Although varnish is most commonly connected with wood treatment, it can be used on a wide range of materials. Varnish, similar to paint, can be used for both aesthetic and defensive purposes. Varnishes, like paints, come in a variety of finishes ranging from glossy to matte to satin. This defines how bright the finish would be and how to shine it will have.
Matte indicates a drab and un-shiny finish, whereas gloss defines the smoothest and shiniest. Unlike paint, which just coats the surface and acts as a barrier between the environment and the timber, varnish permeates the surface while also providing a finish, a protecting film, and occasionally a gloss sheen.
The most significant disadvantage of varnishes are that, unlike paint, it doesn’t come in a wide range of hues, making it less adaptable in terms of aesthetics; that is, if you may not like the brilliant beauty of the timber that the varnish enhances.
Varnishes come in a variety of shapes and sizes
Varnishes are required for a variety of materials and applications. Whether you simply want to provide the wood a pleasant, attractive sheen or want to preserve it from the outdoors, you can use any of the eight varnishes listed below:
Spirit Varnish
Spirit Varnish, also known as French polish or Shellac, is made up of shellac dissolved in spirit and sprayed in a fine coating on the material; nonetheless, it is not precisely a varnish. Shellac is made by an insect in Southeast Asia and is usually purchased in the form of flakes that must be reduced with alcohol before usage.
The de-waxed form of shellac, that has had almost all of the waxy compounds removed, could be used as priming for those other varnishes that do not permeate well into the timber, such as Acrylic and Polyurethane.
Shellac comes in a variety of colors and tints. This sort of varnish seems to have a translucent appearance, which is ideal for materials like flame oak, which is commonly used in devices like the guitar and violin. Because spirit varnish doesn’t really hold well to the elements, it is not recommended for use on patio furniture.
Acrylic Varnish
This varnish dries quickly, is non-toxic, and therefore is water-based. Allowing it to have strong ultraviolet (UV) resistance, allowing it to be used both indoors and out. This comes in a variety of finishes, including gloss, satin, and matte. It is more adaptable than most other varnishes because it is not confined to wood varnish and may be applied on other surfaces.
It’s clear and translucent, and it doesn’t normally become yellow. Because it is water-based, it is less fussy than another varnish; you can simply clean that up with water, making it very user-friendly. However, it doesn’t permeate the wood as well as many other varnishes, but it does not spread as evenly.
Exterior Varnish
This type of varnishes are designed specifically for items in outdoor settings, especially those that are exposed to excessive weather. It is extremely resilient and hard-wearing. With this varnish’s enhanced UV resistance, the timber beneath is well-protected from all types of sun exposure.
They are hydrophilic, which means they resist water, but they are also microporous, allowing the wood to breathe. Fungicides are commonly used in this varnish to prevent termite and fungus colonies from growing. In terms of composition and flexibility, the exterior varnishes are similar to yacht varnish; however, although being extremely dry, it cures slowly.
