∂ Inside news Correction from the article ‘Colouring Wood’ FFI no. 115, p22 (March 2021) There was an error in the text of the testimonial by Mr Koen Willems (Williams & Koch Europe), namely that architects were not happy with the results of system oils and floarsoap from Scandinavia. In fact, the opposite was true. They almost literally got a kick out of the (often sparse) oil system. Koen Willems (Willams-Koch) Koen Willems is the manager of Williams & Koch Europe. This company produces customised colour systems and colour applications for the woodworking industry. The company was formed in 2005 and chooses consciously for products which contain only natural raw materials and are free of elements which are toxic, irritating, and harmful to the environment. ‘The parquet industry is by far the leading buyer of our products. That’s logical, too, as floors take up the biggest surface. After working previously in the paint industry, I came into contact with the pioneers in Flanders and the Netherlands in the field of distressing and ageing parquet planks. Since the paint sector had paid little attention to this, I myself began to develop alternative wood colouring agents.’
‘Colouring generally belongs in the upper segment and appeals mainly to architects and customers who want a unique look. This means that samples always have to be made in advance, so that we can continue looking until everything is fine. That can be a long process which takes weeks or months, but it is ideal if we can be involved in a project from the planning phase.’ ‘It’s important to draw a distinction between colouring with dyes and colouring agents on the one hand and chemical colouring on the other. I don’t immediately protest vehemently against the latter, as chemical colouring doesn’t necessarily mean toxic or bad, but in the final analysis it’s all about the acid-base balance.’ ‘With colouring you have to realise that it’s easy to start with a light wood sort and make it darker, but that the other way round is often very difficult. European oak is still the most popular wood sort by a long way. This wood sort is ideal because it is ring-porous, absorbs well, and usually contains enough acid. ‘ ‘Lacquering over colour? Until 25 years ago, there was only lacquer and floor polish. Then system oils and soaps came over from Scandinavia and you got results which were very much appreciated by architects due to the oil system, which was often too sparse. The problem is then the maintenance and that’s why there’s been a lot of demand for lacquer finishes in recent years. It’s also worth knowing that in Europe it has been obligatory since 2001 to finish using a waterborne lacquer if the wood is anchored in the building. If you have a waterborne colouring agent, you have to take care that the colour doesn’t dissolve in the lacquer, even though there are now solutions for that. Be sure also to read the maker’s instructions! Some lacquer systems have to be given a synthetic primer first in order to prevent them from leaking components or water stains!’
Renzo Borgonovo and FNT-Trabattoni Stampi Renzo Borgonovo. Step by step, the new brand got itself a name in the field of linear profiles and picture frames finishing, where it quickly became a point of reference. By the years, with the changing of the markets and the opening of new opportunities, Renzo Borgonovo Srl developed new machines and new models, and became an active player also into other sectors, such as the Parquet Industry one. Now led by Mr. Luca Borgonovo, the company is at its second generation and it is happy to celebrate with you this important landmark: 60 Years of Quality, Reliability, and Know-how!
Success at international design awards: MEISTER acoustic panels win Red Dot Award
Renzo Borgonovo and FNT-Trabattoni Stampi would like to bring the spotlight onto the 60th anniversary of the company Renzo Borgonovo Srl! The company was founded in Verano Brianza, Italy in 1961 by Mr.
4
Floor Forum International 116
MeisterWerke has successfully taken part in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021. The MeisterPanels. style felt acoustic panel was awarded the “Red Dot” award for excellent design quality by an international jury. MeisterPanels. style: Sound-absorbing acoustic panels with felt The MeisterPanels. style SP 800, winner of the Red Dot Award, has a surface of high-quality felt. The acoustic panel absorbs 35% of noise (absorber class D as per DIN EN 11654), providing a pleasant room
