Varnish (233 items found)

Whether you're giving old furniture a new life or building something out of wood from scratch, stains and finishes put the finishing touch on your project. And with all the time and work you put into a woodworking job, you want the results to last. Applying varnish can help protect the finish over time, provided you choose the right one for the job. Ace Hardware makes finding the best varnish simple with a wide range of products available both in stores and online.

Are Varnish and Polyurethane the Same?

A varnish is a clear coat finish made from a combination of a natural resin and an alcohol or solvent. You can apply varnish over wood stains and paints to preserve a piece without altering its color or use it directly on unfinished wood. There is some confusion about varnish because many people use the term to describe other types of sealants, such as polyurethane and lacquer.

Varnish typically dries more quickly than synthetic products like polyurethane, which is sometimes referred to simply as urethane. In addition to a quicker dry time, varnish is typically more UV- and water-resistant than urethane products. Lacquer, on the other hand, can be natural or synthetic. It generally provides a shinier finish than varnish and is a good choice for giving projects a glossy look. One downside to lacquer is that it’s more prone to yellowing when exposed to the sun, so varnish is often the better choice for outdoor projects.

Types of Varnish

There are a few types of clear varnish available for your project. To choose which is best, consider the material you're finishing and where you'll be storing or using the item. Some types of wood varnish to consider include:

• Spar varnish: Highly water-resistant, spar varnish is often used to protect the supports and other wood elements on ships. It also protects fiberglass, coated metal, exterior wood and painted surfaces.
• Exterior varnish: Usually intended to work as a wood varnish, an exterior varnish is a spar varnish that has been altered to increase durability and UV resistance.
• Alkyd varnish: This type of varnish contains fatty acids derived from natural oils and typically dries more quickly than other wood varnish products.
• Acrylic varnish: This water-based finish provides a crystal-clear coat, making it a popular option for protecting canvas and wood paintings.

Tips for Using Varnish

Before applying clear varnish, prep your project by sanding and wiping every surface clean with a soft cloth and compressed air. Some varnishes can be mixed with paint thinner to help the first coat go on easier.

Use a natural bristle brush to help the varnish and paint thinner mixture spread evenly. Once it dries completely, sand again and apply a second coat at full strength. Keep your varnished piece in good condition by frequently wiping it with a lint-free cloth and using furniture polish that’s safe for varnish.

Get the Right Varnish for Your Project

Are you unsure whether polyurethane or wood varnish is right for your job? Head to your local Ace for help. One of our helpful staff can help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of urethane and varnish products and give ideas and inspiration for your project. If you want a specific clear coat product, shop our plentiful online varnish collection. With products from brands like Minwax and Varathane ready to ship to your door, we make shopping for varnish simple.