Varnish colors for exterior woodwork. We choose the best varnish for wood for exterior and interior work. How to choose wood varnish: basic criteria

In order to protect products and various wooden structures that are located outdoors, you need to use wood varnish for outdoor use. All wooden structures and outdoor parts (stairs and steps, roof and its components, deck boards, various gazebos, outdoor furniture and decorative wooden structures) are very susceptible to atmospheric precipitation. Snow, rain, strong winds, as well as direct sunlight and various insects have a destructive effect on any unprotected wooden surfaces, so they must be reliably protected.

Polyurethane varnish for exterior use is a special solution of polyurethane in an organic solvent. No alkyd additives or other impurities are added to the varnish. Polyurethane-based varnish creates a special protective coating that penetrates 5 millimeters into the wood and creates a reliable protective layer with increased wear resistance.

Types of polyurethane varnishes for wood for outdoor use

Polyurethane varnish for wooden surfaces is classified into:

One-component. This type is a ready-made solution. Characterized by increased environmental safety indicators. Completely harmless to people and the environment. There is no specific smell. With prolonged use, the wooden coating does not fade;
Two-component. This type consists of a component that acts as a hardener and the main mass. Before use, they must be mixed and prepared to obtain a ready-made varnish solution for coating wooden surfaces. Forms a fairly strong protective film that prevents the effects of chemical detergents, and also makes the surface very resistant to mechanical stress.

Single-component and two-component polyurethane varnish provides excellent protection for surfaces made of various types of wood. They penetrate deep enough into the wood fibers and provide reliable adhesion.

According to the result they provide, polyurethane varnishes can be further divided into:

Glossy. The treated surface becomes shiny;
Semi-matte. The treated surface is darker, there is no shine.

What is the difference between polyurethane varnish for exterior use and polyurethane varnish for interior use?

The main purpose of varnish for interior work is to create a decorative look for wooden surfaces. A tree located indoors is exposed to destructive factors much less than a tree outside. A quick-drying wood varnish for exterior use has more protective qualities. It has an increased degree of impregnation and creates a more wear-resistant protective layer that protects wood products from both natural and mechanical influences.

Methods for treating surfaces with polyurethane varnish for exterior use

When treating surfaces with polyurethane varnish, you must follow all the recommendations indicated in the relevant instructions. This is especially true for two-component varnish. The components must be mixed, strictly observing the proportions, otherwise the varnish will dry out very quickly or, on the contrary, will be very liquid. Two-component varnish hardens quickly, so you need to calculate the required amount of varnish and do not prepare it in large volumes.

Before applying varnish, you must carefully prepare the surface. It should be even, smooth and clean. Therefore, the first thing we do is clean and polish it. The surface must be completely dry. Applying varnish to a damp surface is strictly prohibited. After preparing the surface, you can apply varnish. You can use a brush made of synthetic material or a mohair roller. It is recommended to apply varnish in the direction of the wood grain, and not vice versa. The optimal ambient temperature when applying varnish should be between 18-24 degrees. It is recommended to apply in 3 layers. After each applied layer, you need to wait a period of time so that the varnish layer has time to dry. The last layer usually takes about 7-8 hours to dry. In cloudy weather with low temperatures, the drying period will increase.

The main advantages of ZAR colorless polyurethane varnish for exterior use

Colorless polyurethane varnish ZAR for exterior use is a high-tech formula that allows you to create a reliable protective layer. This varnish is quick-drying. Under optimal ambient temperature conditions, each layer of varnish dries in 2 hours. After coating with this varnish, the surface becomes quite rigid and resistant to any kind of mechanical stress, especially friction. Excellent protection against exposure to sunlight and various atmospheric phenomena. ZAR polyurethane varnish contains antioxidants that prevent the destruction of wood from the inside. You can visit our specialized online store at very competitive prices.

Wood remains a popular building material. Aesthetics, practicality, versatility, good thermal insulation properties are only part of the advantages, but the main disadvantage is low resistance to moisture. You can correct the situation if you use wood varnish for exterior work. Manufacturers produce different types of coatings, which differ in technical properties.

Characteristics of varnishes for outdoor use

The service life of wooden surfaces and products is affected by atmospheric phenomena, temperature changes, and sunlight. The paint coating allows you to provide reliable protection to the wood if the varnish is chosen correctly.

When choosing paint materials, it is important to pay attention to the following characteristics:

Moisture resistance. From moisture and water, the tree begins to rot and collapse. The varnish should create a durable moisture-resistant layer on the surface that will prevent moisture from penetrating into the wood.
Frost resistance. The property is determined by its waterproof capabilities. The coating should easily withstand sub-zero temperatures without damage or deformation. If the material, after drying, does not have sufficient water-repellent properties, then water will penetrate into microcracks. When it freezes, it will expand in volume, damaging the coating.
Wear resistance. There are varnishes with different wear resistance. For terraces, piers, stairs and other places with high loads, you should choose compounds with good wear resistance. For fences, facades, vertical surfaces and products not subject to heavy loads, paintwork materials with average wear resistance are suitable.
UV resistance. The composition must contain additives that provide protection from ultraviolet rays. Otherwise, the coating will quickly fade from constant exposure to the sun.
Strength and resistance to mechanical damage. Wood is considered a soft material and needs to be reliably protected from mechanical damage. The varnish coating must be durable.
Drying time. The indicator can be from 2-4 hours to several days, depending on whether a quick-drying or regular composition is used. Drying time depends on environmental conditions.
Resistant to temperature changes. The coating must be durable, but at the same time elastic, so that it can be easily deformed by temperature changes without the appearance of cracks or other defects.

Types of wood varnishes for outdoor use

Depending on the components in the composition, there are several types of varnishes, which differ from each other in properties and characteristics.

Oil based varnishes

The main component of such paints and varnishes is refined oil. The composition includes synthetic or natural resins. For the most part, they provide reliable protection to the tree. Colorless oil-based paints and varnishes are rarely found on sale. They are presented in a wide range of colors - from light yellow to dark brown.

The main advantages include:

environmental safety;
good resistance to moisture;
high coating strength;
availability.

And although the varnish forms a durable coating, it does not interfere with air exchange. The main disadvantage is the long drying time (1-3 days). It is recommended to apply paintwork in sunny weather at temperatures above +10 degrees. Oil-based formulations are often thick, making them difficult to apply with a brush.

Polyurethane varnishes

Depending on the composition, they can be one-component or two-component. In the second case, a hardener is additionally used. Polyurethane-based paint and varnish material is versatile, as it is used for painting facades, fences, terraces, etc. It forms a durable coating on the surface that has good elasticity (does not deform due to temperature changes).

Polyurethane-based facade varnish has the following advantages:

coating strength, resistance to mechanical loads;
moisture-repellent properties;
resistance to ultraviolet radiation and chemicals;
adhesion to surface;
quick drying.

It is allowed to paint only dry wooden surfaces. Upon contact with water, the composition loses its performance properties.

The main disadvantage is the higher cost compared to other types of paints and varnishes.

Alkyd varnishes

The main raw materials for production are glypthal and pentaphthalic resins. Solvent or white spirit is used as a solvent. Sometimes manufacturers add special substances that speed up the drying process.

The material forms a moisture and ultraviolet resistant film on the surface. It tolerates temperature and humidity changes and atmospheric conditions well. Typically used for painting surfaces that are not subject to heavy loads, as it has low wear resistance.

Main advantages:

decorative (emphasizes the structure of the tree);
resistance to mold and fungi;
affordable price;
ease of application.

The main disadvantage is the long drying time (24-72 hours). When dry, the varnish emits a strong, unpleasant odor. To reduce this drawback, it is worth choosing a composition with special additives.

Water-based varnishes

Acrylic varnish is usually produced based on a water dispersion. The composition may contain a solvent, but its content does not exceed 15%. The main advantage of coatings is environmental safety. It has no unpleasant odor and is non-toxic. It can be transparent or colored, it highlights the structure of the wood well. Surfaces painted with acrylic varnish are reliably protected from moisture, mold, and fungi. Used for surfaces that are not subject to heavy loads, since wear resistance is weak.

Manufacturers produce two-component water-based varnishes. In addition to acrylic, they contain polyurethane. In this regard, they have the best technical characteristics. They form a durable coating that is resistant to mechanical stress, ultraviolet radiation and moisture.

Yacht trains

Frost-resistant and moisture-resistant yacht varnish forms a durable coating on the surface. Initially, it was created for painting yachts and ships, so the main focus was on excellent performance characteristics and durability. Over time, the scope of application has expanded.

Even with constant exposure to atmospheric conditions, temperature changes and other negative factors, the coating can last a long time. An important advantage is versatility (can be used for horizontal and vertical surfaces). Disadvantage: high toxicity.

Step-by-step instructions for applying varnish

You can varnish wooden surfaces yourself if you have general information about the features of applying paints and varnishes. For the work you will need an accessible tool. It is not necessary to have special skills.

Varnish consumption

type of wood (porous surface absorbs more varnish);
material viscosity;
quality of preparation of the surface to be painted;
method of application.

When applying the first layer, the varnish consumption is usually greater, then it is used more economically. If you use a spray gun, you will need less material than if you paint with a brush or roller.

Selecting Tools

The selection of the necessary tools depends on the method of applying the material. The spray gun is usually used by professionals. If you don’t have this professional equipment, you can get by with hand tools. You can varnish wood with a brush or roller. Brushes will need different widths depending on the characteristics of the surface to be painted. The roller is convenient to use for covering large flat surfaces – terraces, fences, etc.

It is important to take care of personal protection. While working, you should use gloves and a respirator.

Surface preparation

At the preparatory stage, you should perform the following steps:

Sand the surface thoroughly. Use sandpaper of different grits for this. The work can be done manually or using grinding machines.
Remove all dust with a vacuum cleaner.
Proceed to the next step if the surface is clean and dry.

If there is no vacuum cleaner, sweep away the dust with a brush, and then wipe the entire surface with a slightly damp cloth and allow to dry completely before applying primer or varnish.

Primer

The primer composition is used to improve adhesion, level the surface (eliminate minor irregularities), and improve the performance characteristics of the varnish coating.

Apply the primer to the cleaned and prepared surface with a brush. The composition should be selected depending on the type of paintwork material. The primer should be applied in a thin layer. Once dry, sand and re-primer. The number of layers depends on the general condition of the wood and the desired effect.

Applying varnish

Before applying, waterproof wood varnish must be mixed well so that the contents of the jar become a homogeneous mixture. If the composition is too thick, it is diluted with a solvent to the required consistency. The paintwork should be applied from top to bottom in a thin layer. Make sure the coating is even. If drips appear, they must be removed immediately.

When the first layer has dried, it is sanded with fine sandpaper and then re-opened. The varnish is applied in at least 3 layers, sometimes more. Each layer must be sanded. The final coating is sometimes polished to achieve a beautiful shine and a smooth surface.

If you choose and apply varnish correctly to a wooden surface, you can reliably protect it from weather conditions and other factors. When choosing, you should focus on operating conditions and take into account the cost.

The natural beauty of wood with its unique texture cannot be replaced by any modern finishing material. Today the tree is no less popular than 100 and 200 years ago.

However, it is vulnerable to negative factors and requires a film barrier that will protect the structure from moisture, sun, wind drying, and insect pests.

Therefore, if your goal is only to give a shade, introduce the color additive gradually - in small portions and mix the composition thoroughly each time until you get the desired color.

Is it worth buying quick-drying varnish?

Which varnish is better for wood - one that dries for a long time or one that dries quickly? The drying speed of a paint and varnish material is one of its main characteristics. The manufacturer provides information on how long it takes for wood varnish to dry on the label. However, practice has confirmed that strengthening one quality often leads to a weakening of another. For example, the high aesthetic properties of organosoluble products, a beautiful shine from the first layer, are not suitable for every customer...

Photo 2. Semi-gloss solvent-soluble varnish from Teknos

Long-drying varnish (nitrovarnish) for wood, along with its advantages, also has disadvantages:

high price;
sharp, unpleasant odor (nitro varnishes);
the product is less environmentally friendly than its water-soluble counterpart, which dries within an hour before the next layer.

The most convenient wood varnishes to use are water-based compositions produced by companies Teknos And Renner, which, if applied correctly, can be used for at least 8 years. When updating, the surface does not need to be completely cleared of the old layer; painting is carried out directly over it.

Photo 3. Teknos water-based varnish

Quick-drying varnish (water varnish) for wood, along with its advantages, also has disadvantages:

impossible to paint in one layer (almost invisible);
strongly raises the pile of wood, requiring careful intermediate sanding;
inferior to nitro varnishes in aesthetics.

Matte or glossy

The main types of wood varnish according to gloss level are glossy, semi-gloss and matte.

Glossy film reflects light rays well and looks aesthetically attractive. Most often they choose not the highest degree of gloss, the so-called “semi-gloss”.

Photo 4. Facade made of planken painted with Teknos varnish

Matte and semi-matte wood varnish contains a special matting additive. It often precipitates, so matte varnishes must be thoroughly mixed.

There is practically no gloss in this varnish, but the surface looks matte, while it becomes smooth to the touch and very beautiful.

How to choose wood varnish?

The answer to this question depends on the product being processed and its operating conditions. Both glossy and matte compounds are applied for protection and decoration:

musical instruments;
furniture;
floors, parquet, engineered boards;
finishing panels.

Nitrovarnishes are best suited for furniture, stairs, and musical instruments, especially if they are reinforced with polyurethane or are two-component compositions.

Photo 5. Varnished oak steps

That is, where high strength and aesthetic properties are needed, it is better to use organosoluble ones. It is better to apply them with a brush or air spray.

For lining, house block, plank, etc. Aqueous formulations are perfect. Especially if you have to paint a large volume indoors. It is better to paint with water paints using a brush or airless spraying apparatus.

From a practical point of view, a glossy surface wins, since traces of hand touches, dust and other contaminants are clearly visible on a matte surface. However, if you clean it incorrectly, scratches will appear on the shiny surface, and any damage will be more clearly visible here.

Transparent, translucent varnish or covering paint scheme. What's right for me?

When choosing a wood staining scheme, be guided by the desired effect.

If good protection and durability are important to you, but aesthetics are not important (although rich colors look quite attractive), apply a topcoat paint to the wooden surface. This paint material is opaque. It completely hides the wood texture and lasts up to 15 years.

Matte wood varnish does not form a brittle film, which can crack and crumble over time. The matte surface is not difficult to care for. It also updates without problems.

Transparent, semi-gloss varnishes (for example, AQATOP 2600 Teknos) look beautiful on colored primers. They have a large dry residue and form a beautiful film that does not hide the wood texture, but only emphasizes the natural beauty.

The next application of this varnish on wood according to this scheme will be required no earlier than in 5-8 years, and this is if you paint it outside!

Photo 6. Matte varnish AQATOP 2600 Teknos

Technology of applying varnish to a wooden surface. How to varnish wood correctly?

How to apply varnish to wood? Our company's technologists will tell you about this. It is best to call us as different products require different approaches.

Frequently asked question: What is the best way to apply varnish to wood? A spray gun is ideal for this purpose (an air gun for nitro varnishes and an airless gun for water painters), but if you don’t have one, you can use a brush or roller. Synthetic brushes are well suited for water-based products, and with natural bristles for solvent-borne products.

First we prepare the surface. Hairiness and any shallow gouging defects are removed by sanding. Movements should be carried out in the direction of the fibers. It is best to use an eccentric machine for sanding. Primary processing is carried out with coarse grain 80, finishing with grinding with P 150-240 abrasive.

FAQ:

How to varnish wood without streaks? The varnish layer should be as thin as possible. To do this, the applied composition is poured into a paint bath, where excess varnish is removed using a rolling surface. Coloring control is carried out using a table lamp installed at the edge. The light falling on the wood will indicate where there is a lot of varnish and where there is none at all.
How many layers of varnish should be applied to wood? Usually at least two layers are applied. Some paint schemes require three coats. Between layers it is necessary to maintain the time recommended by the manufacturer for drying.
Is it necessary to coat the wood with varnish after impregnation with primer? If you need aesthetics, then varnish is needed. If a structure that is not visible is being processed, it is not advisable to apply a varnish composition, and a primer will provide effective protection.

Consumption of varnish per 1m2. Coverage schemes

Varnish consumption per 1 m2 of wood depends on the density of the wood, the type of lumber (planed, sawn), the concentration of paintwork materials and pre-treatment. Typically, on a planed surface, consumption does not exceed 1 liter per 10 m2.

How to treat wood before varnishing so that the consumption of the latter is minimal? To do this, use acrylic primer, which creates a film on the surface. The absorbency of lumber is reduced, and the consumption of varnish is small.

When painting with brushes, it is recommended to dilute the first layer of varnish with water so that its consistency becomes thinner. The approximate consumption rate of wood varnish per 1 m2 for the first layer is 130 ml. When applying varnish on the ground or as a second layer, the consumption can be halved.

Photo 7. Planken coated with Teknos varnish

What is moisture-resistant varnish. Do I need to pay extra for it?

Moisture-resistant varnish for wood does not allow moisture to pass in and does not release it back, as a result of which water does not accumulate under the film and does not destroy the paint layer. However, moisture-resistant varnish is more expensive, so it is advisable to use it in conditions with high humidity - a street where rain and snow have a detrimental effect on wood, a bathroom, a kitchen, a sauna. If the room is dry, there is no point in overpaying for moisture resistance.

Photo 8. Varnish from Renner

What varnishes have a smell? Is it harmful to human health?

Paints and varnishes based on organic solvents are endowed with a pungent odor that causes headaches, nausea or allergies in humans. Such symptoms indicate pathological processes in the body. Paintwork materials with a strong odor are certainly harmful. Such products must be used for their intended purpose, in specially equipped rooms with fresh ventilation.

Odorless, water-based wood varnish is an absolutely safe product for humans. Water-soluble varnishes are very popular today. They are environmentally friendly and have excellent technical characteristics. The coating is aesthetically pleasing, lasts a long time, and does not crack under the influence of sunlight.

All photos from the article

If you need to protect wooden structures located outdoors, then you cannot do without special compounds. At the same time, compositions for outdoor use differ from those used indoors, so it is important to understand their varieties and the main features of each option.

This is what this review will focus on.

Oil-based solutions

This option has several main differences:

The basis is highly purified natural oils, which are thermally treated and give the solution certain properties. The durability of the coating largely depends on the quality of the base, so the cost of high-quality options cannot be low.
The second important component is resins, which can be either natural or synthetic, and in modern products it is the second option that is most often found.
After coating, the surface darkens, the drying time is quite long, so if you do the work yourself, then choose a day with low humidity and air temperatures above 10 degrees.

The main types of such varnishes are the following:

Yacht varnish for exterior woodwork is also called phenolic resin varnish and is used to coat surfaces that will be constantly exposed to moisture. The finished coating is elastic, thanks to which it maintains its integrity during swelling and drying of wood, which are inevitable during the operation of many structures.
Polyurethane varnish is also very popular for a number of positive properties: simple instructions for carrying out the work - you can paint the base with your own hands and ensure high quality work. The composition dries quite quickly and creates a durable and abrasion-resistant surface, which, depending on the type, can be matte or glossy.

Solvent based solutions

Another large group of products, which is also used quite often.

This option has its own differences:

The basis of all varnishes is a solvent, as it evaporates and the composition dries. The drying time is about a day, which is a minus.
The protective layer has high properties: resistance to abrasion and deformation, durability of the coating.
The surface can be washed using detergents, which is also very important if the elements are susceptible to contamination.
In order to change the consistency of the composition or wash off the varnish from your hands and other surfaces, you will need a solvent (its brand is indicated on the packaging with the composition).
After drying, the material acquires a yellowish tint, which is a disadvantage.

Water-based varnishes

Without a doubt, this is the most popular and sought after option today.

This group of compounds has a number of undeniable advantages:

The compositions are made on the basis of an aqueous dispersion with a small addition of solvent. Thanks to this, it is possible to carry out work in rooms where people are located; there is practically no smell during work, as well as fumes that are harmful to health.
The colors of water-based exterior wood varnish can be very diverse, and this is one of the biggest advantages. You can choose any option that will be combined with the rest of the elements on your site, while the solution, while giving the surface the desired shade, does not hide the beauty of the wood structure.

Water-based varnish can be made with the addition of various components; the most popular option is acrylic varnish for exterior woodwork; it has an affordable cost and good performance properties and is used to cover various structures that will not be subject to high loads.
The second popular solution is polyurethane-based varnishes; this component provides excellent abrasion resistance, so such solutions are used to paint surfaces that will be walked on during use.

Advice! There are other options: alkyd, alkyd-urethane, etc. - they all have their own characteristics, which are indicated on the label. Therefore, please read the information provided carefully.

Conclusion

Choosing a high-quality composition is very important, since not only the appearance of wood products, but also their durability depends on it. The video in this article will tell useful information regarding the topic discussed ().

Over time, any materials lose their original appearance, former shine and visual appeal. Therefore, there is a need to update them and restore their former beauty. One method to achieve this goal is painting. For materials such as wood, it is recommended to use wood varnish. It will not only renew the surface, but will also reliably protect it from external phenomena and further damage.

There are quite a lot of varieties of varnish coatings, so you need to be careful when choosing them. Varnish for interior woodwork is recommended for indoor use. But it’s not enough to just understand how to choose a varnish for wood, you also need to properly coat the wooden surface with it.

Coating wood with varnish is the final stage of complex and painstaking work, since without proper preliminary preparation it will not be possible to achieve the desired result. Naturally, it is easiest to work with new wood material that has not previously been subjected to any processing. But more often it is necessary to restore the old coating. And in this situation, you have to decide which varnish is best suited to achieve the given goal.

Wood varnishes for interior use must meet the requirements for them. Wood is a natural material that is in demand in many areas of consumer activity. Using varnish, you can give a wooden surface different colors or emphasize its natural texture. Depending on the goal pursued, the tonality of the composition is selected. You can protect wood flooring and extend its service life by creating a durable film.

Timely treatment of an old wooden surface will help prevent its premature replacement, rotting, and deformation.

Today the following types of wood varnishes are on sale:

Oil based. Designed for interior work. Transparent wood varnish is most often used, but other colors can be selected. A colorless composition will better emphasize the natural texture of the material. This solution also contains oil and resin.

Related article: Characteristics and purpose of yacht varnish

Resin. They are made on the basis of natural resin, in particular amber. This composition is used for the same purposes as the oil one.

Alkyd. They are characterized by moisture resistance, resistance to temperature changes and an affordable price. Wood alkyd varnish dries within two days and protects wood material for three years. It is made on the basis of alkyd resin and petroleum solvent.

Alcohol. Mainly used to cover furniture and wooden musical instruments. They contain ethyl alcohol with resin dissolved in it.

Alkyd-urea. They necessarily contain an acid hardener, resin and urea. This material is extremely durable, resistant to moisture, and has a strong shine. Serves as an excellent coating for wood, including parquet.

Epoxy two-component varnish. After application, the epoxy resin included in the composition serves as a protective film. It is hard and moisture resistant. This is the best varnish that is used to treat the surface of wooden doors, solid wood and parquet.

Polyester. Created on the basis of polyester resin. They are applied to a wooden surface using a special gun, forming a dense, transparent, shiny, water-resistant film. Recommended for application to surfaces that require a thick glossy film.

Nitrocellulose. They contain an organic solvent, cellulose nitrate, resins and plasticizers. The coated surface lends itself well to polishing.

Acrylic-urethane. Created on the basis of alkyd resin and organic solvent. The best for wood from this group is Olympus Orion - acrylic varnish. It is characterized by the durability of the coating, resistance to moisture and environmental friendliness.

Polyurethane. They are based on hardeners and solvents. They have a pungent odor, harden for a long time and form a reliable protective film.

Acrylic. Often slightly diluted with water. They are odorless, environmentally friendly to use, and come in a variety of colors.

Related article: Features of choosing varnish for acrylic paints

It is necessary to select paintwork materials taking into account the conditions in which it will be used. This choice depends on the imposed mechanical loads, humidity levels, and room temperature.

On video: review of acrylic varnish on wood.

Surface preparation

During use, cracks, abrasions, scratches and other damage may appear on the surface of wooden materials. Particles of grease and dust that have penetrated inside can even change the color of the material, not to mention its texture. Therefore, preparatory measures are necessary. It is necessary to remove the top layer of coating that has become unusable before applying a layer of varnish to it.

It is also advisable to use a wood antiseptic to reliably protect the material from further destruction and pests.

The following methods are available for removing old coating:

using a special wash method;
by thermal exposure;
mechanical action.

Removing the previous layer is a rather labor-intensive task and cannot be rushed. The first method involves applying a special product to the surface to be prepared. In this case, you need to use personal protective equipment. The material is covered with a film on top, forming a kind of compress. Evaporation occurs during the day, and then the old coating is removed with a spatula. The completely cleaned surface is thoroughly washed with heated water. Then it is sanded and a primer is applied.

As for the second method, here you can use a hair dryer or a blowtorch. When heated, the top layer softens and is then removed with a spatula. Good heat treatment is quite effective, but you need to monitor the heating temperature. During work, the room must be ventilated. It is recommended to wet the surface covered with an old layer of varnish or paint before starting heat treatment.

The mechanical method involves removing the outdated layer using a grinding machine or sanding with emery cloth. Only by cleaning and priming the surface of the material can the varnishing process be carried out. Using antiseptic agents to treat wood, you can protect it from destruction and damage by pathogenic microbes.

Related article: Types of metal varnishes and their characteristics

Choice of varnish color

The main task of finishing wood is to give it an attractive appearance. Paintwork materials are presented in a wide palette of colors, so everyone can choose the ideal color for their own interior. Colored varnish has a number of significant advantages:

protects the surface from adverse influences;
performs decorative functions in interior design;
increases the service life of the material.

It is advisable to choose a color according to the type of wood. If it is a walnut, then the varnish needs to be matched to it.

Glossy colors are often used in interiors, especially if the room is dark. There is also a choice of browns, dark shades and grey. However, colorless varnish will best highlight the natural structure of wood.

When choosing, you need to take into account that each color has many shades. If you want to varnish walnut-colored parquet, you can get a result from a beige shade to a “black coffee” color. Colors such as wenge and mahogany are also popular among users. When choosing wood varnish, you need to understand that it is not necessary to achieve a uniform surface as a result of applying the composition. Sometimes you just need to give the coating a certain tone without changing the texture, and not paint it completely.