BE1029387A1 - Method for manufacturing panels; and panels obtained with this - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of manufacturing rectangular panels (1) - the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3) - includes the steps of applying a liquid (14) to at least part of the first edge, preferably with said liquid penetrating a certain depth into the relevant edge; and applying a lacquer (33) to at least a portion of the first edge while the liquid on the first edge is still wet.

Description

Method for manufacturing panels; and panels obtained with this. The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing panels; and on panels — e.g. floor panels — obtained by these methods.

In particular, the invention relates to panels that are used for assembling, for example, a floating floor covering. Such floor panels are known, for example, from WO97/47834 and can be provided on two opposite edges with profiled edge regions which comprise milled coupling means that fit into each other, with which two such floor panels can be connected to each other at the relevant edges, preferably without the use of glue. Optionally, the coupling means can be designed with some bias, by which is meant that the contour of the coupling means is of slightly overlapping design, such that in the coupled position a tension arises which presses the panels towards each other. Such prestressing is interesting to counteract the formation of gaps after laying. This also limits the penetration of dust and moisture. In some cases, the milling quality of the coupling means is insufficient to keep the seams permanently watertight. In addition, there is an increased sensitivity to water penetration at the corner points of such panels. At the corners, the profiled edge regions cross adjacent side edges, and it is therefore possible that the milled coupling means may be absent or inadequate there.

The penetration of moisture into the seams of a floor covering composed of panels can lead to swelling and/or discolorations that become disturbingly visible on the decorative surface of such panels. In addition, such swelling of the substrate in itself can lead to accelerated wear of the floor surface. Furthermore, the penetration of moisture into the seams of a floor covering is in itself problematic, even if neither the substrate nor the top layer are moisture-sensitive. In such a case, water can collect under the floor covering and this can lead to mold and the unpleasantness that this entails.

It is known from WO2008/078181 to treat the edges of a floor panel with an MDF or HDF substrate with a water-repellent substance comprising a fluorinated polymer or copolymer. The substance in question is applied to the edge of the floor panel by means of a so-called vaccumate, for instance of the type known from DE9202976U1.

The present invention primarily aims to offer alternative methods for manufacturing panels, whereby according to various preferred embodiments a solution can be offered for one or more of the problems with the methods and/or panels from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to describe methods that make it possible to obtain optimum resistance to water from panels in a simpler manner. The invention is described by the independent claims. Embodiments are described by the dependent claims. The first aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing panels, the panels being rectangular, either square or oblong, the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges, one of which first edge and an opposite second edge. The method comprises the steps: - applying a liquid to at least part of the first edge, preferably whereby this liquid penetrates over a certain depth into the relevant edge, - applying a lacquer to at least part of the first edge while the liquid on the first rim is still wet.

It is an advantage of the invention that panels are obtained that are more water-repellent and that are easier to produce. The fact that the liquid can first penetrate, after which the paint is applied wet-on-wet to the chamfer, ensures that the chamfer is also made very water-repellent, even if it concerns a milled chamfer where the substrate of the panel milled, exposing substrate to the face of the chamfer. Wet-on-wet application also has the advantage that better adhesion of the paint is obtained. Preferably, the application of the liquid and the application of the lacquer are carried out in the same continuous process. As a result, even better results are achieved with regard to water repellency and efficiency in production.

Preferably, the lacquer is applied at least in part to a surface of the first edge to which liquid has been applied. The liquid has had a wetting effect, resulting in a better adhesion of the paint. The lacquer is preferably applied by means of one of the methods: - spraying the lacquer, - applying the lacquer by means of a transfer roller, or - applying by means of a vacuum technique. The application with a vacuum technique can for instance be carried out as described in DE9202976U1. Preferably, after the application of the lacquer, the method includes the step of blowing off, suctioning, or combined blowing and suction of wet lacquer that has been applied to the top surface of the panel during the application of the lacquer to the first edge.

Such embodiments have the advantage that lacquer is prevented from adhering to the upper surface of the panel. This top surface usually contains a decorative layer. Paint on this top surface is a defect. If the edge of the panel contains chamfers, it may be desirable to provide it with a lacquer, for example to color the chamfer. However, this lacquer should preferably not extend onto the top surface of the panel. Preferably, after applying the lacquer, the lacquer is dried. This drying is preferably carried out in the same continuous process as the application of the lacquer.

Preferably, when drying the lacquer, the liquid is also dried. This results in an efficient finish of the panel. The lacquer is preferably dried by means of one or more IR lamps (Infrared lamps), preferably by means of one or more HIR lamps (halogen infrared lamps). Infrared lamps, and in particular halogen infrared (HIR) lamps have proven to be very effective in this process step. During drying, a continuous gas flow - preferably a continuous air flow - preferably flows over the surface of the panel to be dried. More preferably, this gas flow is realized by means of a blowing device and/or an exhaust device. Such embodiments have the advantage that the concentration of any evaporating solvent from the liquid and/or the lacquer layer remains low, so that there is no risk of explosion or fire. This ensures a safe production process.

In one embodiment, the lacquer is dried by means of a warm gas flow - preferably by means of a warm air flow - during which drying the warm gas flow flows continuously over the surface of the panel to be dried. More preferably, this gas flow is realized by means of a blowing device and/or an exhaust device. This embodiment has the advantage that the concentration of any evaporating solvent from the liquid and/or the lacquer layer is low

> BE2021/5443 remains, so that there is no danger of explosion or fire. This ensures safe production. The lacquer is preferably pigmented and/or the lacquer contains dyes. When the lacquer is placed on a chamfer of the panel, this allows a suitable color to be given to the chamfer. This is especially important when the chamfer has been realized by means of a cutting operation into the substrate of the panel. Preferably, the lacquer is a water-based dispersion. More preferably, the lacquer is an acrylate dispersion or a polyurethane dispersion, or the lacquer is or contains an alkyd resin. The lacquer can also be solvent-based, preferably a solvent-based acrylic or a solvent-based polyurethane lacquer.

In embodiments where an alkyd is used, the alkyd is preferably of the long chain type.

In preferred embodiments, the liquid is solvent based, or the liquid is water based.

Solvent-based liquids have the advantage when used on panels where the substrate is wood-based (for example, where the substrate is or contains an MDF or HDF board) that the wood fibers do not rise when the liquid is applied, as they do with a water-based liquid would be. Wood fibers that stand up are disadvantageous on the one hand to prevent water absorption; and on the other hand disadvantageous because this can lead to greater roughness at the edges of the panel. The increased roughness can disrupt the tight tolerances of coupling parts at the edges; this is detrimental to the coupling of the panels when the panels are installed in a cladding, e.g. in a floor covering.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid is solvent based. The solvent contains one or more of a glycol ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, hydrocarbons - preferably aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or preferably isohydrocarbons -, butyl acetate, propyl acetate - e.g. 3-Methoxy-3-Methyl -1-Butylacetate (MMB-AC) or 1-Methoxy-Propylacetate (MPA)-, a dibasic ester, a glycol diether, a benzoate ester, or a tetramethoxy ether.

The use of such solvents is preferred because a good stability of the liquid is obtained, necessary for its processability; and because a good impregnation of the edge(s) of the panel with the liquid is obtained.

In preferred embodiments, the liquid is solvent based, the solvent having a flash point greater than 30°C, more preferably greater than 35°C, even more preferably greater than 55°C. Such embodiments increase safety in carrying out the invention.

Preferably, the liquid contains one or more of an acrylate, a methacrylate, a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, a fluorinated acrylate copolymer, a (per)fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate or a (per)fluoroalky (meth)acrylate copolymer, an alkyd, an epoxy resin, a fluorinated epoxy resin, or a polysiloxane. When a (per)fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate or a (per)fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer is used, the fluorinated side chains preferably contain four, five or six carbon atoms containing fluorine atoms and/or are at least part of the fluorinated side groups based on perfluorobutane sulfonic acid. Such products have proven to be very efficient.

The — at least partially — use of a fluorinated methacrylate, for example as a component in a fluorinated acrylate copolymer, has the advantage that the impregnating agent has better adhesion to the substrate.

The combination — especially of the mentioned fluorinated acrylate, fluorinated methacrylate, fluorinated acrylate copolymer, (per)fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate or (per)fluoroalky (meth)acrylate copolymer - with alkyd has proven to be particularly advantageous for achieving water repellency on the edge(s) of the panel.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid contains a fluoroacrylate polymer of structural formula > R' where one or more of the R groups are fluorine atoms, and the other R groups are hydrogen atoms; or a fluoroacrylate polymer of structural formula == R' wherein, preferably, the R' group is free of hydrogen atoms, and is preferably selected from the list consisting of sodium, potassium, and CF3.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid imparts water-repellent properties to the edge to which this liquid is applied. The liquid is preferably applied by means of one of the following methods: - spraying on, preferably with a pressure higher than 3 bar, more preferably with a pressure higher than 5 bar, - application by means of a transfer roller, or - application by means of a vacuum technique, for example as described in DE9202976U1.

Spraying is preferred, because more liquid can be applied in this way.

The embodiment in which the liquid is sprayed onto the relevant edge at a pressure higher than 3 bar has the specific advantage that a better penetration into the relevant edge of the panel is obtained. This makes the panel more water-repellent.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the first edge includes a side edge of the panel and a chamfer. When applying the liquid, the liquid is applied at least to part of the side edge of the first edge, and when the lacquer is applied, the lacquer is applied at least to part - and preferably on the entire - chamfer of the first edge fitted.

According to this embodiment, a lacquer is applied to the chamfer. This is particularly important with chamfers that are obtained through a cutting operation down to the substrate, so that in this embodiment a desired coloring and desired properties can be imparted to these chamfers.

More preferably, when applying to at least part of the side edge of the first edge of the liquid, liquid is also applied to at least part of the - and preferably on the entire - chamfer of the first edge, so that when applying applying the lacquer to the chamfer of the first edge this is done while the liquid on the chamfer of the first edge is still wet.

Thus, in such embodiments, both liquid and lacquer are applied to the chamfer. This results in a better water-repellent effect of the chamfer. By moistening the chamfer with the liquid for the first time, a better adhesion of the paint to the chamfer is achieved.

Preferably, the chamfer on the first edge is formed in a continuous process - preferably by a mechanical cutting operation, more preferably by a milling operation - the application of the liquid and the application of the lacquer being carried out in the same continuous process.

Preferably, the chamfer does not contain the top layer over at least part of its surface, so that the lacquer is applied to the substrate over at least part of the surface of the chamfer.

Preferably, the side edge of the first edge includes a closing face substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, and the second edge includes a side edge with the side edge of the second edge including a closing face substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel. The first edge of the panel can be coupled to the second edge of another such panel, wherein in coupled condition the closing face of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing face of the second edge of the other such panel. panel. When applying the liquid, the liquid is applied to at least part - and preferably to the entire surface of - the closing surface of the first rim.

Due to the contact of or the proximity of the closing surfaces, even better water resistance of a cladding with such panels is obtained.

Preferably in line with - and more preferably in parallel with - the performance of a step in the method at the first edge, a similar or the same step is performed at the second edge of the panel. More preferably, this is done for several or for all of the steps mentioned in the method.

Thus, in such embodiments, similar or the same steps are performed on the second edge as on the first edge. This can preferably be carried out in a continuous production process, in which steps are performed on the first edge, and simultaneously on the second edge. The entire process — on both edges of the first pair of opposite edges — can be carried out on a two-sided through-milling machine, with the application of liquid and lacquer — and possibly drying — done in line with the milling operations on the first pair of opposite edges (e.g. for forming coupling parts and/or chamfers), and at the same time on the first edge and the second edge.

In a preferred embodiment, the panels contain coupling parts on their first pair of opposite edges, wherein the coupling parts contain locking parts, so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, whereby in coupled condition a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the joined panels and also locking occurs in the plane of the joined panels and perpendicular to the joined edges. Preferably, the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is performed on the first pair of opposite edges. In such embodiments a better water resistance is synergistically obtained from a cladding with such panels.

When using a prestressed coupling, the edges of the panels are pushed together, which prevents moisture penetration at the edges of the coupled panels.

Preferably, the application to at least part of the first edge of a liquid is carried out after and in line with the cutting operations - preferably milling operations - for making the coupling parts on the first edge of the panel. Preferably, the top layer comprises a decor layer and a wear layer, for example wherein the decor layer comprises a printed paper layer or a printed polymeric film.

The second aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels. Optionally, this method is a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongate, the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge. The panels are provided with a second pair of opposing edges of which a third edge and an opposing fourth edge. The method includes the step of applying a liquid to at least a portion of one, more or all of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge by means of one or more nozzles, the liquid having the exits one or more nozzles with a pressure higher than 3 bar, preferably higher than 4 bar, more preferably higher than 5 bar. The stated value for the pressure refers to the pressure when the liquid exits the nozzle.

The second aspect of the invention offers the advantage that a better impregnation of the edge(s) of the panel with the liquid is obtained, as a result of which a better water repellency of these edges - and of the entire panel - is obtained. The third aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing panels, optionally a method as in any embodiment of the first and/or second aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongated, with the panels containing a substrate and a top layer. The panels are provided with a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge. The method includes the step of applying a liquid to at least a portion of the first edge and/or of the second edge by means of one or more nozzles while passing the panels sequentially past the one or more nozzles. This is preferably done with an intermediate distance between successive panels. Preferably this is done at a continuous speed. The position of the panels is detected directly or indirectly with the aid of a sensor, whereby the signal from the sensor — optionally together with the throughput speed of the panels and/or the length of the panels in the throughput direction — is used to determine the position via a controller. start and stop the spraying of one or more nozzles. In this way, a very efficient process is obtained for making the edges of the panels water-repellent.

In a preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, at least two nozzles are controlled to at least partially apply liquid to the same surface. This allows to control the amount of liquid applied and to apply more to areas along the length of the edge(s) of the panel that are more critical for water ingress. In a preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, at least one of the nozzles is controlled to also apply liquid at least partly to an adjacent edge of the edge to which the nozzle applies liquid. This means that extra liquid will be applied on and near the corners of the panel. These vertices are the most critical for moisture penetration of installed panels. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a better water resistance is obtained from coverings (e.g. floor coverings) with panels made according to this embodiment.

The fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels. Optionally, this method is a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongate, the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge. The method includes the step of applying a liquid to at least a portion of the first edge or of the second edge by means of at least two nozzles while passing the panels sequentially past the at least second nozzles. Preferably, the panels are passed successively past the one or more nozzles with an intermediate distance between successive panels. Preferably, the panels are guided past the one or more nozzles at continuous speed. At least one of the at least two nozzles, viewed in projection onto the plane of the panel, is positioned at an angle to the plane of the panel, this angle being less than 90°.

Because the spray head is arranged at an angle of less than 90° with the relevant edge, this spray head can also at least partially treat an adjacent side edge, including the angle between these side edges. As a result, a better water-repellent effect can be obtained, especially on the corners of the panels. This is important because the angles of the panels are the most critical. In this way, both side edges adjacent to the relevant side edge can be at least partially treated or coated. In addition, the respective corners between the respective side edge and the adjacent side edges can also be treated or coated by this applicator. Preferably, two of the at least two nozzles are arranged so that a first nozzle thereof operates in a direction with a component opposite to the forward direction of said panel; and a second nozzle thereof is operable in a direction with a component parallel to the feed-through direction of said panel.

In this way, both side edges adjacent to the relevant edge can be treated at least partially. In addition, the respective corners — which form the most critical zone — can be treated additionally.

Furthermore, the control of the nozzles can be better controlled, so that the entire edge can be treated with liquid in the most efficient manner. At least two nozzles are preferably used, wherein these two nozzles apply at least part of the liquid to the same surface.

This allows the amount of liquid applied to be locally optimized in function of the risk that there could be a risk of water penetration at that location along the edge or edges of the panel. For example, it may be useful to apply an extra amount of liquid to the vertices or around the vertices, as the vertices can be critical zones with regard to moisture ingress.

Preferably, at least one of the nozzles is controlled to also apply liquid at least partly to an adjacent edge of the edge to which the nozzle applies liquid.

This allows an extra amount of liquid to be applied to the corners and near the corners, so that these critical zones are better protected against the penetration of moisture into the installed panels.

The fifth aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels. Optionally, this method is a method as in any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect, and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongated, with the panels containing a substrate and a top layer. The panels are provided with a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge. The method includes the step of applying a liquid to at least a portion of the first edge and/or of the second edge by means of at least one nozzle while passing the panels sequentially past the one or more nozzles. Preferably, the panels are passed successively past the one or more nozzles with an intermediate distance between successive panels. Preferably, the panels are guided past the one or more nozzles at continuous speed. At least one of the at least one nozzle is seen in the projection on the plane perpendicular to the first edge and perpendicular to the direction of transit of the panels at an angle of at least 2 degrees, preferably of at least 5 degrees, preferably less than 15 degrees degrees, set up relative to the plane of the panel.

The method according to the fifth aspect of the invention makes it possible to properly treat with liquid, in addition to any closing surfaces, any coupling parts present and especially any lowered edge areas (for example chamfers) present, so that an optimum water-repellent effect is obtained.

In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention and/or of the third aspect of the invention and/or of the fourth aspect of the invention and/or of the fifth aspect of the invention, at least one nozzle also applies liquid to at least at least part of an adjacent edge of the rim to which the nozzle applies liquid.

The sixth aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels. Optionally, this is a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect and/or of the second aspect and/or of the third aspect and/or of the fourth aspect and/or of the fifth aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongated, with the panels containing a substrate and a top layer. The panels are provided with a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the panels can be coupled at their first edge to the second edge of another such panel, the first edge being provided with a lowered edge area and a closing surface substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel, the second edge being provided with a lowered edge area and a closing surface substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel, the panel being coupled with its first edge on the second edge of another such panel, the closing surface of the first edge of the panel contacts or is proximate to the closing surface of the second edge of the other such panel. The method includes the step of applying a liquid to the first rim and to the second rim, the liquid at least partially penetrating the closing surface of the first rim and the closing surface of the second rim; wherein the liquid forms at least one film on the depressed edge regions of the first edge and of the second edge. The lowered edge regions can, for example, be provided in the form of chamfers.

The sixth aspect of the invention offers the advantage that two objectives are achieved with the application of the liquid. On the one hand, the edges, including the closing surfaces of the edges, can be provided with water-repellent properties. On the other hand, a film is formed on the depressed edge regions.

If the liquid contains pigments or dyes, a colored film is placed on the depressed edge areas. This is especially useful when the depressed edge regions are formed into the substrate by mechanical cutting operations. The method according to the sixth aspect of the invention obviates the need for an additional lacquer or coating to be applied to the lowered edge areas in order to obtain the desired visual effect on these lowered edge areas. In a preferred embodiment of the sixth aspect of the invention, the liquid contains a pigment or dye such that a colored film is formed on the depressed edge regions - for example formed by chamfers - of the first edge and of the second edge. In a preferred embodiment of the sixth aspect of the invention, on the depressed edge regions - for example formed by chamfers - the liquid is applied directly to the substrate at least for part of the surface of the depressed edge regions.

In a preferred embodiment of the sixth aspect of the invention, on the depressed edge regions - for example formed by chamfers - the liquid penetrates at least part of the surface of the depressed edge regions into the substrate.

In a preferred embodiment of the sixth aspect of the invention, no coating other than the liquid is applied to the lowered edge areas, which are formed by, for example, chamfers.

The seventh aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels. Optionally, this is a method as in the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or oblong, the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges including a first edge and an opposing second edge; wherein the panels are provided with a second pair of opposing edges, of which a third edge and an opposing fourth edge. The panels are provided with coupling parts on their first pair of opposite edges, so that a first such panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, preferably whereby an interlock occurs in the direction perpendicular to the coupled panels and /or in the direction in the plane of the panels perpendicular to the joined edges. The method comprises the steps: - step 1: application to at least a part - and preferably over the full length - of the first edge and/or on a part - and preferably over the full length - of the second edge of a liquid, preferably whereby this liquid penetrates over a certain depth into the relevant edge; - step 2: by means of one or more cutting operations, realizing coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges, so that a first such panel can be coupled at its third edge to the fourth edge of another such panel, preferably whereby a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the coupled panels and/or in the direction in the plane of the panels perpendicular to the coupled edges; - and optionally step 3: application to at least a part - and preferably over the full length - of the third edge and/or to a part - and preferably over the full length - of the fourth edge of a liquid, preferably whereby this liquid penetrates over a certain depth into the relevant edge. Preferably where more liquid is applied to the third edge and the fourth edge per unit area than in step 1 on the first edge and the second edge.

The method according to the seventh aspect of the invention allows processing steps to be performed first on the first pair of opposite edges, including the mechanical operations for forming the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges and applying the liquid (this may be all happen in a continuous process), and then perform the operations on the second pair of opposite edges. This facilitates the material flow and the number of manipulations of the panels between process steps.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the seventh aspect of the invention in which step 3 is performed, in step 3 liquid is also applied to the first edge and/or to the second edge over a certain length from the vertex with an edge of the second edge. pair of opposite edges onto which liquid is applied in step 3.

This embodiment is advantageous because the edges near the corner points of the panel are additionally provided with liquid, so that the corners of the panels, which form critical zones in a covering with the panels, are also made properly water-repellent.

The preferred embodiment in which more liquid is applied per unit area on the third edge and the fourth edge than in step 1 on the first edge and the second edge, has the advantage that the second pair of opposite edges, which are usually the short edges of an elongated rectangular panel, be made more waterproof. This can be useful in embodiments of coupling parts in which less prestress is present at the short edges; for example when the locking perpendicular to the panels is formed by an insert.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the seventh aspect of the invention, wherein the first edge and/or the second edge contain a lowered edge area, preferably in the form of a chamfer, before or after step 1, but preferably before step 2, a lacquer was applied to this depressed edge area. This lacquer is preferably an acrylic lacquer or a polyurethane lacquer; or does this lacquer contain or is an alkyd. The lacquer preferably contains pigments or dyes so that the lowered edge areas are colored. Preferably, the application of the lacquer is followed by blowing off and/or suctioning off any lacquer that may have been applied to the top surface of the panel before step 2. This prevents any lacquer from adhering to the decorative top surface of the panel, this would constitute a defect. The lacquer is preferably dried before step 2 is carried out. This prevents dust or chips from sticking to the lacquer layer, as a result of which a high-quality lacquer layer would not be obtained. The eighth aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing panels. Optionally, this method is a method according to any embodiment of the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the seventh aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge, the first edge and/or the second edge contains a lowered edge area, for instance a chamfer, the method comprising the steps of: - applying a lacquer to the surface of the lowered edge area(s);

- optional drying — and optional cross-linking — of the paint on the lowered edge area(s); - application at least on the part of the first edge and/or of the second edge immediately adjacent to the lowered edge area(s) of a liquid, preferably whereby this liquid penetrates over a certain depth (D) into the relevant edge. The method of the eighth aspect makes it possible to obtain a good lacquer layer on the lowered edge areas, which imparts a certain visual aspect to the lowered edge areas, and also to apply a liquid so that the edges of the panels are rendered water-repellent. In a preferred embodiment of the eighth aspect of the invention, the liquid penetrates at least partially into the relevant edge so that part of the liquid is located in the substrate under the resist on the depressed edge area.

This also provides an additional water-repellent effect on the lowered edge areas. In a preferred embodiment of the eighth aspect of the invention, the side edge of the first edge includes a closing face substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, and the second edge includes a side edge, the side edge of the second edge including a closing face substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the first edge of the panel being engageable with the second edge of another such panel, the closing face of the first edge of the panel being in contact with or proximate to the closing face of another such panel when engaged; the second edge of the other such panel, wherein when the liquid is applied, the liquid is applied to at least a part - and preferably to the entire surface - of the closing face of the first edge and/or of the second edge.

By applying liquid to these closing surfaces, a coating is formed with such panels with additional protection against the penetration of moisture into the panels.

Preferably, the closing surface of the first edge directly adjoins the lowered edge area of the first edge, and the closing surface of the second edge directly adjoins the lowered edge area of the second edge, with the part of the closing surface(s) directly subsequently with the lowered edge area(s) to which liquid is applied, liquid is also applied. As a result, a covering is formed with panels produced according to this embodiment, which is additionally protected against the penetration of moisture into the panels.

The ninth aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels. Optionally, the method according to the ninth aspect of the invention is a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and/or the eighth aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or oblong, and contain a substrate and a top layer. The panels are provided with a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge, the panels being provided with a second pair of opposing edges, of which a second edge and an opposing fourth edge, with at least one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge - and preferably on several of these edges; and more preferably on all these edges - over at least part of their surface, and preferably over their entire surface, a liquid is applied, a plurality of these panels having been carried out without an active drying operation after application of the liquid to be packaged together. The method according to the ninth aspect of the invention offers a very efficient and effective method for making panels water-repellent. No energy is required to carry out the drying.

In a preferred embodiment of the ninth aspect of the invention, a plurality of these panels are packaged together after application of the liquid, while the liquid has not yet completely dried. The drying of the liquid, whereby solvent evaporates, can take place in the packaging. So no energy needs to be used to dry the liquid. The tenth aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing panels. Optionally, this is a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and/or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongate, the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge, the method including the step of wet deposition of a film-forming polymeric layer or film-forming resin layer at least on one of the first edge or the second edge, said film-forming polymeric layer or film-forming resin layer making the respective edge(s) vapour-tight.

The film provides a barrier against the ingress of moisture at the edges of the panels. This film provides a barrier not only against liquid moisture, but also against vapour, for example at high humidity levels.

In a preferred embodiment of the tenth aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of applying a liquid at least to one of the first edge or the second edge, said liquid making the relevant edge(s) water-repellent. Preferably, liquid is applied to surface to which the film-forming polymeric layer or the film-forming resin layer has already been applied.

In addition to forming a barrier against moisture, water repellency is also achieved in this embodiment.

The eleventh aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels. Optionally, this is a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and/or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongate, the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge, the method comprising the steps:- applying a liquid to the first edge and/or the second edge, whereby this liquid penetrates over a certain depth into the relevant edge; - wet application of a film-forming polymeric layer or film-forming resin layer on the edge or edges to which the liquid has been applied.

In this way, panels are obtained that are not only resistant to the penetration of liquid moisture, but also to the absorption of moisture in vapor form. The edges of the panels are also water resistant.

In a preferred embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the liquid provides water-repellent properties to the edge in question. In a preferred embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the polymeric film or the film-forming resin layer provides vapor tightness of the respective edge. In a preferred embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the liquid is water based or solvent based.

In a preferred embodiment of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the wet deposition of the polymeric film or the film-forming resin layer is water-based or solvent-based.

In a preferred embodiment of the tenth aspect and/or of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the film-forming polymer layer or the film-forming resin layer forms a film having a thickness of less than 50 microns, preferably less than 25 microns.

This is especially important when the panels contain coupling parts, and even more so when the panels contain coupling parts that provide a mechanical locking in the directions perpendicular to the plane of the joined panels and parallel to the plane of the joined panels. Such coupling parts must be produced with narrow tolerances. Therefore, a film on these coupling parts — or on a part of them — must remain limited in thickness in order not to cause problems when installing the panels, whereby the film could be damaged, for example, or where the coupling would be problematic.

In a preferred embodiment of the tenth aspect and/or of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the film formed by the film-forming polymer layer or the film-forming resin layer provides vapor barrier properties and/or water repellency properties at the respective edge(s).

In a preferred embodiment of the tenth aspect and/or of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the film-forming polymeric layer or film-forming resin layer is applied by means of a water-based emulsion or a water-based dispersion.

In a preferred embodiment of the tenth aspect and/or of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the film-forming polymeric layer or the film-forming resin layer contains an alkyd - preferably a polyurethane-modified alkyd -, an acrylate, a polyurethane, a polysiloxane, or a styrene. -butadiene copolymer, or the film-forming polymer layer or the film-forming resin layer is formed by it. If an alkyd is used, it is preferably a polyurethane modified alkyd and/or an alkyd of the “long oil alkyd” type. “Long oil alkyd” types have the advantage that they dry quickly.

In a preferred embodiment of the tenth aspect and/or of the eleventh aspect of the invention, the film-forming polymeric layer or the film-forming resin layer contains clay; for instance in the form of nanoclay and/or for instance montmorillonite clay.

The addition of clay in the polymeric film or the resin film provides an improved barrier against moisture.

The twelfth aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels.

Optionally, this is a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and/or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect of the invention.

The panels are rectangular, either square or elongate, the panels comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge, the method comprising the steps:- applying to at least part of the first edge and/or the second edge of a liquid, preferably whereby this liquid penetrates over a certain depth into the relevant edge, drying the liquid on the first edge and/or the second edge by means of one or more HIR lamps (halogen infrared lamps). This method ensures a very efficient drying of the liquid.

In a preferred embodiment of the twelfth aspect of the invention, a continuous gas flow - preferably a continuous air flow - flows during drying.

over the surface of the panel to be dried, preferably whereby this gas flow is realized by means of a blower device and/or an exhaust device. Such embodiments have the advantage that explosion or fire hazards are avoided since concentration of flammable or explosive evaporating solvent is avoided. The thirteenth aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels. Optionally, this method is a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and/or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect of the invention. The panels are rectangular, either square or elongated, with the panels containing a substrate and a top layer. The panels include a first pair of opposing edges, a first edge and an opposing second edge, the method including the steps of applying a liquid to at least a portion of the first edge and/or of the second edge. Preferably, this liquid penetrates over a certain depth into the relevant edge. The liquid contains one or more of an acrylate, a methacrylate, a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, a fluorinated acrylate copolymer, an alkyd, an epoxy resin, a fluorinated epoxy resin, or a polysiloxane. When a fluorinated acrylate, or a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer is used, the fluorinated side chains preferably contain four, five or six carbon atoms containing fluorine atoms and/or at least part of the fluorinated side groups are based on perfluorobutane sulfonic acid. Such products have proven to be very efficient.

The combination with alkyd has proven to be an advantage for obtaining water repellency at the first edge of the panel. Preferably an alkyd is combined with a fluorinated acrylate.

The — at least partially — use of a fluorinated methacrylate has the advantage that the impregnating agent has better adhesion.

Preferably a polyurethane modified alkyd and/or an alkyd of the "long oil alkyd" type is used. “Long oil alkyd” types have the advantage because they dry quickly.

In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the liquid contains one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer; preferably wherein this or these perfluorobutane contain(s) sulfonic acid based active side chains.

Such embodiments offer better water repellency at the edges where this liquid is applied.

In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the liquid is water based, or the liquid is solvent based.

Solvent-based liquids have the advantage when used on panels where the substrate is wood-based (for example, where the substrate is or contains an MDF or HDF board) that the wood fibers do not rise when the liquid is applied, as they do with a water-based liquid would be. Wood fibers that stand up are disadvantageous on the one hand to prevent water absorption; and on the other hand disadvantageous because this can lead to greater roughness at the edges of the panel. The increased roughness can disrupt the tight tolerances of coupling parts at the edges; this is detrimental to the coupling of the panels when the panels are installed in a cladding, e.g. in a floor covering.

In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the liquid is solvent based, the solvent preferably contains one or more of a glycol ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate,

hydrocarbons - preferably aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or preferably iso-hydrocarbons -, butyl acetate, propyl acetate - e.g. 3-Methoxy-3-Methyl-1-Butylacetate (MMB-AC) or 1-Methoxy-Propylacetate (MPA) - a dibasic ester , a glycol diether, a benzoate ester, or a tetramethoxy ether.

The use of such solvents is preferred because a good impregnation with the liquid is obtained.

Preferably, the solvent contains both a polar solvent and an apolar solvent. More preferably, the polar solvent contains a butyl acetate and/or a propyl acetate. Combinations of polar and non-polar solvents offer the best fluid workability in terms of stability and application.

Preferably the apolar solvent is or contains a hydrocarbon - more preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon, even more preferably an aliphatic 150 -hydrocarbon. Such solvents offer good solubility.

In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the polar solvent contains one or more of an alcohol, a glycol ether, e.g. one or more of propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, butyl acetate, propyl acetate - e.g. 3-Methoxy- 3-Methyl-1-Butylacetate (MMB-AC) or 1-Methoxy-Propylacetate (MPA)-, a dibasic ester, a glycol diether, a benzoate ester, or a tetramethoxy ether.

In preferred embodiments of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the solvent contains a glycol ether or a glycol diether, a hydrocarbon (preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon, and more preferably an aliphatic isohydrocarbon) and a propyl acetate or a butyl acetate. The propyl acetate or the butyl acetate is added to increase the solubility of the active ingredients (e.g. a combination of fluorinated acrylate copolymer and an alkyd) of the liquid. The purpose of the glycol ether or glycol diether is to avoid coagulation.

In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the liquid is solvent based, the solvent having a flash point higher than 30°C, preferably higher than 35°C, more preferably higher than 55°C.

Such embodiments increase the safety in carrying out the method. In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the liquid is solvent based, the solvents and any additives in the liquid being exclusively of the aliphatic type, or, the proportion of solvent and any additive of the aromatic type in the liquid being less is more than 1000 ppm, or, less than 100 ppm.

In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the mass percentage of solids in the liquid is less than 15%, preferably less than 10%. Such an embodiment ensures that the amount of solid matter applied can be properly controlled, and that a good impregnation of the edges of the panel with this liquid can be obtained. Since only a small amount of solids has to be applied per unit of specific surface area, the amount of solids to be applied can be much better controlled when the amount of solids in the liquid is low.

In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the liquid contains a liquid colorant. More preferably, the liquid contains no solid pigments.

If the liquid contains a liquid dye, lines can be prevented from becoming visible between the panels when panels are installed. Coloring the liquid can avoid this.

This embodiment can also ensure that, when a lowered edge (for example a chamfer) is also treated with the liquid, this lowered edge is colored, so that a visually more natural and more beautiful aspect is obtained.

In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the liquid contains on the one hand an alkyd resin - preferably a urethane or isocyanate modified alkyd resin and/or a long oil alkyd - and on the other hand one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer. “Long oil alkyd” types have the advantage that they dry quickly. Such embodiments have the advantage that water repellency is achieved in a double way. The alkyd resin remains more on the surface and ensures a certain amount of film formation. The fluorinated acrylate, fluorinated methacrylate, or fluorinated acrylate copolymer penetrates more into the substrate of the panel and provides water repellency through its fluorinated side chains. Preferably in the liquid is the ratio of the solids of one or more of the fluorinated acrylate, the fluorinated methacrylate, or the fluorinated acrylate copolymer; on the other hand, the alkyd resin is greater than 2, and preferably less than 5, more preferably less than 4, more preferably less than

3. Such embodiments give better properties with regard to the prevention of moisture absorption of installed panels. In a preferred embodiment of the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the liquid imparts water-repellent properties to the edge to which it is applied.

In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and /or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the liquid penetrates a certain depth, preferably more than 1 millimeter, in the relevant edge. This depth of penetration is determined perpendicular to the profile of the profiled edge where the liquid is applied. In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and/or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the first edge includes a closing face substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the panel, and the second edge includes a closing face substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the panel, the first edge of the panel being engageable with the second edge of another such panel, wherein when engaged the closing face of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing face of the second edge of the other such panel, wherein the liquid is applied on at least a portion in the direction perpendicular to the liquid t is applied on the upper surface - and preferably on the entire surface in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the panel - on the closing face of the first edge and on the closing face of the second edge. Due to the contact of the closing surfaces - or their close proximity - to which the liquid has been applied, even better water resistance of a cladding with such panels is obtained.

In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and and/or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the panels include a second pair of opposing edges, one of which third edge and a fourth edge, the third edge including a closure plane substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel; wherein the fourth edge includes a closing surface substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, wherein the third edge of the panel is engageable with the third edge of another such panel, wherein when engaged the closing surface of the third edge of the panel contacts makes with or is close to the closing face of the fourth edge of the other such panel; wherein upon application of the liquid, the liquid on at least a portion in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface - and preferably on the entire surface in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the panel - on the closing surface of the third edge and on the closing surface of the fourth edge is applied. Due to the contact of the closing surfaces - or their close proximity - to which the liquid has been applied, even better water resistance of a cladding with such panels is obtained. In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and /or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the panels include a second pair of opposing edges of which a third edge and a fourth edge, wherein one or more or all of the first edge, second edge, third edge and the fourth edge contain a lowered edge, for example in the form of a chamfer, where liquid is applied to the edge(s) is also provided on the lowered edge at this edge if such lowered edge is present 1s.

Such an embodiment has the advantage that the lowered edge, for instance formed by a chamfer, is also protected against water absorption. In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and /or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the panels include a second pair of opposing edges, of which a third edge and a fourth edge, one or more or all of the first edge, second edge, third edge and fourth edge including a lowered edge, for example in the form of a chamfer, the method including the step of applying of a lacquer on the lowered edge, wherein if liquid is applied to the edge containing the lowered edge, the lacquer can be applied before or after the liquid has been applied to the relevant edge.

This lacquer can provide a visually attractive lowered edge, for example in the form of a chamfer, while this lowered edge is also made waterproof. Preferably, the application of the liquid and the application of the lacquer to one or more of the first edge, second edge, third edge and/or fourth edge occur in the same continuous process. In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and /or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the substrate is selected from or contains: - a wood fiber board, for example an MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF (High Density Fiberboard) board, or - a chipboard, or - a mineral board, for example a magnesium oxide board, a plasterboard, a board of mineral fibers bonded by means of a binder (for example by means of a thermosetting binder), or a fiber cement board, or - a polymer-based substrate, such as for example a filled and/or foamed polyvinyl chloride based substrate or a substrate based on another there thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer.

Although some of the mentioned substrates that can be used in the invention are waterproof per se, this is not necessarily true of their edges. In the installed state of panels made of these substrates, moisture could penetrate along the joined edges of the panels. This moisture can possibly penetrate further into the substrate through porosity of the substrate, or cause problems under the panels. That is why it is also important with such substrates to ensure that no moisture can penetrate at the edges of installed panels. In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and /or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the panels contain a decorative top layer. The decorative top layer may include printing, preferably wherein the decorative top layer is attached directly or indirectly to an underlying substrate. The decorative top layer can contain a wood veneer (thickness less than 2.5 mm) or a wood layer (thickness from 2.5 mm), with any wood veneer preferably having a thickness between 0.4 and 0.8 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and /or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the panel is provided with a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge, the panel including interlocking portions at its first pair of opposite edges, so that the panel may be interlocked at its first edge with the second edge of another such panel, the interlocking members including interlocking portions so that in engaged state a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or a locking occurs in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the coupled the edges. Preferably, the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is performed on the first pair of opposite edges.

In a preferred embodiment of any embodiment of the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect and/or the fourth aspect and/or the fifth aspect and/or the sixth aspect and/or the seventh aspect and /or the eighth aspect and/or the ninth aspect and/or the tenth aspect and/or the eleventh aspect and/or the twelfth aspect and/or the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the panels are floor panels. The fourteenth aspect of the invention relates to a panel, the panel being rectangular, either square or oblong, the panel comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panels having a first pair of opposing edges, a first edge and an opposing second edge, the panels having interlocking portions on their first pair of opposite edges so that the panel may be interlocked at its first edge with the second edge of another such panel, the surface of at least one of the first edge and the second edge - and preferably both of the first edge and the second edge - of the panel contain a film - preferably a polymeric film or a film formed by a resin layer -, the film having a thickness less than 50 micrometers, preferably less than 25 microns. The coupling parts must be produced with narrow tolerances. Therefore, a film on these coupling parts — or on a part of them — must remain limited in thickness in order not to cause problems when installing the panels, whereby the film could be damaged, for example. In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the film provides vapor barrier properties and/or water repellency properties at the relevant edge(s).

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the polymeric film or the film formed by a resin layer is applied by means of a water-based emulsion or a water-based dispersion.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the film contains or is formed by an alkyd - preferably a polyurethane modified alkyd - an acrylate, a polyurethane, a polysiloxane, or a styrene-butadiene copolymer. Such embodiments ensure good film formation on the relevant edges.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the film contains clay, for instance in the form of nanoclay and/or preferably montmorillonite clay.

The addition of clay in the polymeric film or the resin film provides an improved barrier against moisture. The fifteenth aspect of the invention relates to a panel, the panel being rectangular, either square or oblong, the panel comprising a substrate and a top layer, the panel having a first pair of opposing edges, a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the panel comprises coupling parts at its first pair of opposite edges, so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, preferably wherein the coupling parts contain locking parts so that when coupled a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the interlocked panels and/or an interlock occurs in the plane of the interlocked panels and perpendicular to the interlocked edges. Preferably, the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is performed on the first pair of opposite edges. The panel is provided with a second pair of opposing edges, of which a third edge and an opposing fourth edge, the panels at their second pair of opposing edges having coupling members so that the panel can be coupled at its third edge to the fourth edge of another such panel, preferably wherein the coupling parts comprise locking parts so that, in the coupled condition, a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or a locking occurs in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges. Preferably, the coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling on the second pair of opposite edges. Each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge includes a closing face substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, wherein when the panel is coupled with its first edge to the second edge of another such panel the closing surface of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface of the second edge of the other such panel; wherein when the panel is coupled with its third edge to the fourth edge of another such panel, the closing surface of the third edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface of the fourth edge of the other such panel; the closing faces of the third edge and the fourth edge being provided from each of the four vertices of the panel toward the center of the third edge and the fourth edge, respectively, at least over a predetermined distance from the relevant vertex, with a impregnating agent and/or of a coating, where the average concentration of the impregnating agent and/or of the coating over this determined distance is higher than the average of the concentration of impregnating agent and/or of coating on the closing surfaces in the middle of the first edge and the second edge.

Since the corner points of the panels in an installed cladding with the panels are the most critical zones for moisture penetration, this embodiment is advantageous, because extra protection is offered to corner points against moisture penetration.

Coupling the panels with pre-tension is advantageous, because the closing surfaces of coupled edges are pressed against each other by the pre-tension. This reduces the risk of moisture penetration between coupled panels.

Preferably, the panel is elongated and the first pair of opposite edges form the long edges of the panel. In a preferred embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the closing faces of the first edge and the second edge extend from each of the four corner points of the panel toward the center of the first edge and second edge, respectively, at least over a determined distance from the relevant corner point, provided with the impregnating agent and/or of the coating, whereby the average concentration of the impregnating agent and/or of the coating over this determined distance is higher than the average of the concentration of impregnating agent and/or of the coating on the closing faces in the middle of the first edge and the second edge. In a preferred embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the closing surfaces of the first edge and of the second edge in the middle of the respective edge are not impregnated or coated over a certain length. This embodiment is advantageous because less impregnation agent or coating is required, while still achieving good results since the corner points — which are the most critical zones for moisture penetration in installed panels — are protected against water penetration.

In a preferred embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the closing surfaces of the third edge and the fourth edge are provided with the impregnating agent and/or the coating over the entire length of the relevant edge. This embodiment provides additional protection against moisture penetration at the edge of installed panels.

In a preferred embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the closing surfaces of the third edge and the fourth edge are not provided with the impregnating agent and/or the coating over the full length of the relevant edge, preferably with the closing surfaces of the third edge and of the fourth edge in the middle of their length are not provided with the impregnating agent and/or the coating over a certain length. This embodiment is advantageous because less impregnation agent or coating is required, while still achieving good results since the corner points — which are the most critical zones for moisture penetration in installed panels — are protected against water penetration. In a preferred embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the invention, one, several or all of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge are provided with a lowered edge region, for instance in the form of a chamfer. The lowered edge regions are preferably provided with a lacquer, more preferably in which the lacquer is or contains an acrylate lacquer, a polyurethane lacquer or an alkyd and/or in which the lacquer contains a pigment or dye.

Such embodiments are advantageous because any swelling due to moisture absorption of a lowered edge area (for example of a chamfer) is visually invisible or not visible at all. A lacquer on the lowered edge area creates a visually beautiful effect.

The sixteenth aspect of the invention relates to a panel, optionally a panel as in any embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the panel being rectangular, either square or elongated, the panel comprising a substrate and a top layer, wherein the panel is provided with a first pair of opposing edges, of which a first edge and an opposing second edge, the panel having coupling parts on its first pair of opposing edges, so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such a panel, wherein the first edge is provided with a lowered edge area, preferably in the form of a chamfer, the first edge containing an impregnating agent, on at least part of - and preferably on the entire - lowered edge area and on at least at least the part of the first edge below and directly contiguous with the lowered edge area, where the impregnating agent el provides a water-repellent effect where it is applied to the first edge, and at the same time provides a surface coating and coloring of the surface of the lowered edge area.

The sixteenth aspect of the invention offers the advantage that the same impregnation ensures that no water can penetrate into the edge of the panel with installed panels and that the lowered edges are also protected against water penetration and at the same time that the lowered edges are colored so that they visually produce a beautiful effect. This is especially important if these lowered edges are embodied in the substrate.

In a preferred embodiment of the sixteenth aspect of the invention, each of the first edge and the second edge includes a closing face substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel; wherein when the panel is coupled with its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, the closing surface of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface of the second edge of the other such panel; wherein the closing surface of the first rim contains the impregnating agent at least over its upper part - and preferably over its entire surface.

In such embodiments, moisture is even better prevented from penetrating between the coupled panels and via the edges of the coupled panels into the substrate of the panels.

Preferably, the closing surface of the first edge immediately adjoins the lowered edge area of the first edge. As a result, moisture penetration between and in coupled panels is even better avoided.

The seventeenth aspect of the invention relates to a panel, optionally a panel as in any embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or of the fifteenth aspect and/or of the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the panel being rectangular or square or elongated, the panel comprising a substrate u BE2021/5443 and a top layer, the panel comprising a first pair of opposite edges, of which a first edge and an opposite second edge, the panel comprising coupling parts at its first pair of opposite edges , so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, the first edge containing an impregnating agent.

Preferably, the impregnating agent contains one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer; preferably wherein this or these perfluorobutane contain(s) sulfonic acid based active side chains. When a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer is used, the fluorinated side chains preferably contain four, five, or six carbon atoms containing fluorine atoms and/or at least a portion of the fluorinated side groups are based on perfluorobutane sulfonic acid .

Such products have proven to be very efficient.

The — at least partially — use of a fluorinated methacrylate — for example in a fluorinated acrylate copolymer — has the advantage that the impregnating agent has better adhesion.

Preferably, the impregnating agent contains a dye.

If the impregnating agent contains a dye, lines can be prevented from becoming visible between the panels when panels are installed.

Coloring the impregnating agent can avoid this.

This embodiment can also ensure that, when a lowered edge (for example a chamfer) has also been treated with the impregnating agent, this lowered edge is coloured, so that a visually more natural and more beautiful aspect is obtained.

In a preferred embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the impregnating agent contains on the one hand an alkyd resin - preferably a urethane or isocyanate modified alkyd resin, and/or preferably a long oil alkyd - and on the other hand one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer. Such embodiments have the advantage that water repellency at the edges of the panel is achieved in a double way. The alkyd resin remains more on the surface and ensures a certain amount of film formation. The fluorinated acrylate, fluorinated methacrylate, or fluorinated acrylate copolymer penetrates more into the substrate of the panel and provides water repellency through its fluorinated side chains. The use of a fluorinated methacrylate has the advantage that the impregnating agent has better adhesion. Preferably, in the impregnating agent, the ratio of the solids of one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer to the solids of the alkyd resin on the other hand is higher than 2, and preferably lower than 5, more preferably lower than 4, more preferably lower than 3. Such embodiments provide better properties with regard to the prevention of moisture absorption of the panels.

Preferably, the impregnant has penetrated the substrate to some extent, where there is a gradient of the mass ratio of alkyd resin to the total of alkyd resin and the one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer over the impregnation depth, with the alkyd mass ratio being higher at the surface of the substrate.

Preferably, the alkyd resin is located predominantly on or near the surface of the zone where the impregnant has been applied.

In a preferred embodiment of the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the impregnating agent imparts water-repellent properties to the edge to which this impregnating agent is applied.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the panel is elongate, with the first pair of opposing edges forming the long edges of the panel.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the panel includes coupling members at its first pair of opposite edges, so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge on the second edge of another such panel, preferably wherein the coupling parts contain locking parts so that in the coupled condition a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or a locking occurs in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicularly on the joined edges.

Preferably, the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is performed on the first pair of opposite edges.

The panel is provided with a second pair of opposing edges, of which a third edge and an opposing fourth edge, the panels at their second pair of opposing edges having coupling members so that the panel can be coupled at its third edge to the fourth edge of another such panel.

Preferably, the coupling parts comprise locking parts so that, in the coupled condition, a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or that a locking occurs in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges.

Preferably, the coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling on the second pair of opposite edges.

Preferably, each of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge includes a closing surface substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, wherein when the panel is coupled with its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, the closing surface of the first edge of the panel contacts or is proximate to the closing surface of the second edge of the other such panel; wherein when the panel is coupled with its third edge to the fourth edge of another such panel, the closing surface of the third edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface of the fourth edge of the other such panel.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the coupling parts of the first pair of opposite edges are formed substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, which, when coupled, provide locking in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels, the tongue and groove being provided with locking members which, when coupled, of two such panels, lock at their first pair of opposite edges in the direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the joined edges, the groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, preferably with the lower lip extending distally beyond the upper lip, the lower lip being a locking member includes in the form of an upward facing locking member for cooperating with a locking member at the bottom r side of the tooth for forming the interlock in the direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the joined edges.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the panel may be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel by means of a revolving movement and/or by means of sliding with snap effect of the panels relative to each other substantially parallel to the plane of the panels. In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the second pair of opposing edges includes coupling members that allow the panel to be coupled to another such panel by by means of a downward movement of the panel relative to the other such panel, the coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges in the coupled state of two such panels forming a first locking system at their second pair of opposite edges, which locks the plane of the joined panels and perpendicular to the joined edges; and form a second locking system in the direction perpendicular to the coupled panels; the first locking system being formed at least by an upwardly directed lower lower hooked portion located on one of said second pair of opposite edges and a downwardly directed upper hooked portion located on the other, opposite edge of said second pair of opposed edges , which hook-shaped parts can be hooked in one behind the other by means of the aforementioned downward movement; wherein the lower hook-shaped part consists of a lip with an upwardly directed locking element, while the upper hook-shaped part consists of a lip with a downwardly directed locking element; second locking system has locking parts in the form of locking surfaces.

The second locking system may include an insert for providing partial or full locking in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels.

The second locking system can be made entirely of material from the substrate.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, a plurality of such panels can be installed by means of the fold-down method whereby a covering, for example a floor covering is formed. In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges are formed substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, which, when coupled, lock in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels, the tongue and groove being provided with locking members which, when coupled, of two such panels, lock at their second pair of opposite edges in the direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the joined edges, the groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, preferably with the lower lip extending distally beyond the upper lip, the lower lip being a locking member includes in the form of an upward facing locking member for cooperating with a locking member at the bottom r side of the tooth for forming the interlock in the direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the joined edges. More preferably, the coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling on the second pair of opposite edges.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, one, more or all of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge provided with a lowered edge area, for example in the form of a chamfer, preferably in which the lowered edge areas are provided with a lacquer, more preferably in which the lacquer is or contains an acrylate lacquer, a polyurethane lacquer or an alkyd and /or wherein the lacquer contains pigment or dye.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, each of the first edge and the second edge includes a closing face substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel; wherein when the panel is coupled with its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, the closing surface of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface of the second edge of the other such panel; wherein the closing surface of the first rim contains the impregnating agent at least over its upper part - and preferably over its entire surface.

Preferably, the closing surface of the first edge immediately adjoins the lowered edge area of the first edge. In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the impregnating agent penetrates over a certain depth into the edge where the impregnating agent has been applied, preferably whereby it depth is at least 1 millimeter. This depth of penetration is determined perpendicular to the profile of the profiled edge where the liquid is applied.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the substrate is selected from or contains: - a wood fiber board, for example an MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard ) or HDF (High Density Fiberboard) board, or - a chipboard, or - a mineral board, for example a magnesium oxide board, a plasterboard, a board of mineral fibers bonded by means of a binder (for example by means of a thermosetting binder) , or a fiber cement board, or - a polymer-based substrate, such as, for example, a filled and/or foamed polyvinyl chloride-based substrate or a substrate based on another thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer.

In a preferred embodiment of the fourteenth aspect and/or the fifteenth aspect and/or the sixteenth aspect and/or the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the panel comprises a decorative top layer, - wherein the decorative top layer comprises a print, preferably wherein the decorative top layer is attached directly or indirectly to an underlying substrate, or - where the decorative top layer comprises a wood veneer (thickness < 2.5 mm) or a wood layer (thickness from 2.5 mm), where any wood veneer preferably has a thickness of 0.4 to 0.8 mm .

Preferably, the panel is a floor panel. According to each of the different aspects, several - and preferably all - edges of the panels can be treated in a similar or similar way. It is also within the invention to combine the various aspects - and embodiments thereof - insofar as they do not contradict each other.

In different embodiments of different aspects of the invention, opposite edges of the panels include closing surfaces. It is stated that when coupled, the closing faces contact each other or are close together. The closing surfaces are preferably intended to make contact with each other, however - for example due to shrinkage of the coupled panels - a small gap can arise between the closing surfaces of the coupled panels. In that case, however, the closing surfaces are still close to each other. With the intention of better demonstrating the features of the invention, some preferred embodiments are described below, by way of example without any limiting character, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a floor panel obtained by means of the methods of the invention, figure 2 shows this floor panel in a cross-section according to the line II-II shown in figure 1; figure 3 schematically illustrates the method according to the first aspect of the invention for applying the liquid and the lacquer; Figure 4 illustrates a method of applying the liquid using a vacuum technique; Figure 5 illustrates a method of spraying the liquid onto the edge of a panel; figure 6 illustrates how the lacquer can be applied to a chamfer on the edge of a panel by means of a transfer roller; figure 7 schematically represents part of a floor covering that can be laid with panels according to aspects of the invention, or with panels made according to aspects of the invention; figure 8, on a larger scale, represents the part indicated by F8 in figure 7; Figures 9 and 10 show examples of the second pair of opposite edges of a panel which may be used in the floor covering example of Figures 7 and 8; Figure 11 shows another example of the second pair of opposite edges of a panel which may be used in the floor covering example of Figures 7 and 8; Figure 12 illustrates the method according to the fifth aspect of the invention; Figure 13 illustrates the method according to the sixth aspect of the invention and a panel according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention; Figure 14 illustrates the tenth aspect, the eleventh aspect and the fourteenth aspect of the invention, and Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the invention.

>0 BE2021/5443 Figure 1 shows an elongated rectangular floor panel 1 that is provided with coupling parts 6 on two pairs of opposite edges, 2-3 (the long edges) and 4-5 (the short edges). The coupling parts allow the panel can be coupled at its first long edge 2 to the second long edge 3 of another such panel; and that the panel can be coupled at its first short edge 4 to the second short edge 5 of another such panel. Figure 2 showing the floor panel of figure 1 in a cross-section according to line II-II of figure 1, illustrating that the coupling parts 6 on the long edges 2-3 form a first locking system, which performs a locking in the plane of the panels and perpendicularly on the long edges 2-3, namely a lock in the horizontal direction R2; and a second locking system which realizes a locking perpendicular to the plane of the panels, namely a locking in the vertical direction R1. The coupling parts 6 illustrated in this example are mainly formed by a tongue 7 and a groove 8, which provide the locking in the vertical direction R1. The tooth 7 has an additional locking element 12 on one of the two groove lips 9-10, in this case only on the lower groove lip 9; which, together with an additional locking element 11 at the bottom of the tooth 7, in coupled condition, provides locking in the horizontal direction R2.

The coupling parts 6 are of the type that allow two such panels 1 to be coupled to each other, optionally by means of a turning movement or by means of a horizontal sliding movement of one such panel relative to another such panel. In the example, the coupling parts are completely realized in the substrate 13. This substrate can be an MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or an HDF (High Density Fiberboard) board. However, other materials for the substrate are also possible within the scope of the invention, for example mineral plates (for example magnesium oxide plates, plasterboards, mineral fiber plates bonded by a binder, fiber cement plates…), or polymer-based substrates, such as for example whether or not filled polyvinyl chloride based substrates or substrates based on other thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers.

Preferably, the coupling parts 6 at the first pair of opposite edges 2, 3 have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when coupling at the first pair of opposite edges.

As a result, in the coupled condition, the edges of the coupled panels are pushed together.

This can be achieved because the bottom lip 9 is slightly elastically bent in the coupled condition.

This elastic bending creates a compressive force that pushes the coupled edges against each other.

The panel 1 further comprises a top layer 40. This top layer 40 comprises a decorative layer 16 which contains a print 17.

A backing layer or balancing layer 18 is applied to the substrate 13 at the bottom of the panel.

The printing 17 can be applied to a sheet of paper 19. The printing can represent a wood motif 20.

The top layer 40 further includes a wear layer 21 over the printing 17. In the example, the wear layer contains a sheet of paper impregnated with a thermosetting resin (preferably a melamine formaldehyde resin), and optionally hard particles such as aluminum oxide.

The backing layer or balance layer 18 also includes a sheet of paper 22 impregnated with a thermosetting resin (preferably a melamine formaldehyde resin). Figure 2 illustrates that both edges of the first pair of opposite edges 2-3 were treated with a liquid, in the form of an impregnating agent 14. This agent has penetrated a depth D into these edges of the panel 1 during its application.

This penetration D, measured perpendicular to the coupling parts 6, is for instance more than 0.8 millimetres; or even more than 10 percent of the thickness T of the panel 1. Both long edges 2-3 contain a side edge 43, 44 and a chamfer 32. These chamfers 32 were obtained by a milling operation.

A lacquer 33 is applied to both chamfers, which provides a coloring of these chamfers 32.

The side edges 43, 44 of both edges 2-3 of the first pair of opposite pairs of edges each contain a closing face 41, 42. These closing faces 41, 42 are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel.

In the coupled condition of two panels at their first pair of opposite edges 2-3, the closing surfaces 41, 42 make contact with each other.

In the example shown, impregnating agent 14 has been applied via the liquid to the entire surface of both closing surfaces 41, 42; and this in order to obtain a good water repellency of the coupled panels.

The floor panel 1 of figure 1 can be provided with coupling parts 6 on the pair of opposite short edges, as on the long edges, or with other coupling parts.

Preferably, the pair of opposite short edges is provided with coupling parts that contain locking parts, so that in the coupled condition a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and a locking also occurs in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the coupled panels. edges.

The coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges can be designed so that a coupling with bias is obtained.

Preferably, an impregnating agent is also applied to the second pair of opposite edges by means of liquid application; and each of the pair of opposite short edges includes a chamfer provided with a lacquer.

The method according to the invention can be applied to the first pair of opposite edges, but also to the second pair of opposite edges.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the invention for applying the liquid and the lacquer; and drying the lacquer and the liquid sequentially.

Panels 1 are passed through a continuous process in the direction indicated by reference 50. Liquid 14 is applied to the panels by means of a spraying system 51 on both edges 2, 3 of the first pair of opposite edges.

The example shows the application of the liquid using a spray system, but other systems for applying the liquid are also possible.

Next, while the liquid is still wet on the first pair of opposite edges of the panel, a lacquer is applied to the chamfers of both edges of the first pair of opposite edges by means of applicators 52. Then the panels 1 continue in the continuous process and the panels are passed through drying installations 53 which dry the lacquer and the liquid. These drying installations 53 can, for example, contain a plurality of HIR lamps (halogen infrared lamps) in combination with a continuous airflow over the edges. This air flow can be achieved, for example, by a combination of blowing systems and extraction systems.

Figure 4 illustrates a method of applying the liquid using a vacuum technique. This method can be used in the invention. This concerns so-called “Schielekoppen”, which are, for example, of the type known per se from DE9202976U1. Such nozzles 55 are usually used for continuously applying substances to the sides of panels. To this end, such nozzles 55 have a so-called passing gap 56 which connects closely, almost without play, to the edge 2 to be treated. The substance 14 to be applied is supplied via flexible pipes 57 in the immediate vicinity of the relevant edge 2 and any excess substance is directly sucked back through a suction pipe 58, so that the risk of the substance soiling the decorative surface 59 of the floor panel 1 is minimal. is. Due to the connection with flexible pipes 57, such a spray head 55 can be easily adjusted or positioned relative to the edge 2 of the floor panel to be treated.

1. It is noted that it is not excluded that the floor panel 1 with its decorative surface 59 directed downwards is passed through the pass gap 56 of such a nozzle 55.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates an example of a method of spraying the liquid onto the edge of a panel, as may be used in the invention. The panels 1 run continuously through the process in the direction indicated by reference numeral 50. Liquid 14 is sprayed onto the edge 2 by means of two nozzles 61 which are at an angle to the edge 2 to be sprayed with liquid. The two nozzles 61 are arranged in different directions. By adjusting the arrangement of the nozzles, the entire edge of the panel - viewed in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel - can be sprayed with liquid, or a specific desired part of this edge.

Figure 5 also illustrates the fourth aspect of the invention. The nozzles 61, viewed in projection onto the plane of the panel, are arranged at an angle to the plane of the panel, this angle being less than 90°. The two nozzles 61 are arranged so that a first nozzle operates in a direction with a component opposite to the feed-through direction 50 of the panel 1; and a second nozzle is active in a direction with a component parallel to the feed-through direction 50 of the panel 1.

The nozzles 61 in the example of figure 5 are arranged and controlled so that these two nozzles apply liquid at least partly to the same surface of the panel 1.

Both nozzles are arranged and controlled so that they also apply liquid 14 to an adjacent edge of the edge to which the nozzle applies liquid.

Figure 6 illustrates how, in embodiments of the invention, the lacquer can be applied to the chamfers 32 on the edges 2, 3 of a panel 1 by means of a transfer roller 63, wet on wet after application of the liquid 14. This can also be done is shown in figure 3 to take place simultaneously on two opposite edges 2, 3. The transfer rollers 63 rotate about their axis 64 and apply the lacquer 33 to the chamfers 32. There are several ways to apply the lacquer to the transfer roller, which are not illustrated in Figure 6. The transfer roller can, for example, take up lacquer by rotating in a bath containing the lacquer.

Figure 7 schematically represents part of a floor covering that can be laid with examples of panels according to aspects of the invention, or with panels made according to aspects of the invention. Figure 8 represents, on a larger scale, the part marked F8 in Figure 7.

>> BE2021/5443 The panels 1 from the example of figures 7 and 8 are rectangular and elongated.

The panels comprise a first pair of opposite edges 2, 3, of which a first edge 2 and an opposite second edge 3. The panels have coupling parts on their first pair of opposite edges, so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, by means of a revolving movement R.

The panels 1 of this example are provided with a second pair of opposite edges 4, 5, of which a third edge 4 and an opposite fourth edge 5, the panels having coupling parts on their second pair of opposite edges so that the panel is coupled to its third edge 4 can be attached to the fourth edge 5 of another such panel by means of a downward movement M.

Examples of panels according to the invention — and/or which can be made according to the various aspects of the invention — such as the example shown in Figures 7 and 8 can be installed by means of the fold-down technique, with panels attached to the first pair. opposite edges are coupled by means of a turning movement R, while at the same time panels are coupled to their second pair of opposite edges by means of a downward movement M.

Figure 1 illustrates a panel that can be used in facings as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 2 shows an example of first pair of opposing edges 2, 3 that can be used in panels as shown in the example in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 9 shows an example of the second pair of opposite edges 4, 5 of a panel 1 which can be used in the example of the floor covering of Figures 7 and 8. The panel includes coupling parts on its second pair of opposite edges so that the panel can be attached to its third edge 4 can be coupled to the fourth edge 5 of another such panel, wherein the coupling parts contain locking parts so that in the coupled position a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and a locking occurs in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicularly on the joined edges. The coupling parts allow the panel to be coupled to its second pair of opposite edges 4, 5 by means of a downward movement M of the panel relative to the other such panel. The coupling members include an upwardly directed lower lower hooked portion 66 on one of the edges of the second pair of opposing edges; and a downwardly directed upper hooked portion 67 located on the other, opposite edge of the second pair of opposed edges. The hook-shaped portions 66, 67 can be hooked behind each other by means of the downward movement M, whereby a locking of the coupled panels is obtained in the direction parallel to the surface of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the coupled second pair of opposite edges. The lower hook-shaped portion 66 consists of a lip 68 with an upwardly directed locking element 69, while the upper hooked portion 67 consists of a lip 70 with a downwardly directed locking element 71.

The coupling parts contain locking parts in the form of locking surfaces, whereby a locking is also obtained in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels. The panel of the example of Figure 9 contains an insert 72 which, when coupled, provides locking perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels.

In Figure 9, the insert is located in the rim 5 containing the upwardly directed lower lower hooked portion 66 . Alternatively, it is also possible that the insert is located in the edge containing the downwardly directed upper hook-shaped portion 67 . Such an example is shown in Figure 10. The reference numbers have the same meaning as in figure 9.

The coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges can have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling on the second pair of opposite edges.

Figure 9 illustrates that both edges of the second pair of opposite edges 4, 5 were treated with a liquid, in the form of an impregnating agent 14. This agent has penetrated a depth D into these edges of the panel 1 during its application. This penetration D, measured perpendicular to the coupling parts 6, is for instance more than 1 millimetre; or even more than 10 percent of the thickness T of the panel 1. Both edges 4, 5 of the second pair of opposite edges contain a side edge 43, 44 and a chamfer 32. These chamfers 32 were obtained by a milling operation. A lacquer 33 is applied to both chamfers, which provides a coloring of these chamfers 32. The side edges 43, 44 of both edges 4, 5 of the second pair of opposite pairs of edges each contain a closing face 41, 42. These closing faces 41, 42 are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel. In the coupled condition of two panels at their second pair of opposite edges 4, 5, the closing surfaces 41, 42 make contact with each other. In the example shown, impregnating agent 14 has been applied via the liquid to the entire surface of both closing surfaces 41, 42; and this in order to obtain a good water repellency of the coupled panels.

Figure 11 shows another example of the second pair of opposite edges of a panel which may be used in the floor covering example of Figures 7 and 8. Like reference numerals in Figure 11 and Figure 9 have the same meaning. The essential difference between the examples of figure 9 and figure 10 is that the coupling parts, including the locking parts, are made in one piece and completely from substrate, whereby the locking surfaces 73 for obtaining the locking are formed perpendicular to the surface of the panels in the substrate. to be. In this example - unlike the examples of figures 9 and 10 - no use is made of a separate, additional insert for obtaining the locking in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels.

Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of the method according to the fifth aspect of the invention. A liquid 14 - which will penetrate into the panel and can form an impregnating agent there - is applied by means of a spray nozzle 61 to the second edge 3 of a panel 1 while the panels are successively - but preferably with an intermediate distance between successive panels - with continuous speed past the nozzle.

Viewed in the projection on the plane perpendicular to the second edge 3 and perpendicular to the feed-through direction of the panels, the nozzle 61 is positioned at an angle A of at least 2 degrees, preferably of at least 5 degrees, more preferably lower than 15 degrees, relative to relative to the plane of the panel.

Preferably the liquid leaves the nozzle 55 with a pressure higher than 3 bar, preferably higher than 4 bar, more preferably higher than 5 bar.

Simultaneously with the application of liquid on the second edge 3 as shown in figure 12, liquid can also be applied in an analogous manner to the other edge of the first pair of opposite edges of the panel (i.e. on the first edge) via a similar arrangement. .

Figure 13 illustrates the method according to the sixth aspect of the invention and a panel according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention. The panel is shown at its first pair of opposite edges 2, 3; so in the same view as figure

2. The identical reference numbers have the same meaning as in figure 2. The first edge 2 and the second edge 3 have lowered edge areas in the form of chamfers 32. The first edge 2 and the second edge 3 are provided with an impregnating agent 14, which applied by means of a liquid. The impregnating agent provides a water-repellent effect on the edges 2, 3. The impregnating agent also forms a surface layer 75 on and a coloring of the surface of the lowered edge area and of the entire edge where liquid was applied. The coloring can be achieved because the liquid that is applied to the edges contains a liquid dye. Because the chamfers are hereby provided with a desired colour, it is not necessary in these embodiments to apply a separate lacquer to the chamfers. Since the entire edges 2, 3 were impregnated with liquid, the sealing surfaces 41, 42 on both edges also contained the impregnating agent 14 and the surface layer 75.

The second pair of opposite edges can be treated in a similar way.

Figure 14 illustrates the tenth aspect, the eleventh aspect and the fourteenth aspect of the invention. The panel 1 is depicted in the same view as in figure 2. Identical reference numerals as in figure 2 have the same meaning. A film 77 is formed on both edges 2, 3 of the first pair of opposite edges. This can be a film-forming polymeric layer or film-forming resin layer that makes the relevant edges vapour-tight; and/or imparts water-repellent properties to these edges. In the example, this film 77 has a thickness of less than 50 micrometers, so that the geometry of the coupling parts is not disturbed.

The second pair of opposite edges of a rectangular panel can be treated analogously to the first pair of opposite edges. Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of the fifteenth aspect of the invention. A panel 1 is shown in plan view. The panel 1 has a first pair of opposite edges 2, 3 and a second pair of opposite edges 3, 4. Both pairs of edges are provided with coupling parts for coupling such panels into a covering, for instance into a floor covering. The panel includes closing surfaces 41, 42 at each of its four edges substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel. The closing surfaces of coupled edges make contact with each other in coupled condition. The closing surfaces 41, 42 are provided with an impregnating agent and/or coating 14 over the entire length of the relevant edge,

79. However, the amount or concentration of impregnant or coating is higher near the corners of the panel (where the impregnant or coating is designated by reference 14) than in the mid-length of the edges (where the impregnant or coating is designated by reference 14). reference 79).

In several of the aspects and embodiments, liquid is applied which results in the formation of an impregnation or impregnating agent in the panel. An example of a recipe for such a liquid contains 8.4 weight percent solids. Of this solid, 70% by weight is formed by a fluorinated acrylate copolymer (which partly contains fluorinated methacrylate) and 30% by weight by an alkyd resin, more specifically in the example a “long-oil alkyd” resin. The combination of the fluorinated acrylate copolymer and the alkyd resin is solvent supported, the solvent being a combination of aliphatic hydrocarbons, dipropylene glycol methyl ether and a small amount of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (a propyl acetate).

When using such a recipe, it has been found that the alkyd rather remains on the surface and forms a certain film, while the fluorinated acrylate copolymer penetrates more into the substrate at the panel edges.

The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described above, but such methods for manufacturing panels and such panels can be realized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (1)

Conclusions: 1.- Method of manufacturing panels, the panels (1) being rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) being provided with a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the method comprising the steps of: - applying to at least a part of the first edge (2) a liquid (14), preferably whereby this liquid penetrates over a certain depth (D) into the relevant edge, - applying a lacquer (33) to at least part of the first edge while the liquid on the first edge is still in a wet state is. Method as in claim 1, wherein the application of the liquid (14) and the application of the lacquer (33) are carried out in the same continuous process. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lacquer (33) is applied at least in part to a surface of the first edge to which liquid (14) has been applied. Method as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the lacquer is applied by one of the methods: - spraying the lacquer, - application of the lacquer by means of a transfer roller, or - application by means of of a vacuum technique. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein after application of the lacquer (33), the method includes the step of blowing off, vacuuming, or combined blowing and suction of wet lacquer that has accumulated on the top surface of the panel was applied during the application of the lacquer on the first edge. Method as in any of the preceding claims, wherein after the application of the lacquer (33) the lacquer is dried, preferably in the same continuous process as the application of the lacquer; preferably wherein the liquid is also dried during this drying. Method as in claim 6, wherein the lacquer (33) is dried by means of one or more IR lamps, preferably by means of one or more HIR lamps (halogen infrared lamps). 8. Method as in claims 6 or 7, wherein during drying a continuous gas flow - preferably a continuous air flow - flows over the surface of the panel to be dried, preferably wherein this gas flow is by means of a blower device and/or a suction device. is realised. liquid 9. Method as in claim 6, wherein the lacquer is dried by means of a warm gas flow - preferably by means of a warm air flow - whereby during this drying the warm gas flow flows continuously over the surface of the panel to be dried, at preferably in which this gas flow is realized by means of a blowing device and/or an exhaust device. liquid A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lacquer (33) is pigmented and/or contains dyes. Method as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the lacquer (33) is a water based dispersion, preferably an acrylate dispersion or a polyurethane dispersion, or wherein the lacquer is or contains an alkyd resin, or wherein the lacquer is solvent-based, preferably a solvent-based acrylic or a solvent-based polyurethane lacquer. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid (14) is solvent based, or wherein the liquid is water based. 13-- Method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 11, wherein the liquid (14) is solvent based, and wherein the solvent contains one or more of a glycol ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, hydrocarbons - preferably aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or preferably isohydrocarbons -, butyl acetate, propyl acetate - e.g. 3-Methoxy-3-Methyl-1-Butylacetate (MMB-AC) or 1-Methoxy-Propylacetate (MPA) - a dibasic ester, a glycol diether, a benzoate ester, or a tetramethoxy ether. Method as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid (14) is solvent based, and wherein the solvent has a flash point higher than 30°C, preferably higher than 35°C, more preferably higher than 55°C. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid (14) contains one or more of an acrylate, a methacrylate, a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, a fluorinated acrylate copolymer, a (per)fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate or a (per)fluoroalky (meth)acrylate copolymer, an alkyd, an epoxy resin, a fluorinated epoxy resin, or a polysiloxane; when using a (per)fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate or a (per)fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, the fluorinated side chains preferably contain four, five or six carbon atoms containing fluorine atoms and/or are preferably at least one part of the fluorinated side groups based on perfluorobutane sulfonic acid 16-- Process as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid (14) contains a fluoroacrylate polymer of structural formula __ R' where one or more of the R groups are fluorine atoms, and the other R groups are hydrogen atoms; or contains a fluoroacrylate polymer of structural formula R' wherein, preferably, the R' group is free of hydrogen atoms, and is preferably selected from the list consisting of sodium, potassium, and CF3. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid (14) imparts water-repellent properties to the edge to which said liquid is applied. Method as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid (14) is applied by one of the following methods: - spraying, preferably at a pressure higher than 3 bar, preferably at a pressure higher than 5 bar, - application by means of a transfer roller, or - application by means of a vacuum technique, for instance as described in DE9202976U1. Liquid Method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first edge (2) includes a side edge (43) of the panel (1) and a chamfer (32), where upon application of the liquid (14 ) the liquid is applied at least to a part of the side edge (43) of the first edge (2), and where, when applying the lacquer, the lacquer is applied at least to a part — and preferably to the entire — chamfer (32 ) of the first edge is applied. Method as in claim 19, wherein when applying the liquid (14) to at least a part of the side edge (43) of the first edge (2) liquid (14) is also applied to at least a part of - and at preferably on the full — chamfer (32) of the first edge (2), so that when the lacquer (33) is applied to the chamfer of the first edge, this happens while the liquid (14) on the chamfer of the first edge is still is in a wet condition. Method as in any one of the preceding claims 19-20, wherein in a continuous process the chamfer (32) is formed on the first edge - preferably by a mechanical cutting operation, more preferably by a milling operation - and the application of the liquid and the application of the lacquer being carried out in the same continuous process 22-- Method as in any one of the preceding claims 19 - 21, wherein the bevel (32) extends at least over part of its surface does not contain the top layer (40), so that the lacquer is applied to the substrate (13) over at least part of the surface of the bevel. 23-- Method as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the side edge (43) of the first edge (2) includes a closing face (41) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the second edge (3) includes a side edge (44), the side edge (44) of the second edge (3) including a closing face (42) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the first edge of the panel being engageable with the second edge of the panel another such panel, wherein when engaged the closing surface (41) of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface (42) of the second edge of the other such panel; wherein upon application of the liquid, the liquid is applied to at least a part - and preferably to the entire surface of - the closing surface (41) of the first edge. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in line with - and preferably in parallel with - performing a step in the method at the first edge (2), a similar or the same step is performed at the second edge (3), preferably where this happens for several or all of the steps mentioned in the method. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panels include interlocking members (6) at their first pair of opposite edges, wherein the interlocking members include interlocking members (11, 12) so that the panel can be interlocked at its first edge be attached to the second edge of another such panel, interlocking in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the interlocked panels and also interlocking in the plane of the interlocked panels and perpendicular to the interlocked edges when engaged; preferably in which the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges are of overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is performed on the first pair of opposite edges. 26. Method as in claim 25, wherein the application to at least part of the first edge of a liquid is performed after and in line with the cutting operations - preferably milling operations - for manufacturing the coupling parts on the first edge of the panel. A method as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top layer comprises a decor layer and a wear layer, for example wherein the decor layer comprises a printed paper layer or a printed polymeric film. 28.- Method of manufacturing panels, optionally a method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 27, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and comprising a top layer (40), the panels (1) being provided with a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the panels (1) having being of a second pair of opposing edges (4, 5), of which a third edge (4) and an opposing fourth edge (5), the method including the step of applying to at least a portion of one, more or all of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge of a liquid (14) by means of one or more nozzles (61), the liquid leaving the one or more nozzles at a pressure higher than 3 bar, at preferably higher than 4 bar, more preferably higher than 5 bar. A method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 28; the panels (1) being rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges (2,3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3), the method comprising the step of applying to at least a part of the first edge (2) and/or of the second edge (3) a liquid (14) by means of one or more nozzles (61) while the panels are guided sequentially - but preferably with an intermediate distance between successive panels (1) - preferably at a continuous speed - past the one or more nozzles (61); where the position of the panels is detected directly or indirectly using a sensor, where the signal from the sensor — optionally together with the throughput speed of the panels and/or the length of the panels in the throughput direction — is used to control via a controller control the start and stop of spraying of the one or more nozzles (61). A method as in claim 29, wherein at least two nozzles (61) are controlled to at least partially apply liquid (14) to the same surface of the panels. Method as in any one of the preceding claims 28-30, wherein at least one of the nozzles (61) is controlled to also apply at least part of liquid (14) to an adjacent edge of the edge to which the nozzle (61) applies liquid. A method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer ( 40), the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the method including the step of applying to at least part of the first edge (2) or of the second edge (3) of a liquid (14) by means of at least two nozzles (61) while the panels are sequential - but preferably spaced between successive panels - preferably with continuous speed - be guided past the at least two nozzles; wherein at least one of the at least two nozzles, seen in the projection on the plane of the panel, is arranged at an angle to the plane of the panel, this angle being less than 90°. A method as in claim 32, wherein two of the at least two nozzles are arranged so that a first nozzle thereof operates in a direction with a component opposite to the forward direction of said panel (1); and a second nozzle thereof is operative in a direction with a component parallel to the feed-through direction of said panel (1). Method as in any one of the preceding claims 32-33, wherein at least two nozzles are used and wherein these two nozzles apply liquid at least partly to the same surface. Method as in any one of the preceding claims 32 - 34, wherein at least one of the nozzles is controlled to also apply liquid at least partly to an adjacent edge of the edge to which the nozzle applies liquid . A method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer ( 40), the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the method including the step of applying to at least part of the first edge (2) and/or of the second edge (3) of a liquid (14) by means of at least one nozzle while the panels are successively - but preferably with an intermediate distance between successive panels - with continuous speed past the one or more nozzles; in which at least one of the at least one nozzle, seen in the projection on the plane perpendicular to the first edge and perpendicular to the direction of transit of the panels, at an angle of at least 2 degrees, preferably of at least 5 degrees, more preferably less than 15 degrees, is positioned relative to the plane of the panel. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 28 - 36, wherein at least one nozzle also applies liquid to at least part of an adjacent edge of the edge to which the nozzle applies liquid. 38.- Method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of the preceding claims 28 - 37, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the panel at its first edge (2 ) can be coupled to the second edge (3) of another such panel, wherein the first edge (2) is provided with a lowered edge area - for example in the form of a chamfer (32) - and a closing surface (41) substantially perpendicular on the surface of the panel; wherein the second edge (2) is provided with a lowered edge area - for example in the form of a chamfer (32) - and a closing face (42) substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel; wherein when the panel is coupled with its first edge (2) to the second edge (3) of another such panel, the closing surface (41) of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface ( 42) of the second edge of the other such panel, the method including the step of applying a liquid (14) to the first edge and to the second edge, the liquid penetrating at least partially into the closing surface of the first edge and the closing face of the second edge; wherein the liquid forms at least one film on the depressed edge regions of the first edge and of the second edge. 39-- A method as in claim 38, wherein the liquid contains a pigment or dye such that a colored film is formed on the depressed edge regions of the first edge and of the second edge. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 38 - 39, wherein on the lowered edge areas - for example formed by chamfers (32) - the liquid (14) at least for part of the surface of the lowered edge areas applied to the substrate. Method as in any one of the preceding claims 38 - 40, wherein on the depressed edge regions - for example formed by chamfers (32) - the liquid (14) is at least part of the surface of the depressed edge regions in penetrates the substrate. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 38 - 41, wherein no other coating is applied to the depressed edge areas. 43.- Method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 42, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) being provided with a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the panels (1) being provided with a second pair of opposite edges (4, 5), of which a third edge (4) and an opposite fourth edge (5), the panels being provided with coupling parts at their first pair of opposite edges, so that a first such panel at its first edge can be coupled to the second edge of another such panel, preferably whereby an interlock occurs in the direction perpendicular to the coupled panels and/or in the direction in the plane of the panels perpendicular to the coupled edges, whereby the w method includes the steps: -step 1: application to at least part (and preferably over the full length) of the first edge (2) and/or to part (and preferably over the full length) of the second edge (3) of a liquid (14), preferably in which this liquid penetrates over a certain depth (D) into the relevant edge; - step 2: by means of one or more cutting operations, realizing coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges, so that a first such panel can be coupled at its third edge to the fourth edge of another such panel, preferably whereby a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the coupled panels and/or in the direction in the plane of the panels perpendicular to the coupled edges; and - optional step 3: application on at least a part - and preferably over the full length - of the third edge (4) and/or on a part - and preferably over the full length - of the fourth edge (5) of a liquid (14), preferably in which this liquid penetrates over a certain depth (D) into the edge in question, preferably in which more liquid is applied per unit surface on the third edge and the fourth edge than in step 1 on the first edge and the second edge. A method as in claim 43 wherein step 3 is performed; wherein in step 3 liquid (14) is also applied to the first edge (2) and/or to the second edge (3) over a certain length from the vertex with an edge of the second pair of opposite edges to which liquid is applied in step 3 is becoming. A method as in any one of claims 43 - 44, wherein the first edge and/or the second edge include a lowered edge region, preferably in the form of a chamfer (32), before or after step 1, but at preferably for step 2, a lacquer (33) is applied to this depressed edge area, preferably wherein the lacquer is an acrylic lacquer, a polyurethane lacquer or contains an alkyd; preferably wherein the lacquer contains pigments or dyes so that the lowered edge is colored. 46. Method as in claim 45, wherein the application of the lacquer is followed by blowing off and/or suctioning off any lacquer that might have been applied to the top surface of the panel before step 2. 47.- Method as in claims 45 - 46, wherein the lacquer is dried before performing step 2. 48-- Method for manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of the preceding claims 28 - 37 or 43 - 47, the panels (1) being rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3 ), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3), the first edge and/or the second edge comprising a lowered edge area, for example a chamfer (32), the method comprising the steps of: - applying a lacquer (33) on the surface of the depressed edge region(s); - optional drying — and optional cross-linking — of the paint on the lowered edge area(s); - application at least on the part of the first edge (2) and/or of the second edge (3) immediately adjacent to the lowered edge area(s) of a liquid (14), preferably whereby this liquid has a certain depth ( D) penetrates into the relevant edge. 49. Method as in claim 48, wherein the liquid penetrates at least partially into the relevant edge so that part of the liquid is located in the substrate under the lacquer on the depressed edge area. Method as in any one of the preceding claims 48 - 49, wherein the side edge (43) of the first edge (2) includes a closing face (41) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the second edge (3) includes a side edge (44), the side edge (44) of the second edge (3) including a closing face (42) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the first edge of the panel being engageable to the second edge of another such panel, wherein when engaged the closing surface (41) of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface (42) of the second edge of the other such panel; wherein upon application of the liquid, the liquid is applied to at least a part - and preferably to the entire surface - of the closing surface (41, 42) of the first edge and/or of the second edge. Method as in claim 50, wherein the closing surface (41) of the first edge directly adjoins the lowered edge area of the first edge (2), wherein the closing surface (42) of the second edge directly adjoins the lowered edge area of the second edge (3), whereby liquid is also applied to the part of the closing surface(s) directly adjacent to the lowered edge area(s) on which liquid (14) is applied. A method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer ( 40), the panels (1) being provided with a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the panels (1) being provided with a second pair of opposite edges (4, 5), of which a second edge (4) and an opposite fourth edge (5), where on at least one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge - and at preferably on several of these edges; and more preferably on all these edges - a liquid is applied over at least part of their surface, and preferably over their entire surface; whereby a plurality of these panels without an active drying operation having been carried out are packaged together after application of the liquid. 53. Method as in claim 52, wherein a plurality of these panels are packaged together after application of the liquid, while the liquid has not yet completely dried. 54.- Method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 53, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the method including the step of wet applying a film-forming polymeric layer (77) or film-forming resin layer at least to one of the first edge or the second edge, said film-forming polymeric layer (77) or film-forming resin layer covering the respective edge(s). ) vapour-tight. A method as in claim 54, wherein the method includes the step of applying a liquid (14) at least to one of the first edge or the second edge, - preferably wherein liquid is applied to surface on which all the film-forming polymeric layer or the film-forming resin layer has been applied -, this liquid making the relevant edge(s) water-repellent. 56.- Method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 53, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) being provided with a first pair of opposite edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3), the method comprising the steps of: - applying on the first edge and/or the second edge of a liquid (14), wherein this liquid penetrates over a certain depth (D) into the relevant edge; - wet application of a film-forming polymeric layer (77) or film-forming resin layer on the edge or edges to which the liquid has been applied. 57. Method as in claim 56, wherein the liquid provides water-repellent properties to the edge in question. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 56 - 57, wherein the polymeric film or the film-forming resin layer provides vapor tightness of the relevant edge. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 56 - 58, wherein the liquid is water based or solvent based. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 56 - 59, wherein the wet application of the polymeric film or of the film-forming resin layer is water-based or solvent-based. A method as in any one of claims 54 to 60, wherein the film-forming polymeric layer or the film-forming resin layer forms a film having a thickness of less than 50 microns, preferably less than 25 microns. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 54 - 61, wherein the film formed by the film-forming polymeric layer or the film-forming resin layer provides vapor barrier properties and/or water repellent properties at the respective edge(s). A method as in any one of the preceding claims 54 - 62, wherein the film-forming polymeric layer or film-forming resin layer is applied by means of a water-based emulsion or a water-based dispersion. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 54 - 63, wherein the film-forming polymer layer or the film-forming resin layer comprises an alkyd - preferably a polyurethane-modified alkyd -, an acrylate, a polyurethane, a polysiloxane, or a styrene -butadiene copolymer contains or is formed by it. A method as in any one of claims 54 to 64, wherein the film-forming polymeric layer or the film-forming resin layer contains clay; for instance in the form of nanoclay and/or for instance montmorillonite clay. 66.- Method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 65, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) being provided with a first pair of opposite edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3), the method comprising the steps of: - applying on at least part of the first edge (2) and/or of the second edge (3) of a liquid (14), preferably whereby this liquid penetrates over a certain depth (D) into the relevant edge, - drying of the liquid on the first edge (2) and/or the second edge (3) by means of one or more HIR lamps (halogen infrared lamps). Method as in claim 66, wherein during drying a continuous gas flow - preferably a continuous air flow - flows over the surface of the panel to be dried, preferably wherein this gas flow is realized by means of a blower device and/or an exhaust device . 68.- Method of manufacturing panels, optionally as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 67, wherein the panels (1) are rectangular, either square or elongated, the panels comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), including a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the method comprising the steps of applying on at least part of the first edge (2) and/or of the second edge of a liquid (14), preferably where this liquid penetrates over a certain depth (D) into the relevant edge, the liquid (14) contains one or more of an acrylate, a methacrylate, a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, a fluorinated acrylate copolymer, an alkyd, an epoxy resin, a fluorinated epoxy resin, or a polysiloxane. A method as in claim 68, wherein the liquid contains one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer; preferably wherein this or these perfluorobutane contain(s) sulfonic acid based active side chains. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 68 - 69, wherein the liquid is water based, or wherein the liquid is solvent based. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 68 - 70, wherein the liquid (14) is solvent based, and preferably wherein the solvent contains one or more of a glycol ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, hydrocarbons - preferably aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or preferably 1so-hydrocarbons -, butyl acetate, propyl acetate - e.g. 3-Methoxy-3-Methyl-1-Butylacetate (MMB-AC) or 1-Methoxy-Propylacetate (MPA) - , a dibasic ester, a glycol diether, a benzoate ester, or a tetramethoxy ether. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 68-71, wherein the solvent contains both a polar solvent and an apolar solvent, preferably wherein the polar solvent contains a butyl acetate and/or a propyl acetate. A method as in claim 72, wherein the apolar solvent is or contains a hydrocarbon - preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon, more preferably an aliphatic isohydrocarbon. 74.- Process as in any one of the preceding claims 72 - 73, wherein the polar solvent contains one or more of an alcohol, a glycol ether, for example one or more of propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, butyl acetate , propylacetate - e.g. 3-Methoxy-3-Methyl-1-Butylacetate (MMB-AC) or 1-Methoxy-Propylacetate (MPA) - a dibasic ester, a glycol diether, a benzoate ester, or a tetramethoxy ether. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 68 - 74, wherein the liquid (14) is solvent based, and wherein the solvent has a flash point higher than 30°C, preferably higher than 35°C, more preferably higher than 55°C. 76.- Method as in any one of the preceding claims 68 - 75, wherein the liquid is solvent based, wherein the solvents and any additives in the liquid are exclusively of the aliphatic type, or, that the portion solvent and any additive of the aromatic type in the liquid is less than 1000 ppm, or, less than 100 ppm 77- Process as in any one of the preceding claims 68 - 75, wherein the mass percentage of solids in the liquid is less than 15%, preferably less than 10%. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 68 - 77, wherein the liquid contains a liquid dye, preferably wherein the liquid does not contain solid pigments. 79.- Method as in any one of the preceding claims 68 - 78, wherein the liquid contains on the one hand an alkyd resin - preferably a urethane or isocyanate modified alkyd resin and/or a "long oil alkyd" - and on the other hand one or a plurality of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer. 80. Method as in claim 79, wherein in the liquid the ratio of the solids of the one or more of the fluorinated acrylate, the fluorinated methacrylate, or the fluorinated acrylate copolymer to the alkyd resin on the other hand is higher than 2, and preferably less than 5, more preferably less than 4, more preferably less than 3. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 68 - 80, wherein the liquid (14) imparts water-repellent properties to the edge to which this liquid is applied. 82. Method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 81, wherein the liquid penetrates over a certain depth (D), preferably more than 1 millimetre, into the relevant edge. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 1-82, wherein the first edge (2) includes a closing face (41) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the second edge (3) including a closing face ( 42) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the first edge of the panel being engageable with the second edge of another such panel, the closing face (41) of the first edge of the panel being in contact when engaged with or close to the closing face (42) of the second edge of the other such panel; wherein upon application of the liquid, the liquid on at least a portion in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface - and preferably on the entire surface in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the panel - on the closing surface (41) of the first edge and is applied to the closing surface (42) of the second edge. Method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 83, wherein the panels include a second pair of opposing edges, of which a third edge (4) and a fourth edge (5), the third edge (4) a closing face (41) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the fourth edge (5) including a closing face (42) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, the third edge of the panel being engageable to the third edge of another such panel, wherein when engaged the closing surface (41) of the third edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface (42) of the fourth edge of the other such panel; wherein upon application of the liquid, the liquid on at least a portion in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface - and preferably on the entire surface in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the panel - on the closing face (41) of the third edge and is applied to the closing surface (42) of the fourth edge. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 84, wherein the panels include a second pair of opposing edges, a third edge (4) and a fourth edge (5), one or more or all of the first edge, second edge, third edge and the fourth edge contain a lowered edge, for example in the form of a chamfer (32), whereby where liquid has been applied to the edge(s), this has also been applied to the lowered edge at this edge if such lowered edge is present 1s. A method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 85, wherein the panels include a second pair of opposing edges, a third edge (4) and a fourth edge (5), one or more or all of the first edge, second edge, third edge and the fourth edge contain a lowered edge, for example in the form of a chamfer (32), the method comprising the step of applying a lacquer to the lowered edge, where as on the edge containing the lowered edge liquid is applied, the lacquer can be applied before or after the liquid has been applied to the edge in question. 87. Method as in claim 86, wherein the application of the liquid and the application of the lacquer to one or more of the first edge, second edge, third edge and/or fourth edge occur in the same continuous process. 88-- Method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 87, wherein the substrate is selected from or contains: - a wood fiber board, for example an MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF (High Density Fiberboard) board, or - a chipboard, or -a mineral board, for example a magnesium oxide board, a plasterboard, a board of mineral fibers bonded by means of a binder (for example by means of a thermosetting binder), or a fiber cement board, or - a polymer based substrate, such as, for example, a filled and/or foamed polyvinyl chloride based substrate or a substrate based on another thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. 89.- Method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 88, wherein the panels contain a decorative top layer, - wherein the decorative top layer (16) contains a printing, preferably wherein the decorative top layer (16) is directly or indirectly is mounted on an underlying substrate (15), or - where the decorative top layer (16) contains a wood veneer (thickness less than 2.5 mm) or a wood layer (thickness from 2.5 mm), where any wood veneer preferably has a thickness between 0.4 and 0.8mm. Method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 89, wherein the panel (1) is provided with a first pair of opposing edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposing second edge (3), the panel including interlocking members (6) at its first pair of opposite edges so that the panel may be interlocked at its first edge with the second edge of another such panel, the interlocking members including interlocking members (11, 12) so that in coupled condition a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or a locking occurs in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges; preferably in which the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with prestress is obtained when the coupling is performed on the first pair of opposite edges A method as in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 90, wherein the panels are floor panels. 92.- Panel, the panel (1) being rectangular, either square or elongated, the panel comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panels (1) having a first pair of opposing edges ( 2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3), the panels having coupling parts (6) at their first pair of opposite edges, so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, the surface of at least one of the first edge and the second edge - and preferably both of the first edge and the second edge - of the panel comprising a film (77) - preferably a polymeric film or a film formed by a resin layer - wherein the film has a thickness less than 50 microns, preferably less than 25 microns. 93. Panel as in claim 92, wherein the film provides vapor barrier properties and/or water repellent properties to the relevant edge(s). A panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 93, wherein the polymeric film or the film formed by a resin layer is applied by means of a water-based emulsion or a water-based dispersion. 95. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 94, wherein the film (77) comprises an alkyd - preferably a polyurethane-modified alkyd -, an acrylate, a polyurethane, a polysiloxane, or a styrene-butadiene copolymer contains or is formed by. 96. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 95, wherein the film contains clay, for instance in the form of nanoclay and/or preferably montmorillonite clay. 97.- Panel, the panel (1) being rectangular, either square or elongated, the panel comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40), the panel (1) having a first pair of opposing edges ( 2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3), the panel at its first pair of opposite edges having coupling parts (6) so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, preferably wherein the coupling parts comprise locking parts (11, 12) so that in the coupled condition a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or a locking occurs in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the paired edges; preferably in which the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges are of overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is performed on the first pair of opposite edges; wherein the panel (1) is provided with a second pair of opposite edges (4, 5), of which a third edge (4) and an opposite fourth edge (5), the panels having coupling parts at their second pair of opposite edges so that the panel can be coupled at its third edge to the fourth edge of another such panel, preferably wherein the coupling parts contain locking parts so that in the coupled condition a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or a locking occurs in the plane of the joined panels and perpendicular to the joined edges; preferably in which the coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges have an overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is made on the second pair of opposite edges; wherein each of the first edge (2), the second edge (3), the third edge (4) and the fourth edge (5) includes a closing face (41) substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the panel, wherein when engaged of the panel with its first edge (2) meeting the second edge (3) of another such panel, the closing face of the first edge of the panel contacting or proximate to the closing face of the second edge of the other such panel; wherein when the panel is coupled with its third edge (4) to the fourth edge (5) of another such panel, the closing surface of the third edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface of the fourth edge from the other such panel; the closing faces of the third edge and the fourth edge being provided from each of the four vertices of the panel toward the center of the third edge and the fourth edge, respectively, at least over a predetermined distance from the relevant vertex, with a impregnating agent and/or of a coating; wherein the average concentration of the impregnant and/or of the coating over this determined distance is higher than the average of the concentration of the impregnant and/or of the coating on the closing surfaces in the middle of the first edge and the second edge. A panel as in claim 97, wherein the panel is elongate, and wherein the first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) form the long edges of the panel. 99. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 97 - 98, wherein the closing faces of the first edge and the second edge extend from each of the four vertices of the panel towards the center of the first edge and the second edge, respectively the second edge is provided with the impregnating agent and/or the coating at least over a certain distance from the relevant corner point; wherein the average concentration of the impregnant and/or of the coating over this determined distance is higher than the average of the concentration of the impregnant and/or of the coating on the closing surfaces in the middle of the first edge and the second edge. Panel as in any one of claims 98 - 99, wherein the closing surfaces of the first edge and of the second edge in the middle of the respective edge are not impregnated or coated over a certain length. A panel as in any one of claims 97 - 100, wherein the closing surfaces of the third edge and the fourth edge are provided with the impregnating agent and/or the coating over the full length of the relevant edge. 102. Panel as in any one of claims 97 - 100, wherein the closing surfaces of the third edge and the fourth edge are not provided with the impregnating agent and/or the coating over the full length of the relevant edge, when preferably in which the closing surfaces of the third edge and of the fourth edge in the middle of their length are not provided with the impregnating agent and/or the coating over a certain length. 103. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 97 - 102, wherein one, more or all of the first edge (2), the second edge (3), the third edge (4) and the fourth edge ( 5) is provided with a lowered edge area, for example in the form of a chamfer (32), preferably in which the lowered edge areas are provided with a lacquer (33), more preferably in which the lacquer is an acrylate lacquer, a is or contains polyurethane lacquer or an alkyd and/or wherein the lacquer contains a pigment or dye. 104.- Panel, optionally a panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 103, wherein the panel (1) is rectangular, either square or elongated, the panel comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40) wherein the panel (1) is provided with a first pair of opposite edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3), the panel joining at its first pair of opposite edges (6 ) so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, the first edge being provided with a lowered edge area, preferably in the form of a chamfer (32), the first edge contains an impregnating agent, on at least part of - and preferably on the entire - lowered edge area and on at least the part of the first edge below and immediately adjacent to the lowered edge area, the impregnating agent having a water-repellent effect ect delivers where it is applied to the first edge; and at the same time deposits a surface layer and provides a coloring to the surface of the depressed edge area. 105. Panel as in claim 104, wherein each of the first edge (2) and the second edge (3) contains a closing face (41, 42) substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel, wherein in coupled condition of the panel with its first edge (2) to the second edge (3) of another such panel, the closing face (41) of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing face (42) of the second edge of the panel another such panel, wherein the closing surface of the first edge contains the impregnating agent at least over its upper part - and preferably over its entire surface. 106-- Panel as in claim 105, wherein the closing surface of the first edge immediately adjoins the lowered edge area of the first edge. 107.- Panel, optionally a panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 106, wherein the panel (1) is rectangular, either square or elongated, the panel comprising a substrate (13) and a top layer (40) wherein the panel (1) is provided with a first pair of opposite edges (2, 3), of which a first edge (2) and an opposite second edge (3), the panel joining at its first pair of opposite edges (6 ) so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge to the second edge of another such panel, the first edge containing an impregnating agent (14). A panel as in claim 106, wherein the impregnating agent contains one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer; preferably wherein this or these perfluorobutane contain(s) sulfonic acid based active side chains. 109. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 107-108, wherein the impregnating agent contains a dye. 110.- Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 107 - 109, wherein the impregnating agent contains on the one hand an alkyd resin — preferably a urethane or isocyanate modified alkyd resin and/or preferably a “long oil alkyd — and on the other hand one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer. 111-- Panel as in claim 110 ‚wherein in the impregnating agent the ratio of on the one hand the solids of the one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer to on the other hand the solids of the alkyd resin is higher than 2, and preferably less than 5, more preferably less than 4, more preferably less than 3. 112.- Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 110 - 111, wherein the impregnating agent has penetrated the substrate to some extent, there being a gradient of the mass ratio of alkyd resin to the total of alkyd resin and the one or more of a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, or a fluorinated acrylate copolymer over the impregnation depth, the alkyd mass ratio being higher at the surface of the substrate. A panel as in any one of the preceding claims 110 - 112, wherein the alkyd resin is predominantly on or near the surface of the zone where the impregnant has been applied. 114. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 107 - 113, wherein the impregnating agent imparts water-repellent properties to the edge to which this impregnating agent is applied. 115-- Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 114, wherein the panel is elongate, and the first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) form the long edges of the panel. 116. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 115, wherein the panel includes coupling parts (6) at its first pair of opposite edges (2, 3), so that the panel can be coupled at its first edge (2) be attached to the second edge (3) of another such panel, preferably wherein the coupling parts contain locking parts (11, 12) so that in the coupled condition a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or a locking occurs in the plane of the joined panels and perpendicular to the joined edges; preferably in which the coupling parts on the first pair of opposite edges are of overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is performed on the first pair of opposite edges; wherein the panel (1) is provided with a second pair of opposite edges (4, 5), of which a third edge (4) and an opposite fourth edge (5), the panels having coupling parts at their second pair of opposite edges so that the panel can be coupled at its third edge to the fourth edge of another such panel, preferably wherein the coupling parts contain locking parts so that in the coupled condition a locking occurs in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the coupled panels and/or a locking occurs in the plane of the joined panels and perpendicular to the joined edges; preferably in which the coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges are of overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is made on the second pair of opposite edges. 117. Panel as in claim 116, wherein each of the first edge (2), the second edge (3), the third edge (4) and the fourth edge (5) includes a closing face (41, 42) substantially perpendicular on the top surface of the panel, wherein when the panel is coupled with its first edge (2) to the second edge (3) of another such panel, the closing surface (41) of the first edge of the panel contacts or is located close to the closing face (42) of the second edge of the other such panel, wherein in the coupled condition of the panel with its third edge (4) to the fourth edge (5) of another such panel, the closing face (41 ) of the third edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface (42) of the fourth edge of the other such panel. 118. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 115, wherein the coupling parts of the first pair of opposite edges (2, 3) are substantially in the form of a tongue (7) and a groove (8) which, when coupled, provide a locking in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels; wherein the tongue (7) and the groove (8) are provided with locking members (11, 12) which, when coupled, provide locking of two such panels at their first pair of opposite edges in the direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular on the joined edges, the groove being defined by an upper lip (10) and a lower lip (9), preferably with the lower lip extending distally beyond the upper lip, the lower lip (10) forming a locking member (11) contains in the form of an upward facing locking part for cooperation with a locking part (12) at the bottom of the tooth (7) to form the locking in the direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the joined edges . 119-- Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 118, wherein the panel can be coupled at its first edge (2) to the second (3) edge of another such panel by means of a turning movement (R ) and/or by sliding with snap effect of the panels relative to each other substantially parallel to the plane of the panels. 120. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 119, wherein the second pair of opposite edges (4, 5) includes coupling parts that allow the panel to be coupled to another such panel by means of a downward movement (M) of the panel relative to the other such panel, wherein the coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges in the coupled state of two such panels form a first locking system at their second pair of opposite edges, which provides locking in the plane of the coupled panels and perpendicular to the coupled edges; and form a second locking system in the direction perpendicular to the coupled panels; the first locking system being formed at least by an upwardly directed lower lower hooked portion (66) located on one of said second pair of opposite edges, and a downwardly directed upper hooked portion (67) located on the other, opposite edge of said second pair of opposite edges are located, which hook-shaped portions can be hooked behind each other by means of said downward movement (M); wherein the lower hook-shaped portion (66) consists of a lip (68) with an upwardly directed locking element (69), while the upper hooked portion (67) consists of a lip (70) with a downwardly directed locking element (71); wherein the second locking system has locking parts in the form of locking surfaces, optionally wherein the second locking system contains an insert or wherein the second locking system is completely made of material of the substrate. 121. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 120, wherein a plurality of such panels (1) can be installed by means of the fold-down method forming a covering, for example a floor covering. 122. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 119, wherein the coupling parts of the second pair of opposite edges (4, 5) are substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove which, when coupled, provide a interlocking in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the coupled panels, the tongue and groove being provided with locking members which, when coupled, of two such panels provide locking at their second pair of opposite edges in the direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the joined edges, the groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, preferably with the lower lip protruding distally beyond the upper lip, the lower lip containing a locking member in the form of a upward facing locking member for cooperating with a locking member at the bottom of the tooth to form the locking in the direction in the plane of the panels and perpendicular to the joined edges; preferably in which the coupling parts on the second pair of opposite edges are of overlapping design, so that a coupling with bias is obtained when the coupling is made on the second pair of opposite edges. 123. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 122, wherein one, more or all of the first edge (2), the second edge (3), the third edge (4) and the fourth edge ( 5) is provided with a lowered edge area, for example in the form of a chamfer (32), preferably in which the lowered edge areas are provided with a lacquer (33), more preferably in which the lacquer is an acrylate lacquer, a is or contains polyurethane lacquer or an alkyd and/or wherein the lacquer contains a pigment or dye. 124 - Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 97 - 124, wherein each of the first edge (2) and the second edge (3) has a closing surface (41, 42) contains substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel; wherein when the panel is coupled with its first edge (2) to the second edge (3) of another such panel, the closing surface (41) of the first edge of the panel contacts or is close to the closing surface ( 42) of the second edge of the other such panel, the closing surface of the first edge containing the impregnating agent at least over its upper part - and preferably over its entire surface. 125. Panel as in claims 123 and 124, wherein the closing face of the first edge (41) immediately adjoins the lowered edge area of the first edge. 126. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 97 - 125, wherein the impregnating agent penetrates over a certain depth (D) into the edge where the impregnating agent was applied, preferably wherein this depth is at least 1 millimetre. 127. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 126, wherein the substrate is selected from or contains: - a wood fiber board, for example an MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF (High Density Fiberboard) board, - a chipboard, - a mineral board, for example a magnesium oxide board, a gypsum board, a board of mineral fibers bonded by means of a binder (for example by means of a thermosetting binder), or a fiber cement board, - a polymer-based substrate, such as for instance a whether or not filled and/or foamed polyvinyl chloride based substrate or a substrate based on another thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. 128. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 127, wherein the panel includes a decorative top layer, - wherein the decorative top layer (16) comprises a printing, preferably wherein the decorative top layer (16) is directly or indirectly is mounted on an underlying substrate (15), or - wherein the decorative top layer (16) comprises a wood veneer (thickness < 2.5 mm) or a wood layer (thickness from 2.5 mm), wherein any wood veneer preferably has a thickness of 0.4 to 0.8 mm. 129. Panel as in any one of the preceding claims 92 - 128, wherein the panel is a floor panel.