Wood-Paints

Polyurethane wood paint (commonly called PU coating) is a two-component finish that cures to a hard, durable surface with excellent resistance to heat, moisture, and abrasion. In the GCC, where wooden furniture, doors, and joinery are exposed to high humidity and intense heat, PU coatings perform significantly better than standard wood paints.

The Touchwood PU range from Asian Paints Berger is available across UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain for interior and exterior wood finishes in residential and commercial projects. 

Protecting wood in the UAE requires a coating system that seals the surface against moisture absorption and resists the thermal stress of indoor and outdoor temperature variation. The recommended approach is to apply a wood primer, followed by a sanding sealer to create a smooth base, then finish with a PU topcoat for durability.

The Touchwood range covers all three stages and is formulated for the humidity and heat conditions found in UAE homes. This system is suitable for doors, furniture, cabinetry, and panelling. 

A wood primer is the first coat applied to bare wood. It penetrates the surface and creates adhesion for subsequent layers. A sanding sealer is applied over the primer and fills the grain to create a smooth, even base for the topcoat. The topcoat is the final layer and determines the sheen, colour, and durability of the finish.

Using all three stages in the Touchwood system produces a more durable and professional result compared to applying a topcoat directly to bare wood. 

FIRA approval refers to certification from the Furniture Industry Research Association, which tests wood coatings for durability, adhesion, and resistance under standardised conditions. FIRA-approved products provide independent verification of performance claims, relevant for designers, contractors, and homeowners across the UAE and Bahrain who need assurance that the coating will hold up to regular use.

The Asian Paints Arabia website confirms FIRA Approved status for specific products in the Touchwood range, including Touchwood Acrylic PU Sanding Sealer Exterior. Check the current product listings for the full set of FIRA-approved Touchwood products. 

Low VOC wood paint contains reduced levels of volatile organic compounds, which lowers chemical off-gassing after application. In Qatar and Bahrain, where homes run air conditioning with windows closed for extended periods, low-VOC coatings reduce the concentration of airborne chemicals indoors, particularly relevant for furniture and cabinetry in bedrooms and children's rooms.

The Touchwood range includes low-VOC options suited to residential interiors across the GCC where indoor air quality is a consideration.

Interior and exterior wood surfaces have different requirements and generally need different products. Exterior wood paint must handle UV exposure, rain, and temperature variation, so it needs UV stabilisers and greater weather resistance. Interior wood paint prioritises appearance, low odour, and surface smoothness.

Using an interior product on exterior surfaces leads to early breakdown. The Touchwood range includes specific formulations for both interior and exterior applications. Using the right product for each surface extends the life of the finish considerably. 

Yellowing in wood paint is usually caused by UV exposure or the use of an oil-based or non-UV-stable coating. In Oman and UAE homes where sunlight is intense, coatings without UV stabilisers yellow noticeably over time, particularly on white or light-coloured finishes.

To prevent yellowing, use a PU topcoat with UV resistance rather than an oil-based varnish. The Touchwood Acrylic PU Top Coat Pigmented is formulated for the desert sun and provides UV resistance and weathering protection. 

The recommended coating system typically includes a primer coat, one or more sanding sealer coats, and at least two topcoats. High-use items like entrance doors may benefit from an additional topcoat for extra durability. Lightly sanding between coats produces a smoother final finish.

Refer to the product information sheet for the specific Touchwood product being used for exact application instructions, as coat counts can vary by product variant.

Yes. Asian Paints Berger supplies the Touchwood PU range for professional and commercial projects across the GCC, including UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. The range covers primers, sanding sealers, and PU topcoats in gloss, semi-gloss, and matt finishes, available in standard and custom-tinted options.

FIRA-approved formulations in the range are suitable for commercial furniture, high-end residential joinery, hospitality fit-outs, and large-scale interior contracting projects.