The Best Way to Apply Varnish To Furniture

The final step in preparing a piece of furniture for use is to apply varnish. Varnish gives your furniture a glossy, darker look that enhances the aesthetic appeal. It also creates a protective barrier to protect the wood against heat or scratch marks, moisture and other dangers. To make the right choice, you need to know the types of varnishes and how to best apply them. This is a guide that shows you how to apply varnish on furniture in the most efficient way.

Choosing the Right Varnish

It is important to choose the right type of varnish when deciding how best to apply varnish on furniture. The traditional varnish, made from natural oils and resins, is the best choice because you can mix it with any stain or finish. If you are painting indoor furniture, we recommend that you avoid spar varnish because it was designed for outdoor use and marine work.

If you choose to use a synthetic varnish, be sure to look at the types of thinners and resins that are available. Also check what stains and fillers are compatible with them. Polyurethanes are the best choice if you want to use an artificial varnish. They will increase durability and prevent yellowing. Alkyd and phenolic varnishes can also be used on outdoor furniture, but these tend to fade over time.

The water-based varnishes offer a fast drying, clear varnish. However, it is best to use them in conjunction with an undercoat of shellac or a second sealer coat.

VARNISH

Follow these guidelines to get the best results when painting furniture with varnish:

1. Use a new, natural bristle brush to apply varnish that has not been used. Useless varnish or leftover varnish could contain large wasteful pieces that have hardened.
2. Check to see that the furniture has been properly prepared and sanded. Check that the surface is scrubbing by tacking it.
3. Rotate the furniture and apply the varnish horizontally.
4. Remove any drawers, door or other components and then varnish horizontally. Work on smaller surfaces first before moving onto larger surfaces.
5. Use your brush to apply the varnish using long, even strokes. Don’t touch or shake any extra varnish from the container. Apply a smaller amount (about 30 milliliters) if the brush drags or if spots are missed.
6. Apply a second coat of varnish to the surface in the same direction as the grain. Add more varnish to the surface to make it uniform. Keep the coating thin to prevent it from breaking with age.
7. To remove any remaining marks, brush the surface with dry brushes held at an angle. Make sure the surface is level and use a lint-rake to remove any dust from the wet surface.
8. The average drying time depends on the type of varnish used. Polyurethanes, water-based varnishes or other products can dry faster. However, humid weather and wet conditions can make it take longer. You can decide whether you need to apply another coat after the surface has dried completely.

CARPENTRY

In Carpenter Dubai and Joinery, we offer professional services that will relieve you of any stress or mess. We can also help you achieve the perfect design for your furniture. Visit us online or call us to learn more about what we do. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation quote on the best way to apply varnish to furniture.