Coating Connections Podcast: Renner Wood Coatings

Superfici America's Bret Johnson Talks Automation and Coatings with Renner Wood Coatings' Michael Smith and Joe Pilon

In this insightful episode of the Superfici America podcast, Lab Manager Bret Johnson sits down with Michael Smith, South/Southeast Technical Sales Manager, and Joe Pilon, Technical Supervisor, of Renner Wood Coatings to dive into a dual-purpose lab test and broader trends in wood coatings and automation in the finishing industry.

View the full episode on YouTube

Dual-Purpose Lab Test

The heart of the conversation centers around a comprehensive test conducted at the Superfici America lab. The team tackled two goals:

1. Customer-Specific Application: A client using MDF parts wanted to simplify their process to a “one primer, one topcoat” solution while reducing telegraphing through the substrate. The test focused on using a coating traditionally used in hangline systems at a heavy build to lock in MDF fibers — a bold approach that delivered excellent dry times and surface hardness even when still warm.

2. Automated Application Testing: The team also tested the same product using more standard flatline parameters — around 5–6 wet mils — and ran it through Superfici’s Laminar Flash oven and SuperDry Catalytic IR system. The results were impressive: fully dry in just 5.5 minutes, with no marring or soft spots, making it immediately ready for flipping and reprocessing.

Product Performance

The coating under test — Renner’s 765 — typically used for vertical spray applications, proved its versatility. It exceeded expected film build levels while maintaining appearance and performance under both manual and automated conditions. As Joe Pilon noted, “We were very pleased with what we were able to discover today.”

Customer Support

The tests were performed for a customer who had recently acquired a secondhand machine and was transitioning to waterborne coatings. Their production includes both flat and dimensional parts, requiring a flexible coating solution suitable for both manual and automated workflows. The lab’s work helps validate a proof of concept before full production deployment.

AWFS Preview

The team is preparing to showcase this coating and drying process live at the AWFS Fair in Las Vegas. They’ll demonstrate it on Superfici’s compact finishing line, including the mini-plus reciprocating spray machine, Laminar flash oven, and SuperDry IR. According to Johnson, “It looks really tight… and dried super fast.” Attendees will get a firsthand look at the real-world results during the show.

The Rise of Automation

Michael and Joe offered broader insights from their fieldwork across shops of all sizes. Both noted a significant uptick in small and mid-sized cabinet makers moving toward automation — not just for spraying, but also for curing and eventually sanding. The goal: increase consistency, reduce labor, and streamline production.

Bret emphasized how automation adoption often begins with one piece of equipment — like a batch oven — and grows from there as bottlenecks shift. "Start at finishing and reverse engineer the bottleneck," he advised.

Importance of Versatility & Knowledge

The conversation also highlighted the importance of coating techs understanding automation. With so many moving parts, having professionals who can diagnose and fine-tune both the equipment and the coatings is critical. As Smith put it, “It’s helpful for us to partner with coating guys who are familiar with automation — they can adjust the machine instead of always blaming the coating.”

This episode offers a real-world look at how coatings and automation intersect in today’s woodworking industry. Whether you're a finisher, shop owner, or coatings rep, there's valuable insight here on how thoughtful testing, strategic automation, and smart product choices can improve throughput and finish quality.

Catch the live demo at AWFS 2025 in Las Vegas to see these solutions in action!