Materials 101: Difference between Duco Paint and PU Paints

By Usha Balasubramanyan- May 25, 2024

Duco paints and PU paints are both popular finishes for your wardrobe and kitchen cabinetry. What exactly are they, how are they used, and what are the pros and cons of each? Our architects give you the lowdown, so that you can make an informed choice!

What Is Duco Paint?

Originally used only for painting automobiles, Duco is a premium quality air drying paint brand, which is used for getting a lovely finish on all types of wood or metal surfaces. It is very popular among interior decorators as a high-quality surface paint for kitchen and bathroom cabinets and wardrobes, and is available both in high gloss and matte finishes in a wide variety of colours.

What Is PU Paint?

PU Paint, or Polyurethane paint, is a hard, stretchable polymer pigment coating that is used to surface-finish and protect wooden and metallic surfaces. It provides a smooth and luxurious finish, and is available in matte and high gloss textures. The PU coat protects furniture from moisture, scratches, dust and makes it very durable; a PU coating looks exactly the same for as long as 15 years.

Here is a table that shows a comparison between the two types of paint.

	Duco Paint	PU Paint
Composition	Duco paint is a Nitrocellulose (NC) Lacquer; it is a one component mix	PU paint is a coating of a polymer layer; it comprises one or two components
Appearance	Duco is available in matte and high gloss finishes	PU paint is also available in matte and high gloss finishes, and gives a more luxurious finish than Duco paint
Time for drying	Fast-drying	Takes time to dry
Application	Best finish is achieved using a spray machine	Can also be applied with a brush and roller, but the best finish is achieved using a spray machine
Colour retention	After some years, gives a yellowish effect	Excellent, stays the same if indoors. Some shades of PU tend to become a bit darker over a very long time, but only if they are exposed to the direct sun.
Water resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Durability	Excellent	Excellent, will last for over 15 years (longer than Duco)
Metallic finishes	Lower quality than PU	High quality metallic effect
Maintenance	Wipe with moist cloth	Wipe with moist cloth
Flammable	Highly flammable	Less flammable. The polymer surface does not melt when exposed to heat; however it is flammable when directly exposed to fire.
Cost	Less expensive than PU. Costs approximately Rs 350 to 450 per litre.	Very expensive, almost twice the cost of Duco. Costs approximately Rs 450 to 550 per litre, but the labour component is also higher.
Environmental safety	Not very environmentally friendly as it is solvent-based. An exhaust system is needed during application to extract the solvent that flashes off the surface.	PU paint is safe for children, as it is free from VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Strength	Very good, superior strength.	PU has greater strength than Duco.
Expertise	Duco painting requires expertise.	PU painting calls for greater expertise and care while painting.

Where Is Each Type of Paint Used?

Both Duco paints and PU paints are used on all types of fixed and movable wooden furniture, and on cabinet and wardrobe shutters. Duco can also be used on sheet metal, metal structures and heavy equipment like automobile bodies; while PU is used on wood, metals, plastic and glass furniture and for all kinds of industrial applications.

PU is preferred for exterior surfaces that could get exposed to sunlight, as it has greater colour resistance. It also does not leave rings with hot coffee cups, and affords a greater level of protection against moisture and heat. However, it takes a longer time to dry and also requires high levels of expertise, making it more expensive than Duco.

Duco Paint: Pros and Cons

Duco paint is a popular choice for achieving a beautiful, high-gloss finish on furniture, cabinets, doors, and some metal surfaces. However, before you decide if Duco paint is right for your project, it’s important to weigh both its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Duco Paint

Fast Drying Time: Duco paint dries quickly, allowing you to complete your project faster and reducing the wait time between coats.
High-Gloss Finish: If you’re looking for a luxurious, mirror-like shine, Duco paint delivers! Your kitchen cabinets and wardrobes will get a sleek, polished look.
Affordability: Compared to PU paint prices, the Duco paint price is a more budget-friendly option.
Versatility: Duco paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and even some plastics.

Disadvantages of Duco Paint

Not Completely Waterproof: While Duco offers water resistance, it’s not 100% waterproof.
Lower Durability: Duco paint tends to be less durable than other options like PU paint. It can be more susceptible to scratches, nicks, and chipping over time. This may necessitate more frequent touch-ups.
Prone to Yellowing: Over time, Duco paint can yellow, especially with exposure to sunlight. This can detract from the original, bright finish.
Application Expertise: Achieving a flawless, high-gloss finish with Duco paint requires proper application techniques. This will require experienced painters who are able to work in a dust-free paint booth with a controlled environment.

PU Paint: Benefits and Drawbacks

Still wondering which is the better option? Here’s the lowdown on the pros and cons of PU paint, to help you make your choice!

Benefits of PU Paint

Superior Durability: PU paint is far superior when it comes to lasting performance. It is highly resistant to scratches, abrasions, and everyday wear and tear. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, furniture, and surfaces that need to withstand frequent use.
Excellent Water Resistance: PU paint also offers exceptional water resistance. It can handle spills, splashes, and even moderate moisture exposure without succumbing to damage. This versatility makes it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor furniture (with proper UV protection).
Exceptional Colour Retention: PU paint holds onto its colour vibrancy for extended periods. You won’t have to worry about significant fading or yellowing as with Duco paint, especially with high-quality PU options.
Beautiful Finishes: PU paint can achieve a variety of finishes, from a high-gloss shine to a more subtle satin sheen. This allows you to tailor the look to your project’s aesthetic.

Drawbacks of PU Paint

Slower Drying Time: Compared to Duco, PU paint takes more time to dry. This can extend project timelines and needs more careful planning between coats.
Stronger Fumes: PU paint often contains higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can emit stronger fumes during application. It’s important to ensure proper ventilation and follow all safety precautions.
Potentially Higher Cost: The PU paint price can be higher than the Duco paint price. While the cost is justified by its superior performance, it’s a key factor to consider if you’re doing a budget-conscious project.
Application Considerations: Similar to Duco, achieving a flawless finish with PU paint calls for practice or expertise, and the painters will need to work in a dust-free paint booth for best results.

Exploring Duco Shade Card and PU Paint for Metal

PU paint is an excellent choice for metal surfaces due to its superior durability, adhesion, and water resistance. Here are some things to consider when using PU paint on metal:

Surface Preparation: Proper preparation is key for optimal adhesion and finish. This includes cleaning, degreasing, and possibly sanding the metal surface.

Primer: Using a primer specifically designed for metal with PU paint will further enhance adhesion and offer additional corrosion resistance.

PU Paint Selection: Look for PU paint specifically formulated for metal applications. These formulations might offer improved flexibility and reduce any possible chipping or cracking on metal surfaces.

Duco Paint vs PU Paint: Price Considerations

Duco Paint:

Duco paint price is between 175 to 225 per square foot.
However, you should factor in potential touch-up costs due to lower durability.

PU Paint:

PU paint price starts at Rs 225 per square foot.

Keep in mind that its superior durability might translate to fewer repaints in the long run, potentially saving money overall.

How Can You Make Your Decision?

If the budget is not a constraint and you require superior, high luxury finishes, opt for PU coating. It will also last longer and the colour does not fade or become yellowish. Especially if used in an area with high traffic and heavy usage, PU will last longer. The polymer coating in PU is very hard and strong and offers exceptional wear resistance, making it the more durable option of the two.

Opt for Duco paint if you have budget constraints or are planning to redo the décor after a few years.

Note that Duco paint is highly flammable, while PU has a layer of polymer which does not melt when heated; which makes it the safer option for your kitchen. However, even PU is also flammable when directly exposed to fire.

Regardless of which paint you choose, the services of an experienced painter will go a long way to giving you the coverage, final finish and appearance that you’re looking for. Duco Paints and PU paints will both protect your wooden furniture, give it a high-quality appearance and keep it looking good for many years to come.

Need a helping hand with your home décor? HomeLane has an expert team of designers, artisans, painters and carpenters who can get your home décor completed in record time and within your budget. Take the first step to a beautiful home!

FAQs

Is Duco paint waterproof?

Yes, Duco paint and PU paint are both water-resistant. Prolonged exposure to water could damage both the surfaces, with PU offering greater water resistance.

Is Duco paint better than PU paint?

PU paint is the better option between the two, as it lasts longer and the colour will not fade. It also offers better resistance to scratches and wear and tear.

However, if you’re working on a budget, Duco is the more cost-effective option with a faster drying time. It can achieve a high-gloss finish, but may require more frequent touch-ups and shows yellowing over time.

Are Duco and PU paint finishes environmentally friendly?

Both Duco and PU paints can have environmental concerns. They often contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can harm air quality. Look for low-VOC options whenever possible.

Can Duco and PU paint finishes be used on the same surface?

Yes, but with caution. If you wish to apply one over the other, applying PU over Duco generally works better. Ensure the Duco is completely cured and properly sanded for good adhesion.

Popular Services