El varnish seems to be known to everyone. However, when we think about what this product really is, the advantages it has and its uses, it may not be so clear to us. When it comes to restoring furniture, it is a fundamental element, but varnish can be used in many more places and there are also different types.
If you want to know a little more about the varnish we will tell you what this varnish is, the types out there and what you can do with it. The result can be interesting to care for all types of surfaces. In addition, it is a basic product when it comes to renovating pieces in your home.
What is varnish
The varnish is a dissolution of resins and oils in a volatile substance. This varnish is applied to surfaces and in contact with air it hardens. In this way, it creates a protective film that usually has a gloss and even a tone, which changes the texture and appearance of the surfaces. This varnish is designed above all to protect the furniture or object in question from the passage of time or the action of some factors such as air or light.
Types of varnishes and finishes
Varnishes that can be chosen They are very varied today. To know the world of varnishes we must be very clear about their types, since there may be several of them. Depending on what we want to do, we can choose one or the other.
El synthetic varnish It is one of the most used when it comes to protecting furniture. This varnish offers us a very smooth finish, being one of the most resistant and hard. It is a varnish that is perfect for furniture that is outdoors, on balconies, terraces or those that are directly exposed to the sun, so that they are less damaged.
El polyurethane varnish It is often used on surfaces that have a lot of use. It is a varnish that is used for example in places such as wooden or parquet floors, because they have so much use that a type of varnish is needed that resists friction well.
El acrylic varnishAlso called water-based varnish, it is a type of varnish that is used mainly on furniture and small details. It dissolves very easily and is used with ease. It has great resistance but is used in works such as renovated furniture.
Another type of varnish that is perhaps not so well known is the called shellac. This varnish is of natural origin and it is a type of product that is used especially in antique furniture, since it is much more respectful of materials. It is a varnish that resists certain use and the passage of time, although it is only recommended for indoor furniture.
El nitrocellulose varnish It is a type of varnish little used. It is designed for instruments or for pieces that are very delicate. It softens with heat and if it is exposed to sunlight it tends to yellow, that is why it can only be used in interior pieces.
As for the finishes, we can find different types, since there are several on the market. One of the best known is the glossy finish, since it has been widely used in all types of furniture and in details such as boxes or photo frames. It is also used a lot in floors to bring more light to spaces thanks to that shine. Matte varnish is very resistant and hard and is used mainly for doors and windows, because it also gives them a very elegant finish. On the other hand, we have the semi-gloss or satin varnish, which has a certain shine but very little. It is used for places where continuous use is needed but above all it is used on floors.
Uses of varnish
The varnish is used on all kinds of surfaces in order to protect them, although sometimes it is also designed to give a certain color finish to furniture by changing the tone of the wood. These varnishes protect from the sun, the passage of time, use and also from problems such as woodworm, that is why it is so important that the wood has its varnish layer, both on doors, windows and furniture.
When using the varnish we will have to choose well the type of varnish, its finish and the tone. It is always better to first test the color that you can bring to the furniture. The wood must be sanded and clean, to apply the varnish on it. A base coat should be applied, allowed to dry completely, and then another coat applied to the wood. Sometimes a hard base varnish is applied and another with color on that to give a specific tone to the wood.