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Home > Finding
a Quality Paint > Choosing
the Right Product Type > Wood
Finishes > Varnishes &
Laquers
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Traditionally clear tough protective
finishes for use on wood around the home; today they are also available
in a range of colours and sheens. They can be applied over most previously
stained surfaces and as a maintenance protective coat on furniture
etc. Mainly water based for interior use but can also be solvent based.
Acrylic and Polyurethane based products are the most widely used –
as they are easy to apply, quick drying and give strength and mar
resistance making them very durable.
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Product Type |
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Where to Use |
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Advice |
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Interior Varnish |
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Interior wood – shelves, doors, furniture, skirting, stairs,
windows etc |
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The most common type of interior varnish is water-based, clear
varnish known as "Quick Dry" – available in matt,
satin and gloss finishes. Interior varnish resists cracking
and peeling and protects from wear and tear. Re-coats in approx.
2hrs; clean up brushes in soapy water. Most coloured varnishes
are available in gloss and satin finishes.
NOTE:
High performance varnishes (solvent or water-based) are also
available in gloss and satin finish in "clears" (transparent)
or a range of colours. They offer the ultimate protection in
that they are scratch-resistant as well as , water and heat-resistant.
TIP: When applying a water-based varnish, the grain
may raise, giving some surface roughness. To avoid this, pre-dampen
the surface, allow to dry for 30 mins., carefully sand in the
direction of the grain and wipe off dust before re-coating.
Stir but never shake varnish as air bubbles will give a poor
finish. Finally, note that Imperfections tend to show up more
on a glossier finish!
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Floor Varnish |
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Floors and stairs |
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Product ranges
include "Quick Drying", which is available
in matt, satin and gloss finishes in varying colours; clear,
more heavy-duty products are available for use in kitchens,
hallways etc.; super-tough clear varnish (often polyurethane-based)
is available for the highest protection levels, this can be
used over wood dyes and other stains, and comes in gloss and
satin finish.
TIP: Varnish is best applied in a cool
environment to avoid problems of a a "ripple" effect.
NOTE: With polyurethane coatings, follow the re-coat
drying instructions carefully – recoating too soon can
cause wrinkling/blistering, and if you wait too long you may
get poor adhesion of the second coat.
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Woodwashes |
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Unfinished or bare
interior wood |
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Woodwashes add
subtle colour and allow the natural grain of the wood to come
through. Apply by brush, lint-free cloth or sponge.
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Wood Colours |
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Interior bare or
finished wood – often for smaller decorative areas eg rails
and frames, furniture, shelves, skirting etc |
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Wood colours retain
the texture of the woodgrain, and give a tough, wipeable finish.
They are quick-drying products that come in matt finishes in
a range of colours. Pearl finishes as well as products suitable
for use on melamine are avalable in this versatile category.
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Decorative Grain Paint Effect |
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Cupboards, melamine,
MDF, and other interior wood |
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Limited range available,
but enables you to create a grain effect on a surface which
is not wood grained. Follow instruction on the container for
best results.
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Wood Dyes |
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All interior wood |
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This is a traditional
way to colour wood. Use a lint-free cloth to rub the dye into
the surface, allow to dry. Can be protected with a clear coat
of varnish if desired.
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NOTE:
Always read the manufacturers guideline for each product as
there may be variations to the general information given in
the section |
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