{"id":18539,"date":"2022-09-20T13:55:40","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T13:55:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resin-expert.com\/?p=18539"},"modified":"2023-04-08T20:04:42","modified_gmt":"2023-04-08T20:04:42","slug":"types-of-varnish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resin-expert.com\/en\/guide\/types-of-varnish","title":{"rendered":"Types of Varnish – Wood Coating Finishes and Their Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Regardless of what type of woodcraft you\u2019re into, there are loads of products to choose from when it comes time to finish your workpiece. Previously, paint was the only good option if you wanted a good-looking finish that would last the lifetime of your workpiece, but these days there are loads of wood treatment oils and solvents to choose from. Even though oils like tung and linseed oil have become increasingly popular over the years, one of the go-to solutions for a long-lasting (and good-looking) wood treatment has been varnish. This being said, let’s have a look at exactly what varnish is, the different types of varnish available to you, and how to use varnish effectively on your wooden workpiece.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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What Is Varnish?<\/h2>\n

There is a seemingly endless variety of varnishes for you to choose from, but have you ever wondered what exactly varnish is? Varnish can be characterized as a wood treatment that is applied in the form of a liquid to the surface of a wooden workpiece. Once applied varnish seeps into the wood\u2019s fibers altering its appearance and sealing its pores.<\/p>\n

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Varnish tends to leave a film-like coat on the surface of wood which allows it to repel things like moisture and dust with relative ease. It also reduces the amount of maintenance needed for the surface of any wooden workpiece by protecting it from things like impact, abrasion, food stains, and the effects of direct sunlight.<\/p>\n

\"Varnish<\/p>\n

The word varnish is actually derived from the Latin word for a type of resin which was in turn derived from the Greek word for amber, reflecting the use of various types of tree extracts to make the stuff to protect wood with. The practice of varnishing wood is originally from ancient Egypt where resin was not only used to prolong the life of wooden workpieces and beautify them, but was also used in mummification.<\/p>\n

The mummy of Tutankhamun was famously covered in a resin that had been applied while still too hot, fueling the suspicion that his burial was done in haste.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Varnish<\/p>\n

The earliest version of varnish actually didn\u2019t differ all that much from the varnish types used today, albeit that they were made with substances that were around at the time. Originally, varnish was made of natural resin, tree sap, and a solvent that could then be applied to a brush and\/or cloth and slathered onto the surface of your workpiece. Now varnishes may contain a mixture of natural and synthetic resins.<\/p>\n

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There are other varnish types developed all over the world too, and they weren\u2019t just used to preserve wood either. In parts of ancient Asia, there were numerous complex formulas for different varnish types which could be used for all manner of applications.<\/p>\n

These applications include but aren\u2019t limited to the preservation of silk, the repelling of water, the polishing of precious metals, and even weapon maintenance.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Varnish is pretty versatile but it’s also one of the most hazardous wood treatment substances out there. What makes varnish so dangerous you ask? Well, considering that it consists of various solvents and binders it tends to be pretty flammable. Therefore, when working with varnish you should always ensure that you have adequate ventilation and ensure that anything you use to apply it is disposed of adequately.<\/p>\n