Varnish is a clear transparent hard protective coating or film. It is not to be confused with wood stain. It usually has a yellowish shade due to the manufacturing process and materials used, but it may also be pigmented as desired. It is sold commercially in various shades.
Varnish is a versatile wood finish used to protect and enhance the beauty of wooden surfaces. A transparent, hard-drying liquid composed of resins, oils, and solvents, it makes a durable coating that seals and preserves wood while showcasing its natural grain.
“Varnish is the outdoor protector, and polyurethane is the heavy-duty defender,” Lara says. For applications with intense outdoor exposure, look for ‘spar’ varnishes or urethanes.
Varnish is a centuries-old, slow-drying sealant composed of specific resins, oils, and solvents that creates a translucent, highly protective coating when applied to wood. You've come across the term if you do woodworking, refinishing, or wood-centric DIY projects of any kind.
Varnish gives wood a protective finish and a lustrous shine. This guide explains how to varnish wood so you'll get professional-level results every time.
Varnish, not unlike paint, can and is used for aesthetic and protective reasons. And, much like paint, varnishes have finishes that vary from gloss through satin to matte.