Varnish

About

MARINE VARNISH What is Varnish? People use the word ‘varnish’ for just about any type of wood finish, but it’s actually a transparent coating containing an oil, a resin, and a solvent, designed to be applied to the surface of wood to protect it, and bring out the beauty of the grain. It’s used on all types of wood in all kinds of places – floors, furniture, cabinets, wooden boats, and many other indoor and outdoor wood surfaces. Varnish seals and protects wood, and makes it look good. It forms a protective film that prevents moisture, rot, and scratches from damaging wood, while enhancing the depth and beauty of the wood grain. For outdoor use, it also contains UV inhibitors to protect the finish – and the wood itself – from the sun’s punishing rays. Not sure how much varnish you'll need? Use this simple varnish calculator to estimate the final quantity and coats needed for your project, and read the complete guide on how to varnish for a successful project. Different Types of Varnish Manufacturers vary the type and proportion of drying oil, resin, and solvent to create a range of products, specifically for interior or exterior use. Modifying the components affects properties such as gloss, color tone, and flexibility (or brittleness) – which can also impact the price. There are lots of different types, but natural resin varnish (such as Tung oil), alkyd, and oil-modified polyurethane are a few of the most common. The choices can be daunting, but for exterior surfaces, you’ll have better results if you choose a product with sufficient UV protection to match your local climate – especially if you own a boat or outdoor teak wood furniture. Changes in latitude should change your attitude; a boat in Miami needs more UV protection than a boat in Maine. It’s also a good idea to use a marine-grade finish on the exterior surfaces of your home or on outdoor wood furniture – since it stands up to the elements at sea, it’ll be more than able to handle the weather outside your