About 10 years ago, West Star made a major change to the way we finish cabinetry during interior events. We moved away from our long-used Ilva (polyester) finish system and transitioned to a new ultraviolet (UV) curing process. The results have been outstanding — faster turnaround times, a more consistent finish, and long-term durability that outperforms our previous methods.

Why We Moved Away from Ilva

The decision to leave Ilva behind wasn’t made lightly. For years, the Ilva polyester system was standard across the industry. However, it began showing significant issues — most notably hazing and milking out — that compromised the appearance and longevity of the finish. Over time, clear coats would lose their transparency and turn cloudy or white, especially on veneers. This not only frustrated customers but also led to unnecessary warranty work, despite our process being performed to exacting standards.

The Ilva system required an extensive 6-8 coat process, with at least 24 hours of cure time before block sanding could begin. After final sanding and a top clear coat, each cabinet was buffed and polished to a high gloss before leaving the shop. Initially, the results looked great — but the long-term performance simply didn’t hold up.

The Shift to UV — Faster, Smarter, Better

In 2015, West Star transitioned to a UV-cured finish system, and the difference was immediate. While the process still involves multiple coats, the curing speed is where UV technology really shines. Each coat can be cured in just 12 minutes under UV light, allowing technicians to sand and apply the next coat almost instantly.

This improvement drastically reduced turnaround times. For example, a large galley that might have taken over two weeks to finish using Ilva can now be completed in about one week with UV — all while achieving a superior finish.

Easier Repairs and Lasting Clarity

One of the most appreciated benefits of the UV finish is its repairability. If a drawer face or cabinet surface is scratched, it can be stripped and refinished in just a couple of shifts — compared to nearly a week using the old system.

Additionally, UV finishes maintain excellent clarity over time. Since switching, we’ve had no reports of hazing or clouding, which means our cabinetry looks as good years later as it did the day it left the shop.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The UV finish has proven to deliver:

• Better longevity — resistant to hazing, yellowing, or clouding
• Faster turnaround times — with curing measured in minutes, not days
• Improved repairability — quick refinishes with minimal downtime
• Superior clarity — maintaining a pristine, polished look for years

We’re proud to offer this advanced finish technology to our customers and continue refining our processes to deliver the highest quality interiors in the industry.