Selection of varnish for wood. Types and characteristics of wood varnish

Made from wood and wood, it is used to make furniture and decoration. It is a beautiful natural material with unique properties, but without special protective agents, wood is unlikely to be durable. She is afraid of humidity, temperature changes, fire and pests. Often it is simple to paint a tree, but at the same time its unique texture and color are lost. Varnishes help protect wood and preserve its natural beauty. Almost a thousand years have passed since the appearance of the first such composition, during which time varnishes have changed, and today on store shelves there is such an assortment of different products that your head can spin. Let's figure out how to choose wood varnish for interior and exterior use, what is the difference between different types varnishes and what is important to consider when purchasing.

No. 1. What are the differences between different wood varnishes?

Varnish is a viscous product consisting of a solvent, resins and polymers. After application to the surface, the solvent evaporates, leaving a dense, durable film. This barrier protects the tree from various kinds of negative factors. Since previously wood was the main building material, the first varnishes appeared inXII century. It was the invention of a German monk, and the composition of the protective substance was kept secret for a long time. Attempts to develop a means to extend the life of wood have been made constantly. Thus, in the 15th century, oil-type compositions appeared in England, and later in Holland and Portugal they began to produce resin-based varnishes.

Since then, the range of such products has expanded significantly, compositions with specific properties have appeared, so today you can’t just go to the store and buy the first wood varnish you come across - it is important to take into account a lot of nuances of different compositions, otherwise you may not only fail to protect the material, but also harm it .

When choosing a wood varnish, you should take into account the following factors:

terms of Use. Outdoors, the material is affected by factors such as high humidity, constant temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation, so the composition for protection must be selected accordingly - only wood varnishes are suitable for outdoor work. As a rule, the manufacturer indicates on the packaging the conditions under which the composition can be used. , furniture and wall finishing materials can be safely coated with wood varnish For interior work ;
wear resistance. It is not always possible to cover the floor with the same composition as the furniture, since the load on the surface will be completely different. If even the least resistant nitrocellulose varnish is suitable for other wooden objects that are not subject to heavy wear, then for the floor covering it is necessary to take more durable compounds;
toxicity. Most modern formulations have an unpleasant, pungent odor when drying, as they contain organic solvents. Of course, this smell will disappear when the varnish is completely dry, but until then you will, at best, have a headache, and at worst, get serious poisoning. Polyurethane, acrylic, polyester varnishes and nitro varnishes are applied to special means protection in carpentry workshops or non-residential premises. After drying, all these compounds become safe. If the work needs to be carried out at home, and the household members are not going to leave anywhere, then it is better to take the least toxic composition - this varnishes on water based , they are practically odorless;
drying time. A layer of varnish can dry from 6 to 72 hours and sometimes longer. Water-based varnishes and oil-based varnishes take the longest to dry; alcohol-based and nitrocellulose varnishes take 20 minutes or more. According to this parameter, all compositions are divided into slow and quick drying. Take this characteristic of the varnish into account when calculating the duration of the work;
resistance to high temperatures . It makes sense to apply heat-resistant varnishes to wood in rooms where. It is important not only to choose the appropriate composition, but also to properly expose the surface with it, because the result largely depends on the application technique;
shine. Thanks to the varnish, you can get a glossy or matte surface. The choice in this case is based only on aesthetic preferences, since performance qualities do not depend much on the degree of gloss. Gloss gives visual volume, and matte coating can highlight the beauty of wood. The degree of gloss is determined as a percentage of the reflected light flux. For example, high gloss varnish reflects more than 90% of light, glossy - 80-90%, and matte– less than 10%. There are also semi-gloss and semi-matte compositions, so there is a wide choice;
varnish components. Best suited for doing the work yourself one-component varnishes , the same ones that are simply applied and form a protective film by evaporating the solvent. Professionals often use two-component varnishes, in which a protective film is formed as a result chemical reaction between two substances. As a rule, such compositions are more durable;
need for primer. Self-priming varnishes can be applied directly to wood. Other compositions require preliminary preparation of the surface: if not, then you may soon encounter peeling of the varnish, the appearance of cracks and craters.

You can also find on sale tinting varnish. With their help, you can give the wood the desired shade or even completely change the color. However, classic version a clear varnish still remains, which allows you to preserve the original wood pattern.

No. 2. Types of varnish for wood

Depending on the type of solvent, the following types of varnishes are distinguished:

oil;
polyurethane;
alkyd;
acrylic;
nitro varnishes, etc.

There are other types of varnishes, and each of them has its own characteristics of wear resistance, drying time, toxicity and weather resistance. To choose the right wood varnish for interior and exterior use, you need to know the main characteristics of each composition.

No. 3. Oil varnish for wood

Oil-based (also called oil-resin) varnishes were previously used everywhere, but today their popularity has noticeably decreased. Are being manufactured based on resin and oil in various proportions. Previously, only natural resins were used, but with the advent of artificial resins and modified oils, the cost of formulations has decreased.

Depending on the amount of oil in the composition, such varnishes are divided into:

fatty, 65-85% oils;
average, 55-65%;
skinny, 35-55%.

Thick oil varnishes do a better job of protecting the coating than thin ones, but they take longer to dry. Typically this type of varnish is used for protection of floor coverings in residential premises. These are thick formulations that are difficult to apply with a brush, so they are often diluted a little. The shelf life is short, drying time is from 24 to 72 hours or more.

No. 4. Alkyd varnishes for wood

Alkyd varnishes are produced on the basis of glyphthalic or pentaphthalic resins; white spirit or solvent is used as a solvent; the composition may also contain substances that accelerate the drying of the varnish.

To the benefits The following qualities are worth mentioning:

resistance to moisture, temperature changes, some compositions are resistant to sunlight and even fire;
wear resistance;
low price;
long shelf life.

In addition, alkyd compositions perfectly highlight the grain of wood, and to achieve the required depth of color, you can apply as many layers of varnish as you like, but the surface treatment process will be quite lengthy. The composition takes a long time to dry - this is its main disadvantage; you have to wait 48-72 hours. If this is critical, then it is better to take varnish with special additives that speed up the drying process. We also note bad smell while drying.

Alkyd varnish is mainly used for floor treatment: a coating resistant to moisture and wear is obtained. The composition can be applied to heated floors. This varnish is used much less often for covering furniture. If added to alkyd varnish urethane groups, then we will get an even more interesting coating from the point of view of performance. This composition differs from the previous composition in faster drying (about 6-12 hours) and longer service life. The smell is as unpleasant as that of alkyd varnishes.

No. 5. Alkyd-urea varnish

In this case, in addition to alkyd resins, the varnish contains amino-formaldehyde resins. These are two-component varnishes, the drying of which is possible only with the introduction of a special acid-containing hardener. The additive is mixed with the varnish before application; the shelf life of the resulting mixture is short - from several hours to a couple of days, so the amount must be accurately calculated in advance.

Alkyd-urea varnish creates a durable film on wood and protects the material well from moisture. The composition is used mainly for For covering and massive. You can use it and for protecting wooden furniture, as well as other items that are located indoors.

No. 6. Nitrocellulose varnishes

This varnish is a mixture of cellulose nitrate, organic solvent, resins and plasticizer. This is a fairly popular wood varnish. for interior work. It is well suited for processing furniture; it can produce a matte and glossy surface, but not suitable for floor protection.

Basic advantages varnish:

high drying speed, from 20 minutes to 5 hours, average time – 1 hour;
high polishability;
varnish allows you to create a smooth hard coating with excellent decorative qualities;
the composition penetrates deep into the pores of wood and provides good protection.

Among shortcomings It is worth noting the unpleasant odor during drying - this is toxic solvents evaporating, so during work it is necessary to carefully protect the respiratory tract. After drying, the varnish is absolutely safe for health. The composition does not protect wood very well from moisture and sunlight, the coating strength is average, so it is used for treating furniture and walls indoors.

No. 7. Polyurethane varnish

Polyurethane varnish can be called one of the most popular compositions. Due to its high strength, many consider it universal. If we say that the group of polyurethane varnishes includes yacht varnish, then it becomes clear that the performance qualities of this composition are exceptional.

Basic advantages:

increased adhesion to the base;
high hardness of the coating, which perfectly protects the wood from moisture, chemicals, and sunlight;
high drying speed, 4-12 hours.

The unique properties of the composition allow it to be used for outdoor work. They cover yacht decks, stairs, as well as parquet floors, furniture and other wooden objects. This is a universal composition. Among cons only the high price and the need to strictly comply with all the requirements for the process of applying the composition - it is important to protect the surface from contact with moisture, since even a drop of water can greatly reduce the performance of the varnish.

No. 8. Water-based acrylic varnish

This varnish can be called one of the most environmentally friendly and safe. When working, it does not give off any unpleasant odors, so its use is allowed even in. Water-soluble varnishes have one essential minus– they take a very long time to dry. For the film to fully form, you will have to wait about 2 weeks. In addition, it is better to prime the wood before applying varnish. You can also find formulations with a small amount of organic solvent (up to 15%) on sale.

Water-based acrylic varnishes do not support combustion; they highlight the natural grain of wood well, but do not provide a sufficient level of protection from moisture. Wear resistance is also not great, but manufacturers produce compounds with special additives that can significantly increase the mechanical resistance of the coating.

No. 9. Water-based polyurethane varnish

The composition combines the advantages of acrylic water-based and polyurethane varnishes, was developed not so long ago, and is sold as a one- and two-component mixture. The varnish is characterized by high strength, wear resistance, elasticity, resistance to aggressive substances, the coating is environmentally friendly, durable and does not crack for many years, however, the price of the composition is still quite high.

No. 10. Epoxy varnish

Epoxy varnishes, as the name suggests, are made from epoxy resin. The film made from it hardens under the influence of a hardener - these are two-component varnishes. Among the main benefits high hardness, strength of the resulting film, moisture resistance and shock resistance. The varnish is suitable for interior work for covering floor coverings, as well as for external work. Plus, the coating dries very quickly, no more than 12 hours.

No. 11. Polyester varnish

Multicomponent composition based on polyester resins. It is applied with a special gun and requires high professionalism and sufficient precision in work. After drying, a fairly thick, durable film is formed, which protects well from moisture and aggressive substances. Varnish is used for treating floors, furniture and some musical instruments.

No. 12. Alcohol varnish

These are not very common compositions, the scope of which is very limited. Alcohol varnishes (varnishes) are made based on ethyl alcohol and resins. The alcohol evaporates quickly, so the drying time of the varnish is minimal - from 20 minutes to an hour. The coating has a beautiful shine, but very poorly protects the surface from moisture. Composition used when processing musical instruments, less often - in carpentry for furniture processing.

No. 13. Primer varnish

Primer varnish is only necessary to improve the adhesion of the wood to the finishing coat. The composition also helps to achieve a more even coating and isolate the wood from water residue. It is necessary to choose a primer varnish that is most suitable for the type of topcoat.

No. 14. Applying wood varnish

The process of coating wood with varnish is simple and consists of several stages:

removing a layer of old paint or varnish, you can use sandpaper;
sanding wood and thoroughly removing dust;
when using tinting varnish, the wood can be opened with stain;
applying primer varnish;
applying protective varnish using

The easiest way to work is with a roller; with its help you can very quickly cover a fairly large surface with varnish. The brush can be used together with a roller to treat hard-to-reach areas. To avoid leaving marks, it is better to use a brush with a little fluff at the end. The sprayer is used by professionals; with its help you can very quickly cover a large surface area with varnish. When treating furniture, it is better to use two layers of varnish, and three to protect the floor. Each new layer is applied after drying and slightly sanding the previous one.

Properly selected and applied varnish will preserve original look wood for many years.

Varnishes are applied to wood to protect their surface and preserve their structure, especially expensive species. The technological characteristics of wood are improved.

A viscous solution that forms a protective film on the surface of wood is wood varnish. The coating acquires a light or rich shine.

Variety of varnishes

Varnish compositions are classified according to 3 criteria:

place of application;
by degree of gloss;
by components in the composition.

Grouping by place of use

In order for the protective layer to last long and effectively, the varnish material is selected taking into account the place of application.

Wood varnish for flooring is parquet materials. One of the larger groups. The leaders in it are considered to be: alkyd-polyurethane composition with one component, acrylic-polyurethane. These are universal LM. They can also be applied to doors and furniture.
Thanks to decorative materials, wood receives decorative characteristics and is protected from external factors inside and outside the house.
The structure of wood is emphasized by furniture varnishes in furniture production. They, like parquet ones, are used not only in their field.
To protect floating craft made of wood, boat compounds are used. The coating is moisture-resistant, tolerates temperature fluctuations and exposure to aggressive environments. They are used to protect garden furniture and the walls of a laminated timber house on the street side.

Varnish materials by quality of reflection or degree of gloss

According to the quality of reflection, varnishing materials are combined into 4 groups:

high-gloss coating with a gloss level of 80-90%;
gloss coating with a gloss level of 55-75%;
for semi-gloss – 40-50%;
Semi-matte and matte coatings reflect a small amount of light.

The manufacturer indicates on the container what surface will be created.

Classification by composition

The drying speed of the varnish coating and its protective properties are determined by the components in its composition. The main classification is grouping into groups according to composition.

Alkyd varnish materials based on alkyd resins and organic solvent are in demand in everyday life. This is a varnish for interior woodwork. Rarely used for cladding wood bases outdoors. A durable, moisture-resistant, transparent coating appears. Its long drying period (3 days) is cited as a disadvantage. To reduce the time, components are introduced - special hardeners. The varnishing material is applied with a roller, automatic or pneumatic spray gun.
An alternative to the alkyd composition is alkyd-urethane. The composition contains substances of the urethane group. This change led to a reduction in the drying time of the coating (from 6 to 16 hours). The covering layer has become more wear-resistant.
Oil formulations consist of vegetable oils, organic solvents, natural resins. They perform the primary coating of the wooden base. Its texture becomes colored after the material dries: from pale yellow to rich brown. The surface is covered with a hard film. It will be elastic for fatty varnishes (60-85%). In addition, the protective layer adds electrical insulating properties. The compositions are inferior in weather resistance to alkyd LM. Drying speed varies over a wide range.
Nitro varnishes are used in closed areas. This is a mixture of colloxylin varnish, resins, plasticizers, and volatile organic solvents. It dries quickly and penetrates into the pores of the wood. The coating adheres tenaciously to the base and is durable. Due to the content of toxic substances in the composition, you need to work with the material in a respirator.
Acrylic material is an environmentally friendly product. It is odorless and does not support fire combustion. This is a universal composition, but is more often used for interior finishing work. The elastic covering layer preserves the color of the wooden base and its natural texture. Drying speed is faster than alkyd material. Although it takes 2 weeks for the film to dry completely.
Varnish epoxy composition is a facing material for interior and outdoor work., fits well on wood. A durable, water-repellent coating is formed that can withstand mechanical and chemical stress.
Acrylic LM polyurethane composition is no less in demand. They are characterized by great resistance to abrasion, resistance to chemicals, and resistance to mechanical damage. The varnish coating is universal. It is applied to parquet, to musical instruments. In order to obtain the desired effect from the coating, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. This is an important feature when working with the material.
The alcohol composition is based on alcohol. The components of natural resins dissolve in it. Since alcohol tends to evaporate quickly, and resins dissolve slowly, the varnish is applied in multi-layers without fear of destroying the previous layer. The covering layer is polished, durable, but does not withstand exposure to water.
Multicomponent polyester LM is applied strictly according to the instructions. A thick, hard coating film is formed. It repels water. The composition is used as the basis for the production of high-quality putty for cars.

Rules for choosing wood varnish

Answers to a list of questions will help you navigate correctly in choosing the right varnish:

What characteristics will the wood coating have after it has been treated with a varnish material?
Do you have painting skills?
Where will the LM be applied: indoors or outdoors?
What costs are acceptable without harm to the family?

The varnish is selected in most cases based on the preferences of the owners. The issue of environmental safety may be a priority. Then the choice falls on water-based formulations. They do not have a pungent odor harmful to health. This is a covering material for furniture in a children's room. It is not used in furniture production workshops or private workshops of furniture makers. Because the treated surface becomes dull.

Beginners often choose an alkyd composition. It is easy to apply, affordable, and can be easily washed off with white spirit if there is a need to correct a mistake in the work.

The polyurethane type is a product for professionals. A strong and durable coating is formed. The composition is applied by spray. Experts manually apply oils to furniture using tampons. The wooden surface takes on a respectable appearance.

Selecting a coating by color

The varnish coating is applied not only to protect the wood from various types of influences, but also to give it the desired shade.

Transparent varnish is used more often than others. The natural grain of the wood is emphasized. Varnish compositions with shades can change the appearance of a wood product.

The leading shades are “mahogany” and “walnut”. They visually enlarge the object being painted. Products treated with black varnish look luxurious and elegant. Compound white will be original and effective.

On a wooden surface, one paint color can appear in different shades. Thus, parquet covered with “walnut” shimmers in beige, red, black, and dark brown tones.

Owners of private houses often choose tinting compounds. They process doors, furniture, and parquet boards. This material not only decorates wood, but also increases its resistance to mechanical stress and increases resistance to the formation of mold and mildew.

Water-based varnish, which appeared relatively recently, is becoming increasingly popular. This is due to the environmental friendliness of the composition, the absence unpleasant odor when applied and with decent technical characteristics.

Peculiarities

Water-based varnish is a type of paint and varnish product that is primarily environmentally friendly. It contains water and emulsifiers (acrylic or polyurethane). In addition, the composition may contain liquid polymers, antiseptics (in varnishes for wood processing), solvents (their share can be 5–15%), plasticizers (provide increased strength of the varnish layer). The presence of water determines the “setting” of the varnish. First of all, it is this that evaporates, then the film-forming component (solvent) and lastly the binding component (emulsifier).

All water-based varnishes are divided into two large groups– one-component and two-component. One-component compositions, as the name suggests, consist of one active component - acrylic or polyurethane.

Acrylic the compositions are considered more environmentally friendly; they do not create a film on the surface, so the bases can “breathe”. In addition, acrylic varnishes are more elastic, which means they are easier to apply. At the same time, these compositions do not demonstrate the same high strength indicators as polyurethane analogues. The optimal area for use of the product is residential premises with standard environmental conditions.
Polyurethane varnishes, characterized by a large margin of safety, are used for surfaces in public and administrative buildings. They are suitable for substrates subject to high mechanical loads and prone to damage.

The basis of the two-component varnish is acrylic, to which polyurethane is added to improve performance. An important feature of water-based varnishes is their freezing at subzero air temperatures. Once defrosted, this product is not suitable for use.

Compliance with storage rules allows you to avoid damage to the composition. Water-based varnishes can only be stored at positive temperatures.

Specifications

Talking about technical specifications, it is logical to note the advantages of water-based varnishes.

Environmental friendliness, due to the absence or minimal content of solvents and other aggressive chemical elements in the composition. This ensures that there is no unpleasant odor during the painting and drying process of the water-based varnish. Neither alkyd, nor oil, nor, especially, formaldehyde compositions can demonstrate similar properties.
High Fire safety – the material is completely non-flammable, which allows it to be used on surfaces that are subject to increased fire safety requirements.
High drying speed– 3–5 hours after application. However, we must not forget that the layer will gain its final strength in 15–30 days.
Good performance adhesion, but subject to compliance with the technology for preparing working bases.

Antiseptic ability is typical for acrylic varnishes.
Durability to temperature changes, increased humidity levels.
Durability to the influence of ultraviolet rays, which provides reliable protection of surfaces from sunlight and preserves their color.
Opportunity further use working tools - just wash them with soap or dish soap, rinse and dry.
It is important that no unpleasant odor, as well as a high drying speed, make it possible to carry out work without changing the usual way of life of household members. There is no need to think about where to move children and elderly relatives during the renovation.

Like any type of varnish, the composition in question has disadvantages, namely:

lower strength to mechanical stress compared to similar indicators of other types of varnishes;
application possible only at temperatures +15–20ºС and air humidity 50–55%;
high cost compared to other types of varnish.

Dispersion varnish with the addition of polyurethane has high wet strength and resistance to exposure to chemicals. household chemicals, including alcohol-containing. The interior composition usually has an acrylic base, and for application to the floor it is polyurethane, which is characterized by increased strength. There are also varieties of the product intended for different types bases (wooden, concrete, plasterboard and others).

Separately, it is worth highlighting the self-priming water-based composition used for finishing. One of its main advantages is the ability to spread evenly, forming a smooth surface. The use of the composition can significantly improve appearance varnished surfaces.

There are such types of self-priming composition as:

glossy– allows you to get elegant shiny surfaces, emphasizes the richness of bright colors. Not suitable for application to surfaces with defects, as it makes them even more noticeable;

matte– derived from alkyd-urethane composition. It does not have a characteristic shine, looks elegant, noble, and also emphasizes the depth of color and visually hides the imperfections of the base.

In addition, there are “intermediate” options - semi-matte and semi-gloss. The latter exhibits a greater degree of gloss, but still does not “reach” the pronounced glossy coatings. Water-based varnish is a colorless transparent composition, and if we are talking about the acrylic version, it is a milky white shade. However, by adding color to them, you can get any shade. Transparent varnish does not change the shade and structure of the surface, but only emphasizes them.

Scope of application

The bulk of water-based products are intended for interior use; their use for exterior finishing is not recommended. The product has a fairly wide scope of application. It increases moisture resistance and other performance characteristics of walls, furniture, and interior elements. However acrylic compositions water-based coatings cannot withstand increased static and dynamic loads, so they are unsuitable for application over high-traffic flooring. It is acceptable to use them in the bedroom and nursery, for example, but not in the living room and hallway. For these rooms, it is better to choose analogues with a polyurethane binder component.

It should be noted that acrylic varnishes and paints are usually used for home decoration, while more durable polyurethane ones are used for surface treatment in public buildings.

Two-component compositions are most often used for application to wooden floor coverings. In addition, they can be applied to metal, concrete, stone, and drywall. Similar compositions are used when performing the following types of work:

strengthening the foundation– in this case, they act as a kind of adhesive solution that holds the peeling elements together;
antiseptic treatment– prevents the appearance of mold and mildew on the treated surface;

surface protection– treated bases acquire greater strength, including resistance to temperature changes, mechanical damage, and high humidity;
maintaining surface color saturation– the resulting film protects the substrate from fading under the influence of UV rays;
surface decoration– depending on the type, such varnish can be used as a tinting composition, imparting a matte or glossy shine;
simplifying the surface care process– protected bases can be safely wiped with a damp cloth.

Manufacturers: review and reviews

Among the leading manufacturers of water-based varnishes is a Finnish company Tikkurila. The assortment is represented mainly by acrylic varnishes; there are both universal compositions and products for walls, floors, and furniture. Buyers note a complete absence of odor when working with the product. And also from the experience of some users, we can conclude that the composition is best used in rooms facing the non-sunny side.

Varnishes produced under the trademark Eurotex, allow not only to protect surfaces and add gloss to them, but also to create an imitation of valuable and expensive wood species (when applying the composition to wood, of course).

Brand composition brands are also considered a leader LOBA. This German manufacturer regularly expands its range of varnishes, as well as colors for them. The price range is also wide. A large assortment is usually demonstrated by such reputable European brands as Vermeister, Pallmann, Berger-Seidle. In addition to special varnishes for different types of surfaces, as well as wooden furniture, walls and floors, there are modifications for baths and saunas. The latter are characterized by increased heat resistance and moisture resistance.

Products from domestic manufacturers receive positive feedback from customers "Lakra". High quality, absence of odor (a slight specific “aroma” is possible when using polyurethane varnishes), lower cost compared to the price of imported analogues - all these are undoubted advantages of the product. The assortment is represented mainly by finishing coating compositions. The company's products boast a variety of products V33, as it includes options for floors, walls, furniture, as well as universal varnishes. The products amaze with a variety of colors such as wenge, stained oak, pine and others.

If you need to varnish or decorate furniture, it is recommended to use varnishes 3V3 from a French manufacturer. Thanks to their characteristic consistency, they are easier to apply to curved surfaces and to use in hard-to-reach places.

Increased performance wear resistance and strength are characterized by varnish-stain Deluxe. In addition, the product allows the base to give a noble appearance, imitation of valuable wood species. According to reviews, this composition, applied in the corridor, does not require updating for about 3 years. At the same time, the impeccable appearance of the floor is maintained even in conditions of high traffic and regular wet cleaning.

This manufacturer’s product range includes another composition for treating parquet boards – Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze. Due to the peculiarities of its composition and production, this varnish provides 10 times greater strength than other water-based varnishes.

To obtain an impeccable result, as well as maintain the performance characteristics of the varnish It is important to pre-prepare working grounds. They must be smooth, clean (without grease stains or traces of previous coating), and dry.
First the primer is applied. This stage of work should not be skipped; the primer should be applied in 2–3 layers, which will reduce the consumption of varnish and increase the strength of its layer.
Recommended to use special primers, intended for the surface to be finished, for example, for wooden surfaces, a wood primer should be used. It is important to choose compatible primers and varnishes. They both need to be water based.

Water-based varnishes cannot be applied with brushes. For these purposes, only a roller is used; on larger bases, you can use a spray gun. Using a brush can lead to the appearance of noticeable stripes on the surface to be varnished, so rollers of appropriate sizes are used even in corners and other hard-to-reach areas.
Before applying each subsequent layer, you must wait complete drying of the previous one. Otherwise, unevenness and roughness of the surface cannot be avoided. If this recommendation is followed, but the dried varnish layer is rough, then this is due to dust settling on the varnish. This problem can be eliminated by grinding the surface with the defect.
Acrylic and polyurethane varnishes must be mix or shake thoroughly for 2–8 minutes depending on the volume of the container with varnish.

The varnish forms a shiny film that protects the surface from damage and gives it an elegant look. Most often, wooden surfaces are varnished, since wood is a material subject to abrasion, rotting, and fading.

Depending on the chemical composition, there are water-soluble, water-free polyurethane, alkyd, alkyd-urethane, acrylic-urethane varnishes. Water-based varnishes dry in 4-6 hours, do not have a strong unpleasant odor, and are environmentally friendly. They are well suited for treating furniture or walls.

Waterless polyurethane varnishes are more durable, so they can be safely applied to wooden floors.

Alkyd compositions are made using synthetic resins. Before application, they are diluted with a solvent that has a pungent odor. It will disappear after drying (this will take 1 to 3 days). Such varnishes form a coating that is especially resistant to moisture, vibration, household chemicals and temperature changes. A urethane additive in alkyd varnish shortens the polymerization process.

Acrylic-urethane varnish does not have such an unpleasant odor as alkyd, but it performs well in use.

Castorama stores sell varnishes in aerosol cans. They are convenient to apply to any surface: glass, metal, wood or plastic.

Buy varnish and other finishing materials in our hypermarkets!

Helpful information

*photos of objects from the GoodWood website

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General information about wood varnishes

One of the simplest and effective methods finishing of various wood surfaces is varnishing. This is due to the versatility of application for both painted and unpainted material, and does not require deep knowledge and special skills. Any type of wood can be varnished; if necessary, the coating composition is tinted (painted with inert pigments) or remains colorless. This will demonstrate the beautiful structure of the fibers of valuable types of wood.

Furniture and decorative crafts, facades of houses and hulls of boats and yachts - the range of applications of varnishing compounds is truly enormous.

The film that the resin solution forms and from which the varnish is made, after evaporation of the solvent or hardening under the influence of a catalyst, reliably protects the surface from mechanical damage, aggressive environments, bad weather and pests.

Wood varnish for exterior use

Wooden structures located in open space are subject to the following negative environmental influences:

Depending on specific requirements, various varnish bases have been developed, but they are united by a common goal - to protect the wood without hiding the beauty of the texture.

Acrylic varnish for wood

Acrylic-based varnish is a colorless liquid, a dispersion of a plastic substance dissolved in water, combined with acrylic. This substance quickly gained popularity all over the world due to its following properties:

high resistance to mechanical damage (due to the elastic characteristics of the base) and excellent abrasion resistance;
moisture resistance;
thermal conductivity. This seemingly secondary parameter allows the varnish to redistribute local heating or cooling, guaranteeing the coating layer protection from temperature surges;
the weight of the finished varnish coating, which is minimal and makes it possible not to take it into account in engineering calculations.

It is worth noting that odorless acrylic varnishes dry quickly, do not turn yellow under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and are environmentally friendly. All the factors described above make it clear that this type is an excellent means for protecting wood during exterior finishing work.

Polyurethane varnishes

Polyurethane-based varnish is the most popular composition used for furniture and flooring, wooden stairs and interior details. Compared to other bases, the polyurethane configuration has become ubiquitous due to its combination of beneficial properties.

This base is cheap to produce. Polyurethane varnish is one of the most economical.
Surfaces treated with a polyurethane composition have adhesive properties.
Easy application on complex geometric shapes allows you to successfully use varnish for decorative interior details.
The special two-component form - base and hardener - makes it possible to avoid the use of harmful solvents.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that in our interactive catalog you can choose the most suitable type of varnish composition for the planned work. All products presented in the catalog are certified, comply with European quality standards and are supplied with the necessary descriptions and instructions. The site has a section “Articles”, in which you will find a lot of useful information.

Details about various types You can read about wood varnishes and their properties here.