Finishes and coatings are an essential element in the design and production of furniture. They determine aesthetics as well as technical characteristics and functional features. They also require the review of legislative conditions related to health, safety at work and the environment.
The latest innovations in finishing and coating products make it possible to reduce the environmental impact of furniture, achieve greater resistance to scratches and abrasion, and meet current aesthetic demands. At the same time, it allows innovation in the final product and access to new markets by presenting differentiated furniture or carpentry elements.
The objectives of the project are:
- Transfer of knowledge about furniture finishes and coatings Comparison of systems, finishing products and regulations between countries Development of specific training content and tools in the field of furniture finishes and coatings.
- The joint development of the project with the participation of transnational entities will allow a greater scope and more ambitious results. Both the variety of finishing and coating products and the application methods differ between countries. While in Estonia they apply natural finishes such as waxes and oils, in Spain, the United Kingdom and Italy, varnishes and coatings are mainly used.
- Incorporating the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies on finishes and coatings requires a dynamic and fluid interaction between VET and other actors within the innovation system, at a transnational level. FUTUREfacing is based precisely on the joint work of VET providers, companies, social agents and technology centers with specific and complementary knowledge.
- The strategic partnership will develop:
- Intellectual products: a manual, a virtual varnishing simulator and a specific database on finishes and coatings.
- Multiplier event: an international conference on finishes and coatings.
- Joint training activities for teaching staff.
- Dissemination activities: project web platform, conferences, newsletters...
The activities of the project are aimed at both VET students and teachers as well as companies in the furniture sector and prescribers. Therefore, they will be invited to participate in all initiatives. In the case of joint training activities aimed at teachers, of the five scheduled days, one will be open to the public.
The results of the project will be available to all agents in the furniture value chain. A positive impact on the sector is expected, as intellectual products respond to “what-how-who”. The manual will provide up-to-date information on the products; the virtual simulator represents a unique opportunity to acquire or develop key skills in the application of finishes; the database will make it easy to locate both products and suppliers.