The use of varnish is common for wood finishing. In a few cases, people use varnish on some other surfaces. Varnish gives a shiny coating to the wooden surface. As a result, the wooden surface appears elegant. At the same time, varnish protects the wooden surface from moisture damages.
Typically, the varnish is a combination of resin, oil, and thinner solvent. However, one can find different types of varnish these days. In the following section, you can find information on different kinds of varnishes. Uses and costs of varnish vary depending on their types.
Types of Varnishes
Varnish is available in different forms. In the following section, you can find some of the commonest types of varnishes.
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Water Based Varnish
The commonest type of varnish available in the marketplace is water based varnish. Carpenters and wooden furniture crafters use this type of varnish on common wooden furniture. Water based varnish come with lacquers, resin, and different solvents. Such varnishes further include some more chemicals for creating an emulsion.
Water-based varnishes have positive and negative aspects. Such varnishes dry on the wooden surfaces quickly. One can use the varnish for a coating on the wooden surface, and it does not affect the color of the surface. Cleaning up the water-based varnish is easier than other varnishes. Moreover, such varnish is safer than others, as it does not involve the risk of fire hazards and pollution.
The major drawback of water-based varnish is the difficulty in application in humid conditions. The appearance is also bland since some other varnishes offer more attractive appearances. Furthermore, removing the varnish becomes difficult when it gets dried on the wooden surface. Thus, one should apply it carefully and precisely on the target surface.
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Spirit Varnish
Spirit-based varnish, also known as French-Polish, uses the spirit as the solvent instead of the water. Such varnish contains Shellac, which is a substance that can dissolve in spirit. With such varnish, you can get a translucent finish, and thus it highlights the grains of timber well.
Spirit-based varnish is good for indoor furniture as it provides low protection against moisture. However, the coating is thin, and thus it loses charm after a few years. Reapplying the varnish brings back the glossy charm of the wooden furniture.
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Acrylic Varnish
The acrylic varnish is the best option if you search for the varnish that dries quickly and non-toxic. In addition, the acrylic varnish is one of the waster-based varnishes, and it protects against the ultra-violate ray of the sun. Thus, one can apply such varnish to outdoor wooden furniture.
You can find the use of acrylic varnish on different surfaces other than wood. On all surfaces, it gives an elegant matte finish. Cleaning up the varnish is easy, and it does not cause pollution. The only problem is that acrylic varnish does not spread uniformly like other varnishes. So, the cost of applying such varnish is higher.
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Polyurethane Varnish
Polyurethane varnish is for those who do not want to use water-based varnishes. Using polyurethane varnish is better than water-based varnishes on hard surfaces and floors. If the surface has to undergo wear and tear, polyurethane varnish will protect against stains and scratches.
In polyurethane oil-based varnish, oil is the solvent. Due to the presence of oil, such varnish makes a surface glossy. However, one can also find polyurethane varnish that provides a matte finish. The application of such varnish makes the wooden surface durable and elegant. Oil-based polyurethane varnish does not penetrate wood, and thus it creates a thin layer on the wood.
Keep in mind that polyurethane varnish does not protect the UV ray of the sun. Thus, one should use the varnish on indoor wooden surfaces. Such varnish applied on the outdoor surface can deteriorate quickly due to the effect of ultra-violate ray.
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Exterior Varnish
As the name indicates, such varnish is suitable for wooden surfaces exposed to the weather. Exterior varnish comes with an added layer of protection against the ultra-violate ray of the sun. Nevertheless, it also protects the wooden surface from moisture. Exterior varnish also possesses micro-porous, which allows the wood to breathe. Nevertheless, an added layer of fungicide will protect the wood from termite and fungi.
The problem with exterior varnish is the slowness in the drying process. Another drawback is the cost. Since it gives protection against moisture, sun, and fungi, the varnish is costly. In addition, such varnish does not add shine to the wooden surface. Nevertheless, it is suitable for applying on wooden surfaces only.
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Oil Varnish
While water-based varnishes are popular among buyers, there is also a good demand for oil-based varnish. Dissolving hard resins (copal and amber) into the oil creates oil-based varnish. The solution of hard resins and oil gives durable finishing to the wood. For polishing wooden floors, you can notice the use of such varnish.
The shortcomings of oil-based varnish include slow to dry, costly, difficulty in cleaning, etc. Oil varnish does not protect ultra-violate rays. Nevertheless, it gives a glossy finish on the wooden surface. If you seek a matte finish, oil varnish will not serve your purpose.
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Yacht Varnish
Yacht varnish, also called marine varnish, has extensive use in manufacturing boats. Coating the wooden boats with this varnish will protect the boat from damage due to water and moisture. In addition, the varnish features excellent flexibility. Thus, it does not create cracks that allow water to penetrate the boat or yacht.
Such varnish does not offer a glossy finish. UV protection of such varnish is not too impressive. Typically, you will notice the application of the varnish on the outside surface of a boat. Using the varnish on the floors and decks of a boat is not common.
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How to Apply Varnish?
An expert follows a few standardised steps for applying varnish on a surface. Depending on the type of varnish, the approach of applying varnish may change. For applying water-based varnish, one should follow the steps below.
- Before applying varnish on a surface, make sure that you clean the surface properly. Use sandpaper to get rid of the unevenness of a surface.
- At first, you need to apply a thin coat of spirit and water on the surface. For both polyurethane and water varnish, you need to follow the method.
- Apply the first coat of varnish. When it becomes dry, you can apply the second coat too. Water-based varnishes dry out quickly. Other varnishes may take a long time.
- Avoid a dusty environment for applying varnish. Dust particles can stick on the varnish, and it will ruin the look of the surface.
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Reasons for Applying Varnish
People apply varnish on wooden floors and furniture. Varnish gives a thin coating to the wooden surface, and the coating will protect the wood from scratches, stains, and other damages. The addition of varnish turns the wooden surface elegant.
A thin layer of varnish gives good protection against moisture. Since moisture cannot penetrate, the wood remains durable. Some varnishes can protect the ultra-violate ray of the sun. For crafting outdoor furniture, you can notice the use of such varnish.
Varnish does not provide a great deal of resistance to abrasion. Moreover, the Odour of floor varnish may be unpleasant to some people.
