Tinted varnish - colors and composition characteristics

Lacquered furniture never goes out of fashion. Elegant and attractive, it allows you to radically transform the interior and bring into it a touch of familiar home comfort. When processing it, modern furniture varnishes are used, which protect the surface from mechanical stress, increase resistance to moisture, and prevent cracking and deformation. The construction market offers consumers a wide selection of paints and varnishes, which should be selected depending on their composition, purpose and expected effect.

Types of furniture varnishes by effect

The choice of composition based on visual effect largely depends on the wishes of the buyer himself. Whether you want to emphasize the noble structure of wood, give it more naturalness or a characteristic shine - all this determines the characteristics of furniture varnish for wood and divides it into several categories:

• Glossy and semi-gloss – gives a mirror effect and increases the decorative properties of interior items.
• Matte and semi-matte - allows wood to look as natural as possible and hides surface defects well.
• Colored – provides the furniture with the necessary shade. With its help, you can visually transform inexpensive types of wood into rare and noble types of wood.
• Craquelure is a specific varnish for wood furniture with a cracking effect, which gives the products an aged, antique look.

Classification by gloss level

Furniture varnishes are glossy or matte. They are transparent, so they do not hide the beauty of the wood. Each type of coating, having one or another degree of gloss, gives the products a special effect:

1. Glossy furniture varnish makes objects shine. Due to the ability to reflect light, products treated with it often become a bright decoration of the interior. This option is more suitable for dark furniture, as it emphasizes the structure of the wood. It is necessary that the surface is perfectly smooth before applying the product. It is difficult to care for such a coating, since fingerprints are visible on it.
2. Matte varnish is more practical. There are no fingerprints left on it. This option allows you to create the effect of natural wood and looks natural. Before application, the surface must be sanded well.
3. Universal varnishes are suitable for any objects and materials. Products are available in semi-gloss or semi-matte finishes. Such coatings are the most natural and practical, making them suitable for any type of wood.

Purpose of furniture supports, overview of the main varieties

Colorless varnish options are invisible, which is especially important when processing valuable types of wood. But there are also colored varieties that can improve the color of furniture, making it more beautiful and expensive. White varnish is popular - it is best used for processing light types of wood. This coating allows you to visually make the room more spacious. Dark varnish makes the wood more noble and non-marking. Black coating has become especially fashionable recently.

By choosing the right shade, you can turn ordinary cheap wood into stained oak, walnut, maple, rosewood or dark cherry.

Glossy

Matte

Universal

Varnish shades

Types of varnishes by composition

The most extensive classification of paints and varnishes involves their division according to the main component included in the composition. Depending on this, the following furniture varnishes are distinguished:

• Water-based - products containing water, a binder (for example, acrylic or polyurethane) and various additives. Such materials are environmentally friendly, odorless and form a durable film with high wear resistance.
• Polyurethane – varnishes for wooden furniture based on urethane. They are among the most durable and abrasion resistant. Their high price is offset by the ability to create a coating with excellent performance characteristics that will last for many years.
• Oil based – materials based on natural oils. They form a waterproof film, but have a fairly long drying time.
• Nitrovarnishes are compositions that include colloxylin, synthetic resins, solvents and plasticizers. These wood furniture varnishes dry quickly and provide a durable finish, but contain toxic substances that can pose a health hazard.
• Alkyd – products based on organic solvents and alkyd resins. They are characterized by excellent water resistance, but their drying period is up to three days.
• Alcohol - varnishes based on alcohol and natural resins. They have good mechanical strength and adhesion to any surfaces. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the lack of resistance to high humidity.

Varieties

Varnishes are made on the basis of different substances and, depending on the composition, are divided into several types. The characteristics of the components they contain determine the specific properties and characteristics of a particular product. Each variety has both advantages and disadvantages.

Purpose, features of basic types of furniture hinges, installation nuances

Oil

This varnish has high decorative qualities and helps to give the furniture a certain shade, most often yellowish. Consists of oils, resins and solvents. Previously, it was made on the basis of linseed oil, but now such coatings are made from synthetic substances. Turpentine or white spirit is added to the composition.

This varnish takes a long time to dry. The product forms a protective film on the surface of the furniture, which prevents fading, mold and mildew. This coating is characterized by durability, water resistance, and attractive appearance. This option can be used to process fences, gazebos, and garden furniture.

If you plan to carry out work at home, you need to pay attention to those types of products that contain few oils and a lot of resins. If this coating is sanded, it will acquire a glossy shine.

Nitrocellulose

From the name of the varnish it is obvious that it is obtained from nitrocellulose. The composition contains organic solvents, resins, plasticizers, colloxylin. Nitrocellulose varnish is used for exterior and interior use and can be applied to any wood.

It is safe and odorless. The varnish dries quickly; within an hour after application, a hard, smooth film is formed. The coating has high decorative properties, is very durable and waterproof. The surface can be polished. The disadvantage of this varnish is its instability to atmospheric influences. For this reason, they are not recommended to treat outdoor furniture - over time, the coating will begin to peel off.

It is believed that nitro varnish is toxic, so when carrying out work it is necessary to protect the skin and respiratory organs.

Water based

The safest and most environmentally friendly is water-based varnish. The product does not contain toxic substances, so it can even be used on children's furniture. A durable coating resistant to mechanical damage is formed. The disadvantage of such varnishes is their low moisture resistance, so they are not suitable for outdoor use.

There are different types of water-based products. They come in one-component and two-component types. The first ones are easier to use; you don’t need to dilute or mix anything. The latter are made using polyurethane, therefore they are more durable.

The most popular coatings include acrylic varnish for furniture. Its peculiarity is that it is white in the jar, and when the water base evaporates upon drying, the resin forms a durable transparent film. This varnish has several advantages over others:

• safe;
• has no smell;
• fireproof;
• dries quickly;
• preserves the natural structure of the tree;
• lasting.

Water-based varnish should only be used at a temperature of at least 20 °C and normal humidity. If the room is cold and damp, it will not dry out.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane varnishes consist of isocyanates and polyesters. Most often they are made on a water basis, so they do not contain toxic substances. The products are elastic, durable and waterproof, and are among the most durable varnishes. Form a transparent glossy film. The coating is very stable, without cracks or chips.

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Polyurethane varnish can be used on all types of wood. It is almost impervious to moisture, thanks to which it provides long-term protection for garden furniture and other elements of country furniture, which include fences, gazebos, etc. The film formed protects the tree not only from rain, but also from the sun and temperature fluctuations. The disadvantages of this coating include:

• high cost;
• hardening time;
• quite a strong smell.

Alkyd

This is a coating based on synthetic resins, which is characterized by the following properties: moisture resistance, transparency, strength. Alkyd varnish is suitable for various types of wood and can be used in any room. They cover garden furniture, gazebos and fences. A transparent film is formed on the surface of the product, resistant to atmospheric influences. It protects wood from mechanical damage and prevents the destructive effects of chemicals.

The disadvantages of alkyd varnishes include the long drying process - the item can only be used three days after treatment. In addition, the product has a pungent odor. The composition may contain toxic substances: white spirit, xylene, solvent. The most durable option is alkyd-urethane varnish, which can be used to cover parquet, boats, and garden furniture. The two-component composition is also typical for alkyd-urea products, which dry quickly.

Craquelure

This is a special type of coating. Matte craquelure varnish creates the effect of aged furniture. This option is used for processing antiques. After applying the substance, a film with natural cracks is formed. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the varnish itself and the coating that is applied to it have different drying times.

This option can be used only if the aged products look appropriate in the design of the room.

Types of varnishes by purpose

When making furniture varnishes for wood products, many manufacturers mix them with special additives that allow the treated items to be used under special conditions. Based on their purpose, compositions are divided into several types:

• Heat-resistant – keeps furniture in its original form when used at high or low temperatures.
• Weather resistant – provides protection for surfaces that are exposed to the elements.
• Water-repellent – ​​furniture varnish that protects against high humidity (for example, when applied to garden furniture).
• Impact-resistant – protects against mechanical influences (impacts, chips, scratches).

Technique for applying varnish to wooden surfaces

In order to protect wood, there is a method that has been proven over many years, which is to coat the wood with varnish. This method is suitable for almost any type of wood and is used in the manufacture of furniture, wooden floors, various household items, souvenirs, etc. Furniture is also varnished for restoration work. Thanks to this method, the surface of the wood acquires an attractive appearance and retains its strength and durability for many years. In addition, coating wood with varnish emphasizes its natural beauty and decorativeness. In order to carry out varnishing, there is currently a fairly large selection of all kinds of varnishes and paints.

Water-based furniture varnishes

Water-based compositions are among the most popular paints and varnishes because they are safe for health, easy to apply and have a short curing period. The product is characterized by the formation of an elastic coating, which not only decorates the tree, but also provides its preventive protection. On the other hand, it is undesirable to use such furniture wood varnish in places with high humidity, since it does not have water-repellent properties.

If you are looking for high-quality water-based formulations, in the TBM-Market store catalog you can find a wide range of products that meet the accepted criteria of quality and environmental friendliness.

The main advantages of tinted varnishes

Some people prefer to use stains or oils to treat wood products, but tinted varnishes have much more advantages compared to such products. For example, tinting compounds can be applied extremely easily and quickly, and after some time a solution of a different shade can be applied, thereby changing the color of the wood.

To make the coloring of floor coverings or other wooden products much more intense, you just need to apply not one, but several layers of paint and varnish material for tinting. The more coatings are applied, the more intense the surface shade will be. In addition to its visual appeal, the wood tint varnish composition extends the life of the material to which it will be applied. Thanks to this varnish composition, it will be possible to simply and quickly restore old and worn-out wood.

Polyurethane varnishes

Urethane-based materials can be used for both internal surface treatment and external use. Furniture polyurethane varnish for wood is not afraid of humidity, solar radiation and negative environmental influences (including sea water), therefore it is successfully used even in difficult operating conditions.

Its main advantages include increased strength and wear resistance, the ability not to crack during deformation, and excellent adhesion to all types of wood. Depending on the composition, the product is divided into one-component (completely ready for use) and two-component, which must be mixed with a hardener before application.

How to restore a wooden table

Before you varnish your dining table or kitchen worktop, you should evaluate the condition very carefully. The surface may already be painted, mechanically processed, glossy, or varnished. Regardless of what varnish the surface will be coated with, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work.

In the video: how to cover a table with stain.

Preparation

The first step is to remove all the old coating. This is done so that the texture of the wood is clearly visible, using an electric tool. When the table is as smooth as possible, the surface does not have any defects, then you can move on to the next stage.

To work, you will need a roller or brush, and you will also need to purchase a remover liquid to remove the old paintwork. You will also need a primer and stain, a hair dryer, and sandpaper with varying degrees of grit.

Removing old coating

The chemical remover is applied to the table surface and then wiped off after 10 minutes. To apply and remove a layer of paint or varnish, use a rag.

There is also a hot method - you need a hair dryer. The tabletop is heated and then wiped with a rag.

You can also remove the old coating by sanding. Doing this by hand takes a very long time, so it is better to use a power tool. The work is performed at low speeds so as not to damage the wood.

Varnish application technology

To apply varnish, it is better to use brushes or rollers. Using a colorless varnish for a wooden table in one layer, it is very difficult to obtain the desired shade - this is only possible if you cover the surface in several layers.

A more saturated color can be achieved by treating the table with stain or colored primers - they are applied either in one layer, or in two, three or more.

After the stains and primers have dried, they can be varnished. The varnish is applied in a thin, even layer, trying to avoid drips. After the first layer has dried, it is recommended to sand the surface. For a high-quality result, varnish in three layers of varnish.

In a day, the old table will turn into a new one and no one will ever be able to say that it is very old. Knowing how to cover a table, you can restore other wooden furniture in this way.

How to use wood varnish correctly (2 videos)

Everything you need to varnish a table (29 photos)

Criterias of choice

To purchase the most suitable varnish for furniture, you should pay attention to the key features of the proposed items. When purchasing, it is recommended to consider the following criteria:

• Ecological cleanliness. Water-based products are considered the safest, while varnishes based on organic solvents have an unpleasant odor, so they require the use of respirators during application.
• Fire resistance. The most fire-resistant varnishes for wood furniture are those that do not contain solvents.
• Method of application. One-component materials are easier to process because they do not require pre-mixing, but two-component materials are considered to be of higher quality and more reliable in further use.
• Decorative. Oil-based products provide the greatest decorative value. If you want to give your furniture an antique effect, you should choose craquelure materials.

If you find it difficult to purchase the optimal composition, consultants will help you choose and select exactly the furniture wood varnish that is best suited for your interior items.

How to choose the right one

Each manufacturer offers many varnishes that differ in properties. Each of them suits a specific situation.

Before covering the wood with varnish, the latter must be selected. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Under what conditions can varnish be used ? If it is intended for outdoor use, it cannot be used indoors, as the product will most likely be overly toxic. It is better not to use varnishes for interior spaces on an external wall - it is unlikely to cope and will quickly peel off. It is important to take into account weather conditions, temperature changes, ultraviolet exposure, humidity, etc.
• Degree of wear resistance . For furniture, you can use a less resistant varnish, but for the floor of a walk-through room, you will need the most durable one, otherwise the layer will have to be constantly renewed.

Using a spray gun Source kwitka.com.ua

• Toxicity . Most products have a specific odor that can be unpleasant or harmful. Acrylic stamps have virtually no odor as they are made from non-toxic substances. If you need to treat wood in a nursery or in an apartment where people continue to live, it is better to choose the most non-toxic brands.
• Drying time . It can range from 30 minutes to several days. If you have little time for repairs, it is better to use quick-drying compounds.
• Presence of shine . The varnished surface can be glossy or matte. There are also colored varnishes.

In addition to the varnish itself, you need to choose a material for application. This can be a brush (thanks to the bristles, the composition will penetrate into small cracks in the wood), paint rollers (it is better to choose foam rubber), spray bottles (well suited for applying varnish over large areas). Small objects can simply be dipped into the raster or treated with a piece of fabric rolled into a roll.

How to remove old varnish from furniture

In order to varnish furniture, you first need to thoroughly remove the old coating. To do this, you need to purchase a remover - a powder composition that mixes with water and forms the desired substance.

Before removing old varnish from furniture, please note that under no circumstances should the coating be removed:

• sandpaper,
• spatula,
• with a knife.

Using these tools without additional means will only damage the tree. Usually 3 kg of remover paste is enough to remove varnish from one meter of surface. The composition holds well even on vertical planes and does not slide down. After application, you should wait only 4 hours, after which the paste is removed.

Attention! You should remove the remover only after it turns brown or brown.

This is done by removing the varnish with a spatula. To avoid damaging the surface, you need to press the tool carefully, otherwise you risk damaging the wood. To remove traces of rinse, it is enough to use warm water without any additions. Having completed all the described actions, you must wait until the wood is completely dry (this usually happens within 24 hours), after wiping it with a dry cloth.

If after these actions the surface has defects, they can be eliminated with a special putty for this material, and then sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. At the same time, do not forget that after this you need to thoroughly clean the furniture from any dust that has formed. When grinding, movements should be made only in accordance with the direction of the fibers of the material, otherwise the appearance of the surface can be spoiled.

How to varnish old furniture

Before you varnish old furniture, you should choose the tool to use. The composition is applied to the surface in 2 or even 3 layers with a brush or a special swab. To make it, you need to wrap a small amount of cotton wool soaked in varnish in linen fabric. With this device you need to carefully and evenly apply the composition to the surface, making movements in any direction.

After the first layer has dried, you can begin to apply the second. Drying usually occurs within 40 minutes, so you should not perform this action before this period of time. If a brush is used, its movement should only occur in the direction of the wood grain. Work should be carried out in a ventilated area, free from drafts. It is also undesirable for the drying varnish to be exposed to direct sunlight.