The Difference between Renner Italia™ 1K and 2K Products
June 6, 2023
There’s a science to industrial coatings that provides different degrees of durability, strength, and ease of application. Single component (1K) vs Two component (2K) is a subject that often confuses users. Should you choose 1K, 2K, or a hybrid option? What’s the difference? And what types of applications is each blend appropriate for? Understanding the answers to these questions can lead you to better applications and highly satisfied customers.
If you’re looking for a better coverage rate and a more durable finish, catalyzed products are a great choice. Explore Renner Italia™ for Water-Based Finishes or contact Timberlane Finish Solutions to help you select the best product for your needs. Timberlane is the only Renner distributor in Ohio.
A Quick Overview for this Article
We know you might be busy, so here’s an abbreviated version: Catalyzing makes finishes stronger, more chemical resistant, mildew resistant, and aids in better adhesion. There are three different types of products available and here are their key takeaways:- Single component coatings have a slow-acting internal catalyst that when exposed to oxygen, begins the curing process. There is nothing to add to it to achieve the strengthening properties of the product. You can re-shelf any leftover product without worrying about it curing in the can. These types of products come in both primer and top coat for both residential and commercial applications.
- Hybrid products have an internal catalyst as well, but they’re also designed to accept an external, fast-acting catalyst if you really want to increase the strength and bond of the product. Once an external catalyst is added, the mixed coating has a 4 hour pot life to be used. The use of a catalyst increases adhesion, durability, stain blocking and chemical resistance. If an external catalyst is not added, the product remains a single component (1K).
- True 2K products do not have an internal catalyst added to their product. An external catalyst is required for the product to cure properly. Two component (2K) products give you the strongest bond, the longest lasting finish, and better stain blocking than the other options.
What Is a Catalyst?
Catalyzing is a chemical process that is used to change the physical properties of polymeric materials to make them stronger, more chemical resistant, mildew resistant, and more adhesive. It does this by binding molecules closer together so that they are harder to pull apart. With this technology, your finishes will be more resistant to weather conditions, mold and mildew, water damage, and daily wear and tear. Renner products come in two different types of water-based coatings, referred to as Single Component (1K) or Two Component (2K).Single Component 1K
A 1K coating has a slow-acting catalyst already included in the product. 1K coatings can be opened and used as-is, and any unused product can be added back into the can. Renner products are designed for easy application and single coats.Shelf Life / Pot Life of 1K Renner Products
In most cases, this catalyst cures in the presence of oxygen. One of the advantages of 1K products is that if you don’t need a whole can, you can usually store any unused product for future use without compromising the chemical composition.Examples of 1K Renner Products
Timberlane carries several Renner single component products for our customers. Renner offers a 1k primer (083 Primer), as well as topcoats (1245 Topcoat and C005 Topcoat). The Renner Italia™ Water-Base 083 1K Adhesion Primer is a versatile product with excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates, including wood, solid wood, veneer, and MDF. This primer is perfect for both residential and commercial refinishing projects. Both Renner’s 1245 and C005 come in clear acrylic urethane topcoat and white acrylic urethane topcoat. The clear topcoat provides high transparency and coverage for furniture finishing processes, cabinets, and a variety of other wood products. The white topcoat can be tinted to most major brand colors and is another excellent choice for durability and mildew resistance.Hybrid 2K Products
Renner also has several products that are considered hybrid meaning they can be used straight out of the can as a 1K, or an external catalyst can be added to make it a 2K. Like 1K products, they contain an internal catalyst, but they are also designed to accept an external, fast-acting catalyst that provides stain blocking, adhesion, and more chemical and scratch resistance for an even stronger finish.Shelf Life / Pot Life of Hybrid 2K Renner Products
The chemical change that takes place once the catalyst is added limits your pot life to 3-4 hours. After this time, the paint starts to set in the can, making it difficult or impossible to spray effectively. Unlike 1K products, the product that has been catalyzed cannot be put back into its container for future use once the external catalyst has been added to the mix. It’s important to note that proper PPE and ventilation is crucial when adding a catalyst to your paint.Examples of Hybrid 2K Renner Products
Hybrid Renner products are listed as both 1K or 2K. One of the advantages to some of these products is that they are self-sealing, so you may not need primer with them. Hybrid primers include 643 primer and 648 primer. 643 is excellent for refinishing and for an open grain look finish. 648 is perfect for raw wood applications and achieves that same open grain finish. Both can be tinted to almost any color. Popular Renner hybrid topcoats are Renner 1321 topcoat, Renner 851 topcoat and Renner 765 topcoat, all of which come in both white and clear. 1321 is a pigmented water-based urethane topcoat useful in finishing processes of furniture, cabinets, and other wooden substrates. 851 has substantial blocking properties and is great for refinishing and achieving an open grain look finish. 765’s defining factor is its excellent vertical hang. It’s important to note that the percentage of catalyst is different for each product so be sure to have that information prior to beginning your project.True 2K Products
Unlike their hybrid neighbors, true 2K coatings will not cure without adding the catalyst. These products are among the most effective in stain blocking, chemical resistance, and resistance to environmental conditions.Shelf Life / Pot Life of 2K Renner Products
When working with an external catalyst, it’s important to mix the catalyst in smaller batches because the mixed product cannot be reused. After the 4 hour pot life, the mixed product will need to be discarded. You will also want to make sure that you clean your sprayer and equipment thoroughly.Examples of True 2K Renner Products
Our Renner 688 is a true 2K, available in both clear topcoat and white topcoat. It’s ideal for surfaces that require a hard, durable, anti-scratch coating, like finishing for furniture, cabinets, and other interior wood surfaces.If you’re looking for a better coverage rate and a more durable finish, catalyzed products are a great choice. Explore Renner Italia™ for Water-Based Finishes or contact Timberlane Finish Solutions to help you select the best product for your needs. Timberlane is the only Renner distributor in Ohio.