Varnish

Wood Varnish Buying Guide

Unlike an oil, which soaks into timber, a wood varnish dries to a hard film on the surface. That film takes knocks, spills and foot traffic, which makes varnish the go to finish for floors, stairs, tables and doors.

If you prefer a natural finish that soaks in, see our Danish oil range instead.

What is varnish?

Varnish is a clear or tinted protective coating made from a resin, such as polyurethane or acrylic, carried in a solvent or in water.

As it dries, the carrier evaporates and the resin hardens into a tough, transparent film that protects the wood and shows off the grain.

Interior, floor and exterior varnish

Interior varnish suits furniture, doors, skirting boards and other indoor woodwork. Ronseal Interior Varnish, Rustins Polyurethane Varnish and Johnstone's Indoor Wood Varnish sit in this group, alongside tougher clear coats such as Ronseal Ultra Tough.

Floor varnish is built for foot traffic. Choose from Ronseal Diamond Hard Floor Varnish, Sadolin Poly Floor Varnish, Johnstone's Varnish for Floors, Polyvine Heavy Duty Floor Varnish and Rustins Quick Dry Acrylic Floor Coating.

Exterior varnish has to cope with sun and rain. Ronseal Crystal Clear Outdoor Varnish, Sadolin Outdoor Varnish and Rustins Quick Dry Outdoor Clear Varnish protect garden furniture, doors and window frames.

What is yacht varnish?

Yacht varnish is a tough, flexible exterior varnish. Ronseal describes its Yacht Varnish as a solvent based, UV resistant finish for exterior wood that resists cracking, peeling and blistering.

Despite the name, it is mostly used on front doors, window frames and other smooth planed timber outside. We stock yacht varnish from Ronseal, Rustins, Johnstone's and 151 Coatings in gloss and satin.

Polyurethane or water based varnish?

Polyurethane varnish is a solvent based finish known for a very hard, durable coat. Rustins Polyurethane Varnish, Sadolin Polyurethane Extra Durable Varnish and the PlastiKote polyurethane spray are all in this group.

Water based varnishes, such as Rustins Quick Dry Acrylic Floor Coating, dry faster, smell less and let you recoat sooner. Check the tin for exact drying and recoat times, as they vary between brands.

Clear or coloured varnish, and choosing a sheen

Clear varnish protects the wood without changing its colour much. Coloured varnish, sometimes called varnish stain, adds a wood tone such as light oak, walnut, teak or ebony as it protects, so you can colour and varnish in one job.

Ronseal Interior Varnish and Rustins Polyurethane Satin Varnish both come in a range of shades. For a deeper colour under clear varnish, use a wood dye first and let it dry fully.

Matt gives a natural, low sheen look, satin a soft shine, and gloss the most reflective, traditional finish.

How to varnish wood

Sand bare wood smooth, finishing with a fine grade, and remove all the dust. On previously varnished wood, clean the surface and lightly sand it to give a key.

Stir the tin rather than shaking it, to avoid bubbles. Apply thin, even coats with a good quality paint brush, working along the grain.

Let each coat dry, lightly sand between coats and wipe off the dust. Most varnishes need two or three coats on bare wood, so follow the tin for drying and recoat times.

How to remove varnish from wood

On flat surfaces, sanding is the most reliable method. Start with a coarse grade to cut through the varnish, then work through finer grades to a smooth finish.

On mouldings, spindles and carved detail, a chemical varnish stripper is easier, followed by a light sand. Always work in a well ventilated space and follow the stripper's safety instructions.