Your rPET flooring quote says “Ultra Matt.” A second line mentions Excimer UV. Do you have two finishes to compare, or has the Excimer step already been priced into the sample you’re looking at? Start by matching each price to a finished board. “Ultra Matt” describes the look you’re approving. Excimer UV identifies one way to produce that look.
What Excimer UV changes on your sample
In an Excimer system, short-wavelength UV acts on the surface of a formulated coating. That surface forms microscopic folds, and a later curing step hardens the coating through its depth. The resulting texture scatters light and softens reflections. Other UV matt coatings can use matting additives to reduce gloss. The two routes can give you a different look when light hits the finished plank from the side. Hesse Lignal technical guide (undated), PPG Excimer coatings overview (undated).
Compare two finished boards under the same light
If both finishes are available for your construction, ask for finished samples with the same decor and embossing. Lay them flat next to each other with the grain running in the same direction. Look at them in diffuse light, then across the surface with light coming from the side. Swap their positions so both get the same exposure. Check whether the difference is visible in the lighting you plan to use to display your collection.
Ask for the gloss reading, the measurement angle and the method used on each finished surface. Agree on a target and tolerance you can check against the sample you approve. For scratch resistance, request results for both finishes under the same test method and conditions. A gloss reading describes reflection. You’ll need a separate test to compare how the two finishes respond to scratching.
Put your approved finish on the quote
- Construction. Identify where recycled PET is used in your plank and confirm the layer build for each option.
- Finish. Record the approved board’s sample ID, coating or finish code, gloss method and acceptance range. Ask whether that finish uses Excimer UV on your chosen construction.
- Performance. Attach the scratch test results for the actual finish you intend to order, with the sample identification and test method.
- Price. Ask which board the base price covers, whether Excimer is already included and which finish any surcharge would buy.
That gives you a way to decide whether the visible difference is worth the price for your collection. Start with your plank construction and add your sample references and finish criteria to the brief. rPET flooring, rPET specification guide.