond which creates a harder, tougher shell – thus enhancing the performance of the final film of the coating.
The addition of CL100 into any Emtech® coating (excluding NR4000 Stains) has multiple benefits…
- Promotes better adhesion to difficult-to-coat substrates
- Creates a harder final film that is more scratch and mar resistant
- Creates a final film that is more water and chemical resistant, allowing for longer exposure time to high pH cleaners, alcohols, and corrosive chemicals.
- Creates overall better gloss retention in the final film as the coating ages
Again, most importantly, CL100 Crosslinker does not contain isocyanate or aziridine, two toxic chemicals often used in catalysts and crosslinkers for coatings by other manufacturers to harden final film builds.
These chemicals are harmful to finishers and others exposed during application and drying of the coating.
CL100 also does not substantially increase the low VOC content of any Target Coatings water based lacquer or clear topcoat. This is especially important for on-site applications and knowing that an enhanced coating doesn’t have to be at the expense of your health and safety.
A Note about 1K vs. 2K
Let me just stress here, strictly speaking, adding CL100 Crosslinker into an Emtech® coating does NOT create a 2K coating.
Crosslinking is not a true catalyzing function and I do not want to confuse anyone and compare the use of CL100 as being the same as a true 2K product.
Resins in a 2K product require catalyzation and will not completely dry or fully cure without the use of the required catalyst.
By contrast, the resin in an Emtech® coating will still dry and cure on its own, but the crosslinking function makes the resin being crosslinked exponentially more durable in all of its physical characteristics by creating a post-catalyzed type of finish.
When to Use a Water-Based Crosslinker
Now that we explored how CL100 works and what it does for the coating, let’s dive into WHEN you should consider using this additive.
As I’ve mentioned previously, the Target Coatings Emtech® line of coatings are already outstanding on their own, and in many cases adding this enhancement could be more of a hassle and expense than it’s worth.
In some cases, you may want to consider using CL100 for part of your project vs. the whole thing.
For example, kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both often get a lot of abuse and would benefit from an enhanced coating, but it’s probably best not to “waste” CL100 on the cabinet carcass interiors.
Except for maybe the sink base, none of the abusive action happens inside the cabinet. I think a better use of CL100 is on cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and maybe exposed face frames. This is where all the constant touching, spills, and cleaning can wear down the finish over time and cause problems.
Other uses could be for light commercial settings like bar tops and work cabinets. These projects often see very frequent use from patrons and cleaning from the staff that can prematurely break down coatings.
What about hardening up the final film for better scratch resistance?
While our EM8000 Conversion Varnish tends to be pretty hard all on its own, EM2000 Waterborne Alkyd Varnish and EM9300 Polycarbonate Urethane tend to have a softer, more flexible film build.
The latter two work great for exterior environments where you need that flexibility to take up the movement from temperature and humidity changes, but you may not want that for interior projects. Additions of CL100 into these coatings at 5% by liquid volume, for interior projects only, can greatly increase the final film hardness and give you more scratch and mar resistance.
Luthiers and instrument finishers may want to occasionally consider the use of CL100 as well. Hand and body chemistry of each person is unique and sometimes the combination of a person’s natural oils, sweat and/or hand lotion can cause the finish to break down prematurely.
Adding CL100 to our water based lacquers — EM6000 Production Lacquer or EM7000 High Build Lacquer — at 3% by liquid volume can boost the chemical resistance of these coatings and help instruments stand up to daily use (or abuse!) by their musicians.
As you can see, there are multiple uses for CL100 Crosslinker, but focusing on areas or projects that truly need it can be cost effective and save time.
That’s a good place to stop for Part 1. In part 2 of this post, we’ll cover application specifics including, “how to,” “how much,” mixing, and answers to other FAQs.
Until then, do you have any experience using a water-based crosslinker?
Please share your thoughts or read what others are saying in the comments section below.
Seth Kline has been a woodworker, wood finisher and business owner for the past 25 years. After helping grow his family’s home remodeling firm — Roy B Kline & Son — both as a craftsman and business operator, in 2013 Seth became the co-owner, lead woodworker, and shop manager of Stor Handmade Furniture, a highly successful solid wood furniture shop specializing in bespoke, hand-made and hand-finished pieces. In 2023, Seth launched SBCraftsman, which offers spray finishing and small business consulting to private clients. Originally from Pennsylvania, Seth now resides in Aberdeen, N.J., and is a proud member of the Central Jersey Woodworkers Association.
