Varnish for wooden surfaces. Water-based varnishes on wood. Methods for treating surfaces with polyurethane varnish for exterior use

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.

How and what is the best way to cover wood (2 videos)

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March 13, 2018
Specialization: philological education. Work experience as a builder - 20 years. Of these, for the last 15 years he led a team as a foreman. I know everything about construction - from design and zero cycle to interior design. Hobbies: Vocals, psychology, quail breeding.

Greetings, my dear readers!

It is highly undesirable to leave enclosing structures, foundations and cladding of a wooden building unprotected. Especially if these are external elements of the building. Wood varnish for outdoor use can be used as such protection. In addition, it will emphasize the texture of the natural material, making it more beautiful and attractive.

In order for varnish for external woodwork to fully meet expectations, it must be chosen wisely. Let me tell you how to do this.

What properties should a varnish have for exterior work?

The general property of paints and varnishes is that they create a protective film on the base. It prevents the rotting of wood and its destruction due to various loads.

At the same time, compositions for external use must meet certain requirements that analogues for internal use do not necessarily have to meet.

Coating characteristics

Qualities required for varnish used for exterior woodwork:

Frost resistance. In the harsh climate of Russia, in winter, varnished wood is exposed to extremely low temperatures. They must not affect the functionality of the coating.

For exterior work, you should choose a frost-resistant wood varnish. It will not crack or lose strength at low temperatures.

Moisture resistance. Water is one of the main enemies of construction wood. Based on this, the varnish should not be afraid of moisture and reliably protect the base from it.

Wear resistance. To treat vertical bases (facade, wooden fence, gates, doors, etc.), you can choose a varnish with a medium level of strength.

Terrace floors, steps, garden furniture and other complex surfaces are subject to intense mechanical stress. For them, it is necessary to select façade varnish with increased wear resistance.

UV resistance. The sun's rays of this spectrum have a destructive effect on many coatings. Under their influence, the varnish layer quickly wears out, loses strength and begins to peel. To prevent this from happening, additives are added to the paint and varnish material used for external work. They increase its resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

Fire safety. Varnish on wood, which is a flammable material, should neutralize this property.

Gloss of paint material

An important quality of varnish when choosing it is the level of gloss. It depends on the degree of brightness of the light flux reflected from the surface.

According to the degree of gloss, there are such varnishes for wooden surfaces::

high-gloss (reflect more than 90% of sunlight);
glossy (returns 80–90% of light);
semi-glossy (reflect 40–50% of the sun's rays).
semi-matte (give back 10–15% of light).

matte (reflect less than 10% of sunlight).

Manufacturers now also produce tinting varnish compositions. These tinted coatings can change the colors of wood.

Types of varnishes for wood

Many paint finishes can be used on wood. However, not all of them are suitable for outdoor work.

Compositions most suitable for outdoor use

Photo	Description
	Type 1. Oil composition This varnish contains natural or artificial resins. The second main component of the material is purified and heat-treated organic oils. It is advisable to work with this composition at low air humidity and temperatures above +10 °C. Based on the percentage of oil in them, coatings are divided into the following grades: skinny; bold; fatty. Only the last category is suitable for external work. The ratio of oil and resin in fatty varnish is 2:1. Due to this, such compositions tolerate atmospheric influences well. Disadvantage of oil-based varnishes- long drying period. It is 24–48 hours. When using an oil finish, the wood may change color to a darker tone. Sometimes this difference turns out to be significant.
	Type 2. Alkyd-urethane coating Its second name is yacht varnish. Such paints and varnishes are used for processing wood, which constantly interacts with water. After drying, the yacht composition creates a plastic film that remains sealed even with significant deformations of the base. The technology for coating wood with alkyd-urethane varnish involves preliminary priming. The applied film must be dense and solid. Yacht varnish has a high level of wear resistance. It dries very quickly, in just 3-4 hours.
	Type 3. Polyurethane varnish This is the most popular type of paint and varnish for wood processing. Applying it is not difficult, since the material is opaque, adheres well and is colorless. The advantages of this varnish also include: durability; quick drying (4–10 hours); In addition, polyurethane compounds reliably protect substrates from ultraviolet radiation, mechanical stress and abrasion.
	Type 4. Alkyd coating Its components are alkyd resin and organic solvents. They give the varnish film reliability, durability and weather resistance. The coating is not afraid of aggressive chemical environments. For wood, in most cases, alkyd varnish of the GF-166 or GF-170 brands is used. Disadvantages of the material: long drying period, about one day; alkyd resins color wood yellowish.
	Type 5. Acrylic composition It is an aqueous dispersion of polymer resins. Thanks to this, the varnish has virtually no odor and does not release hazardous substances into the environment. Manufacturers produce acrylic varnishes with a diverse color palette. Such translucent tinted coatings leave the natural grain and texture of the wood untouched. Antiseptics are often added to water-based formulations. Thanks to this, they protect the wood from the effects of harmful microorganisms. Acrylic compositions are divided into two subtypes: the one-component material contains only this polymer; in the two-component analogue, polyurethane is added to it. The second variety is more preferable. It has increased resistance to weathering.

Conclusion

Varnish for wooden surfaces protects them from atmospheric, shock and mechanical influences. In addition, the coating makes the base more aesthetically pleasing. For exterior woodwork, only a few types of varnish can be used. They were discussed in this article.

If you have any questions, ask them in the comments. Therefore, I say goodbye and success to you in your endeavors.

The facade of a wooden house is under constant influence of adverse weather environmental factors. Therefore, the key points in choosing a varnish to cover the external walls of a house are not only the aesthetic characteristics of the material, but its protective properties. Varnish for the wooden facade of a house must provide protection from any natural factors: moisture, pests, ultraviolet radiation. Only in this case can you be sure that the coating will last for many years. Today you can find a wide range of varnishes, but not all of them can provide reliable protection for the facade. In this article we will talk about how to choose varnish for a wooden house.

There are quite a lot of products available on the modern market for exterior finishing of a wooden house. , which will completely hide the structure of the wood, is possible, but only varnish allows you to preserve and emphasize the natural beauty of the wood. Varnish forms a dense elastic film on a wooden surface, which decorates and at the same time protects the wood.

An important criterion for choosing a varnish is its operating conditions. In this case, it will be applied to the facade of the building, which is located in the open air.

There are special requirements for products intended for exterior finishing. Varnish for exterior finishing of a log house must protect the wood from mechanical damage, negative natural and biological factors, and also have good decorative characteristics.

Requirements for paint and varnish materials for facade finishing:

Wear resistance. This indicator is especially important when varnishing external horizontal surfaces: terraces and steps. In this case, it is necessary to choose a composition with a high degree of resistance to wear and mechanical damage. A varnish with average wear resistance is suitable for covering the walls of a wooden house.
UV resistance. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main causes of fading and rapid wear of the coating. It is necessary to varnish the façade with products containing special components that increase resistance to direct exposure to the sun.
Waterproof. The main enemy of wood is moisture, under the influence of which the wood begins to rot and fungus and mold appear on the surface. Therefore, it is very important that the varnish coating creates a protective layer on the surface that repels water.
Protection from insects. Wood is a breeding ground for various microorganisms and beetles, which, settling in its structure, destroy the wood from the inside. It is desirable that the varnish contains substances that protect the wood from pests.

There are several types of varnishes that can be used to coat the external surfaces of a wooden house. The choice of a specific product depends on the climatic conditions of the area, the lumber used for construction, and the characteristics of the paint and varnish product.

To varnish old, previously painted wooden surfaces, it is necessary to select a varnish with the same base. For example, you cannot apply alkyd varnish to a surface coated with a water-soluble composition. Wood, completely cleared of old coating and well sanded, can be painted with any means.

When choosing a varnish, its decorative characteristics are also taken into account. The varnishes have a wide palette of colors, which allows you to choose the desired shade in accordance with the overall style of the facade. You can choose a glossy or matte varnish, which forms a transparent or translucent film on the surface.

These varnishes are based on artificial or natural heat-treated oils. The products also contain resins of natural or synthetic origin.

Depending on the percentage of oil, formulations are divided into fatty, semi-fat and lean. Only varnishes with a high oil content, belonging to the group of fatty products, are intended for external use. A composition with a higher oil content is more resistant to atmospheric conditions.

Oil-based varnishes have good protective properties; they form a water-repellent film on the surface, which demonstrates high light resistance. Varnishes of this type take quite a long time to dry (from 12 hours to three days), so it is advisable to carry out work in consistently warm and dry weather. It should also be taken into account that oil varnishes give the wood an ocher tint.

Judging by the name, it is clear that the paint and varnish product is intended for painting yachts. But due to its excellent performance characteristics, this varnish is very often used for varnishing the external surfaces of wooden houses.

Yacht varnish is exceptionally reliable and durable. Such indicators were achieved by including toxic components in its composition - toluene and xylene, which are very harmful to health and can cause poisoning. Therefore, it is intended for outdoor use only.

But, despite this, it is often used to paint the floor and other surfaces inside the house, which is absolutely forbidden to do, since even after many years the varnish coating will release harmful substances into the atmosphere.

The use of yacht varnish to coat the outside of a log house, on the contrary, is welcome. The varnish coating provides reliable protection of the external walls of the log house from various atmospheric influences, and also gives the wood a noble appearance.

Alkyd varnish

The varnish is made on the basis of alkyd resin and also contains various oils and a solvent. The product creates a durable and strong coating that is resistant to temperature changes, humidity and mechanical stress. The composition has good water-repellent properties and protects wood from the formation of fungus, mold and insects.

The product takes more than a day to dry and produces an unpleasant odor. Excessive application of varnish may cause the finish to wrinkle.

Polyurethane varnish

The varnish intended for painting external logs and beams is made on the basis of organic solvents. It penetrates deeply into the wood, forming a protective wear-resistant layer on it. The varnish is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical damage, and tolerates temperature changes.

The varnish can be one-component or two-component. In the first case, the product is sold ready for application. In the second, it is necessary to add a hardener to the composition before work. A two-component product is better suited for painting large areas.

Water-soluble varnishes

This type of paint and varnish is produced on a water basis. Varnishes of this type are safe for humans and do not emit harmful substances or odors. They come in a wide variety of colors. The product provides complete protection of the surface from microorganisms, mold and fungi.

The composition dries in about a day, but it takes about two weeks for the final formation of the protective film. However, water-soluble varnishes are not able to provide such reliable surface protection as organic compounds. The coating requires regular updating.

The varnish must be applied to dry wood. If it rained the day before work, it is better to postpone varnishing and wait until the wood is completely dry. The moisture content of coniferous wood during painting should not exceed 15%; for hardwood this figure is 12%.

Regardless of the means used to varnish the facade, varnishing the timber outside the house must be done in calm and dry weather. The street temperature should be at least 10 degrees, and the optimal values are 15-25 degrees with a humidity of about 80%.

Before varnishing, the surface must be carefully prepared:

clean the facade from dirt and dust;
remove the previous paintwork;
sand the wood well;
apply two layers of antiseptic on the walls and 3-4 layers on the ends of the timber to protect the wood from rotting and microorganisms;
treat the house with fire retardants to prevent fire;
prime the surface.

When diluting varnish, it is necessary to take into account its type. As a rule, paintwork materials are mixed with a solvent. Only water can be added to acrylic products. Yacht varnish is generally not recommended to be diluted.

It is more convenient to apply varnish to the facade of a building with a spray bottle, in this case the composition will evenly cover the surface. It is better to treat edges and hard-to-reach areas with a brush with mixed bristles. For oil composition it is recommended to use a natural brush.

Before varnishing the lining outside the house, you should test it for adhesion, decorative characteristics and color of the future coating. To do this, apply the product to a small, inconspicuous area. After the composition has dried, try removing it with a spatula. If the coating is difficult to remove, this indicates good adhesion of the materials. If the spatula leaves deep marks, the surface needs to be primed again.

To get a beautiful and durable coating, you need to apply at least two layers of varnish. If porous wood is painted, the surface is varnished at least three times. After each layer has dried, it is recommended to perform intermediate sanding with fine-grained sandpaper.

Services of professional finishers

The Master Srubov company offers its services for painting and varnishing the facade of a wooden house. We have specialized in finishing timber and log houses for more than ten years. The qualified craftsmen of our company have extensive experience working with wood.

We use certified paints and varnishes from well-known manufacturers, which are of high quality and safety. We are ready to perform any amount of work, from local painting to turnkey home finishing.

You can leave your applications in any convenient way using the coordinates in the section.

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 ().

Made from wood and wood, it is used to make furniture and decoration. This is a beautiful natural material with unique properties, but without special protective agents, wood is unlikely to be durable. She is afraid of humidity, temperature changes, fire and pests. Often it is simple to paint a tree, but at the same time its unique texture and color are lost. Varnishes help protect wood and preserve its natural beauty. Almost a thousand years have passed since the appearance of the first such composition, during which time varnishes have changed, and today on store shelves there is such an assortment of different products that your head can spin. We'll figure out how to choose wood varnish for interior and exterior work, how different types of varnish differ, and what is important to consider when purchasing.

No. 1. What are the differences between different wood varnishes?

Varnish is a viscous product consisting of a solvent, resins and polymers. After application to the surface, the solvent evaporates, leaving a dense, durable film. This barrier protects the tree from various kinds of negative factors. Since wood was previously the main building material, the first varnishes appeared inXII century. It was the invention of a German monk, and the composition of the protective substance was kept secret for a long time. Attempts to develop a means to extend the life of wood have been made constantly. Thus, in the 15th century, oil-type compositions appeared in England, and later in Holland and Portugal they began to produce resin-based varnishes.

Since then, the range of such products has expanded significantly, compositions with specific properties have appeared, so today you can’t just go to the store and buy the first wood varnish you come across - it is important to take into account a lot of nuances of different compositions, otherwise you may not only fail to protect the material, but also harm it .

When choosing a wood varnish, you should take into account the following factors:

terms of Use. Outdoors, the material is affected by factors such as high humidity, constant temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation, so the composition for protection must be selected accordingly - only wood varnishes are suitable for outdoor work. As a rule, the manufacturer indicates on the packaging the conditions under which the composition can be used. , furniture and wall finishing materials can be safely coated with wood varnish for interior work;
wear resistance. It is not always possible to cover the floor with the same composition as the furniture, since the load on the surface will be completely different. If even the least resistant nitrocellulose varnish is suitable for other wooden objects that are not subject to heavy wear, then for the floor covering it is necessary to take more durable compounds;
toxicity. Most modern formulations have an unpleasant, pungent odor when drying, as they contain organic solvents. Of course, this smell will disappear when the varnish is completely dry, but until then you will, at best, have a headache, and at worst, get serious poisoning. Polyurethane, acrylic, polyester varnishes and nitro varnishes are applied with special protective equipment in carpentry workshops or non-residential premises. After drying, all these compounds become safe. If the work needs to be carried out at home, and the household members are not going to leave anywhere, then it is better to take the least toxic composition - this water based varnishes, they are practically odorless;
drying time. A layer of varnish can dry from 6 to 72 hours and sometimes longer. Water-based varnishes and oil-based varnishes take the longest to dry; alcohol-based and nitrocellulose varnishes take 20 minutes or more. According to this parameter, all compositions are divided into slow and quick drying. Take this characteristic of the varnish into account when calculating the duration of the work;
high temperature resistance. It makes sense to apply heat-resistant varnishes to wood in rooms where. It is important not only to choose the appropriate composition, but also to properly expose the surface with it, because the result largely depends on the application technique;
shine. Thanks to the varnish, you can get a glossy or matte surface. The choice in this case is based only on aesthetic preferences, since performance qualities do not depend much on the degree of gloss. Gloss gives visual volume, and the matte surface can highlight the beauty of the wood. The degree of gloss is determined as a percentage of the reflected light flux. For example, high gloss varnish reflects more than 90% of light, glossy - 80-90%, and matte– less than 10%. There are also semi-gloss and semi-matte compositions, so there is a wide choice;
varnish components. Best suited for doing the work yourself one-component varnishes, the same ones that are simply applied and form a protective film by evaporating the solvent. Professionals often use two-component varnishes, in which the protective film is formed as a result of a chemical reaction between two substances. As a rule, such compositions are more durable;
need for primer. Self-priming varnishes can be applied directly to wood. The remaining compositions require preliminary preparation of the surface: if not, then you may soon encounter peeling of the varnish, the appearance of cracks and craters.

You can also find on sale tinting varnish. With their help, you can give the wood the desired shade or even completely change the color. However, the classic option is still transparent varnish, which allows you to preserve the original wood pattern.

No. 2. Types of wood varnish

Depending on the type of solvent, the following types of varnishes are distinguished:

oil;
polyurethane;
alkyd;
acrylic;
nitro varnishes, etc.

There are other types of varnishes, and each of them has its own characteristics of wear resistance, drying time, toxicity and weather resistance. To choose the right wood varnish for interior and exterior use, you need to know the main characteristics of each composition.

No. 3. Oil varnish for wood

Oil-based (also called oil-resin) varnishes were previously used everywhere, but today their popularity has noticeably decreased. Are being manufactured based on resin and oil in various proportions. Previously, only natural resins were used, but with the advent of artificial resins and modified oils, the cost of formulations has decreased.

Depending on the amount of oil in the composition, such varnishes are divided into:

fatty, 65-85% oils;
average, 55-65%;
skinny, 35-55%.

Thick oil varnishes do a better job of protecting the coating than thin ones, but they take longer to dry. Typically this type of varnish is used for protection of floor coverings in residential premises. These are thick formulations that are difficult to apply with a brush, so they are often diluted a little. The shelf life is short, drying time is from 24 to 72 hours or more.

No. 4. Alkyd varnishes for wood

Alkyd varnishes are produced on the basis of glyphthalic or pentaphthalic resins; white spirit or solvent is used as a solvent; the composition may also contain substances that accelerate the drying of the varnish.

To the benefits The following qualities are worth mentioning:

resistance to moisture, temperature changes, some compositions are resistant to sunlight and even fire;
wear resistance;
low price;
long shelf life.

In addition, alkyd compositions perfectly highlight the grain of wood, and to achieve the required depth of color, you can apply as many layers of varnish as you like, but the surface treatment process will be quite lengthy. The composition takes a long time to dry - this is its main disadvantage; you have to wait 48-72 hours. If this is critical, then it is better to take varnish with special additives that speed up the drying process. We also note an unpleasant odor during drying.

Alkyd varnish is mainly used for floor treatment: a coating resistant to moisture and wear is obtained. The composition can be applied to heated floors. This varnish is used much less often for covering furniture. If added to alkyd varnish urethane groups, then we will get an even more interesting coating from the point of view of performance. This composition differs from the previous composition in faster drying (about 6-12 hours) and increased service life. The smell is as unpleasant as that of alkyd varnishes.

No. 5. Alkyd-urea varnish

In this case, in addition to alkyd resins, the varnish contains amino-formaldehyde resins. These are two-component varnishes, the drying of which is possible only with the introduction of a special acid-containing hardener. The additive is mixed with the varnish before application; the shelf life of the resulting mixture is short - from several hours to a couple of days, so the amount must be accurately calculated in advance.

Alkyd-urea varnish creates a durable film on wood and protects the material well from moisture. The composition is used mainly for For covering and massive. You can use it and for protecting wooden furniture, as well as other items that are located indoors.

No. 6. Nitrocellulose varnishes

This varnish is a mixture of cellulose nitrate, organic solvent, resins and plasticizer. This is a fairly popular wood varnish. for interior work. It is well suited for processing furniture; it can produce a matte and glossy surface, but not suitable for floor protection.

Basic advantages varnish:

high drying speed, from 20 minutes to 5 hours, average time – 1 hour;
high polishability;
varnish allows you to create a smooth hard coating with excellent decorative qualities;
the composition penetrates deep into the pores of wood and provides good protection.

Among shortcomings It is worth noting the unpleasant odor during drying - this is toxic solvents evaporating, so during work it is necessary to carefully protect the respiratory tract. After drying, the varnish is absolutely safe for health. The composition does not protect wood very well from moisture and sunlight, the coating strength is average, so it is used for treating furniture and walls indoors.

No. 7. Polyurethane varnish

Polyurethane varnish can be called one of the most popular compositions. Due to its high strength, many consider it universal. If we say that the group of polyurethane varnishes includes yacht varnish, then it becomes clear that the performance qualities of this composition are exceptional.

Basic advantages:

increased adhesion to the base;
high hardness of the coating, which perfectly protects the wood from moisture, chemicals, and sunlight;
high drying speed, 4-12 hours.

The unique properties of the composition allow it to be used for outdoor work. They cover yacht decks, stairs, as well as parquet floors, furniture and other wooden objects. This is a universal composition. Among cons only the high price and the need to strictly comply with all the requirements for the process of applying the composition - it is important to protect the surface from contact with moisture, since even a drop of water can greatly reduce the performance of the varnish.

No. 8. Water-based acrylic varnish

This varnish can be called one of the most environmentally friendly and safe. When working, it does not give off any unpleasant odors, so its use is allowed even in. Water-soluble varnishes have one essential minus– they take a very long time to dry. For the film to fully form, you will have to wait about 2 weeks. In addition, it is better to prime the wood before applying varnish. You can also find formulations with a small amount of organic solvent (up to 15%) on sale.

Water-based acrylic varnishes do not support combustion; they highlight the natural grain of wood well, but do not provide a sufficient level of protection from moisture. Wear resistance is also not great, but manufacturers produce compounds with special additives that can significantly increase the mechanical resistance of the coating.

No. 9. Water-based polyurethane varnish

The composition combines the advantages of acrylic water-based and polyurethane varnishes, was developed not so long ago, and is sold as a one- and two-component mixture. The varnish is characterized by high strength, wear resistance, elasticity, resistance to aggressive substances, the coating is environmentally friendly, durable and does not crack for many years, however, the price of the composition is still quite high.

No. 10. Epoxy varnish

Epoxy varnishes, as the name suggests, are made from epoxy resin. The film made from it hardens under the influence of a hardener - these are two-component varnishes. Among the main benefits high hardness, strength of the resulting film, moisture resistance and shock resistance. The varnish is suitable for interior work for covering floor coverings, as well as for external work. Plus, the coating dries very quickly, no more than 12 hours.

No. 11. Polyester varnish

Multicomponent composition based on polyester resins. It is applied with a special gun and requires high professionalism and sufficient precision in work. After drying, a fairly thick, durable film is formed, which protects well from moisture and aggressive substances. Varnish is used for treating floors, furniture and some musical instruments.

No. 12. Alcohol varnish

These are not very common compositions, the scope of which is very limited. Alcohol varnishes (varnishes) are made based on ethyl alcohol and resins. The alcohol evaporates quickly, so the drying time of the varnish is minimal - from 20 minutes to an hour. The coating has a beautiful shine, but protects the surface very poorly from moisture. Composition used when processing musical instruments, less often - in carpentry for furniture processing.

No. 13. Primer varnish

Primer varnish is only necessary to improve the adhesion of the wood to the finishing coat. The composition also helps to achieve a more even coating and isolate the wood from water residue. It is necessary to choose a primer varnish that is most suitable for the type of topcoat.

No. 14. Applying wood varnish

The process of coating wood with varnish is simple and consists of several stages:

removing a layer of old paint or varnish, you can use sandpaper;
sanding wood and thoroughly removing dust;
when using tinting varnish, the wood can be opened with stain;
applying primer varnish;
applying protective varnish using

The easiest way to work is with a roller; with its help you can very quickly cover a fairly large surface with varnish. The brush can be used together with a roller to treat hard-to-reach areas. To avoid leaving marks, it is better to use a brush with a little fluff at the end. The sprayer is used by professionals; with its help you can very quickly cover a large surface area with varnish. When treating furniture, it is better to use two layers of varnish, and three to protect the floor. Each new layer is applied after drying and slightly sanding the previous one.