This type of varnish gives a translucent finish, thus making it well suited to materials like flame maple, which are widely used in instruments such as the guitar or the violin. Spirit varnish does not adapt well to weather, so do not expect to use them for outdoor furniture. Acrylic Varnish This is the strength and body of the finished varnish. Resin can be made from countless materials, ranging from compounds from natural products like tree resins and some insect secretions to organic chemicals, including polymers and plastics used as varnish resins.

This is clear, highly transparent, and does not usually yellow. This is less of a fuss than other varnishes since it is water-based; you can clean up with water, which makes it very user-friendly. However, it does not penetrate well into the wood, nor does it spread as uniformly as other varnishes. Exterior Varnish Often called marine varnish or, more descriptively, spar varnish, yacht varnish is a highly flexible varnish that was originally intended for use on boats to prevent water from gradually seeping into the wooden spars of the hull due to weather or just the waves. We also deliver to the majority of non mainland UK locations including The scottish Highlands & islands, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly and Northern Ireland. Please see full delivery terms for the extra charges associated with these locations More commonly known as Shellac or French-Polish, Spirit Varnish uses shellac dissolved in spirit, which is then applied in a thin layer on the material, but this is not strictly a varnish. A beetle in South East Asia secretes Shellac, which is usually bought in flakes diluted with alcohol before use.Modern technology has given most yacht varnishes a high gloss finish based on tung oil, phenolic resins, and some UV protection, although it does not have the same flexibility as good-old spar varnish. With that in mind, unless the material is subjected to the rigors of supporting a hull being battered by the sea, i.e., extreme flex, avoid applying yacht varnish at all costs. Oil Varnish

Whether you’re painting your floorboards or freshening up your garden railings, our range of specialist paint will have you covered. Probably the biggest downside of varnish, however, is that, unlike paint, varnish does not have a plethora of colors to choose from, making it less versatile in general for aesthetic purposes; that is if you do not like the radiant beauty of the wood which the varnish accentuates. Types of Varnish

Use the right amount of varnish

Our range of kitchen paint comes in an array of washable finishes, while our bathroom paint can instantly freshen up your space with the latest colours and trends. For fun and easy transformations, our furniture and cupboard paint comes in a range of stylish finishes including chalky matt, satin and gloss. Incredibly durable and hard-wearing, this kind of varnish is purpose-made for materials in outdoor spaces—especially those exposed to extreme weather. Increased UV protection with this varnish means that the wood beneath is well-protected from all kinds of sun damage.