Coated panel and method for manufacturing such panel
A coated panel may include at least a substrate and a top layer with a printed motif. The top layer may be provided on the substrate. The top layer may also include a transparent or translucent synthetic material layer, which is provided above the printed motif. The top layer and preferably at least the transparent or translucent synthetic material layer may include a foamable or foamed synthetic material.
1. A method for manufacturing a panel that includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer having a printed motif and a translucent or transparent synthetic material layer provided above the printed motif, the translucent or transparent synthetic material layer including a foamable synthetic material chosen from the series of polyurethane, acrylate, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), the translucent or transparent synthetic material layer including a surface layer on the basis of lacquer, the panel having a structure or relief at the surface, wherein the substrate is waterproof in that it includes thermoplastic material, the method comprising:
applying at least one priming layer on the substrate;
performing a print on the priming layer already provided on the substrate to obtain the printed motif;
applying the foamable synthetic material on the substrate in soft or liquid form;
forming impressions in the still soft or softened again foamable synthetic material to at least partially form the structure or relief; and
foaming the foamable synthetic material on the substrate;
wherein the print is performed using an inkjet printer; and
wherein the print is performed using UV inks.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the foamable synthetic material is applied on the substrate using one or more rollers.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the surface layer is on the basis of a UV-hardening or electron beam-hardening lacquer.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the impressions are formed using a press element.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate has a thickness ranging between 5 and 15 millimeters.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate substantially or entirely consists of polyvinylchloride.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate substantially or entirely consists of any thermoplastic material.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the transparent or translucent synthetic material layer is free from material sheets and/or substantially free from cellulose fibers.
9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the entire top layer is free from material sheets or substantially free from cellulose fibers.
10. The method according to claim 1 , comprising:
milling profiles into the substrate to obtain mechanical coupling means that allow two of such panels to be coupled to each other.
11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the panel is a floor panel.