Decorating Guides
Enhance the Wooden Elements in Your Home With Wood Varnish
Here is a guide to wood varnish, a magical finish that can transform wooden furniture, floors and more
Wood varnish is a hard, transparent and highly durable protective finish, usually composed of a drying oil, a resin and a solvent. This kind of finish creates a top coat that protects the wooden surface from stains, scratches, abrasions and liquid spills that are caused by daily usage. Additionally, a wood varnish finish is a great way to add lustre and accentuate the natural beauty of wood. Here is all you need to know about wood varnish.
Areas of application
- Varnishes are widely used as a protective finish on wooden floors, wooden stairs, table tops, wooden furniture and so on. They are an excellent way to highlight the organic patterns of natural wood grain, as in the image here.
- Varnishes are highly recommended for outdoor furniture and floors, because they provide good protection from moisture and rain, as well as from UV damage.
Application technique
The steps to the application of varnish on wood are as follows:
Note: Each coat of varnish provides an additional protective layer and increases the gloss of the furniture. Indoor furniture and floors require two to three coats of varnish for protection, while outdoor furniture and floors require at least six coats of thin varnish for optimum protection.
The steps to the application of varnish on wood are as follows:
- Sand the wooden surface with sandpaper till smooth. Keep the workplace dust-free, as varnish has the tendency to attract small dust particles onto it when wet.
- Once sanded, damp-wipe the wooden surface.
- Open the varnish container and stir the contents with a spatula so as to achieve a homogeneous mix. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as some varnishes may have to be mixed with a portion of thinner before application.
- As a precaution wear gloves and use a mask while working with varnishes, because the varnish contains VOCs that may be harmful on direct contact with skin or when inhaled.
- Now dip the brush into the varnish and apply it onto the wooden surface. Make sure to move the brush strokes only in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the varnish to dry.
- Lightly re-sand and wipe the surface of the wood before applying the second coat of varnish.
- Repeat the same process for the third coat and so on.
Note: Each coat of varnish provides an additional protective layer and increases the gloss of the furniture. Indoor furniture and floors require two to three coats of varnish for protection, while outdoor furniture and floors require at least six coats of thin varnish for optimum protection.
Drying time
Between two coats of varnish, make sure that the first coat hardens and dries properly. The varnished surface requires a minimum drying time of at least 3 to 24 hours, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Factors like heat and humidity play an important role in the drying time of varnishes; the drying time will be more on damp and humid days and less on dry sunny days.
Tip: Keep your windows open during application of varnishes, as cross-ventilation will let out the gases emitted by VOCs and replace them with fresh air.
Read more:
Lacquer, Varnish or Polyurethane: Which Wood Finish is Best?
Tell us:
Got any special tips when it comes to varnishes for wood? Share in the Comments section below.
Between two coats of varnish, make sure that the first coat hardens and dries properly. The varnished surface requires a minimum drying time of at least 3 to 24 hours, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Factors like heat and humidity play an important role in the drying time of varnishes; the drying time will be more on damp and humid days and less on dry sunny days.
Tip: Keep your windows open during application of varnishes, as cross-ventilation will let out the gases emitted by VOCs and replace them with fresh air.
Read more:
Lacquer, Varnish or Polyurethane: Which Wood Finish is Best?
Tell us:
Got any special tips when it comes to varnishes for wood? Share in the Comments section below.
Varnishes are categorised as water-based and solvent-based varnishes.