Industrial Ski Paints: From Goggles to Ski Boots
In the world of skiing, where equipment is subjected to extreme conditions (low temperatures, humidity, mechanical wear), industrial ski coatings are key, combining distinctive aesthetics with maximum durability.
Contecolor, with over 50 years of experience, specializes in the production of high-quality, customizable coatings for application on glass, metal, and plastics—essential materials for ski components and accessories (sporting goods). Our strength lies in our ability to create customized solutions, tailoring the coating from scratch to meet the needs of the customer and the supplier.
1. Customizing your ski goggles (plastic and lenses)
Ski goggles are primarily composed of a plastic frame and a lens. Both components require specific finishes to ensure safety and visibility, as well as the desired aesthetic impact.A. The frame (Plastic)
Frames fall into the sporting goods and eyewear sector, and require ski goggle paints that adapt to, protect, or decorate any type of plastic, maintaining their aesthetic and functional characteristics over time. Treatable plastics include ABS, PU, polystyrene, nylon, and more.Possibility of aesthetic customization:
- Custom colors: it is possible to develop customized colors even outside the main reference charts (RAL, NCS and Pantone).
- Advanced visual effects: paints range from basic colors, transparent tints and enamels, to solutions that guarantee special effects, such as:
- Pearlescent/Iridescent Effect: for a sophisticated finish with reflections that vary with the light.
- Metallic Effect: to simulate the appearance of metals (gold, silver).
- Soft-Touch finishes: glossy and matte rubber-effect paints, ideal for a velvety look and improved grip.
B. Lenses (Glass or Similar Material)
Although modern lenses are often made of polycarbonate, sources indicate that glass paints are essential to impart distinctive aesthetic effects and specific functional resistances.Lens/Glass Painting Options:
- Glossy/Mirror Effect: Finishes that provide a mirrored and reflective surface with a high gloss (up to 95+).
- Transparent Tinted Effect: Allows you to tint the glass without compromising its transparency, maintaining uniform light transmission, crucial for vision.
2. Painting of boots and components
Ski boots are made of sturdy plastic materials and exposed metal parts. Therefore, the finishes must withstand both intense use and harsh external conditions (high altitude, snow, ice).A. Hull and structure (Rigid Plastic)
Ski boot paints (which fall into the sporting goods and footwear category) must ensure durability and longevity and are designed for plastic surfaces. This is why we call them true ski boot paints: solutions specifically formulated to withstand extreme conditions while preserving aesthetics and functionality.- Functional resistance: It is essential that paints provide high mechanical and chemical resistance, protecting the plastic from scratches and impacts, ensuring aesthetic and functional integrity over time.
B. Buckles, hooks and details (Metal and Alloys)
Metal components (such as buckles and locking mechanisms) require metal paints that ensure maximum adhesion. Alloys such as Zamak (a zinc-aluminum alloy) are often used for accessories. Durability requirements in extreme environments: Industrial finishes for steel intended for outdoor use or harsh environments (such as high altitudes) are essential. Paints must offer protection against oxidation, humidity, and atmospheric agents. Technical requirements for accessories (such as in the fashion industry):- Resistance to wear and mechanical abrasion (turbulence test),
- Nickel release test (UNI EN 16128:2015),
- Maintaining aesthetic properties even under extreme conditions.
