Before applying varnish to wood, it’s important to ensure that you prepare your wood surface properly. Not doing this could result in a varnish that doesn’t take properly and may end up creating more work for you in the long run.
Next, you’ll need to choose your varnish.
Water-based vs solvent-based varnish
Solvent-based varnishes have much more white spirit in them, giving them their characteristic strong smell.
First-time varnish users sometimes opt for solvent-based varnishes, as although they have a longer drying time than their water-based counterparts, they can be slightly easier to apply.
However, cleaning up tools is much more straightforward with water-based varnishes, as all you’ll need is some warm, soapy water. If you use a solvent-based varnish, you’ll need to clean your tools with white spirit.
Which one you opt to use on your project, comes down to personal preference. If you would like more advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
First you’ll need to properly prepare your surface. You can find more information about how to do this by checking the directions for use for your chosen varnish or by reading our guide to preparing your wood for varnish. Now, you’re ready to apply your finish.
Applying Linitop Vernis (solvent-based)
A colourless, indoor protective and decorative varnish that can be used on all woods, Linitop Vernis is enriched with PU resins for increased resistance to abrasion and water.
Applying to new wood or wood made bare
- Encourage and optimise the opening of the pores by sanding (grit 180).
- Apply 2 coats of Vernis, waiting 24 hours between each coat. For a well-crafted finish, lightly sand manually (grit 280) between each coat and then dust off.
If your wood is highly absorbent, it may be necessary to apply 3 coats.
Applying onto old varnish
- Ensure that you properly prepare your surface.
- Apply 2 coats of Vernis.
If you need to strip your wood first, please get in touch with us for advice.
It’s best to apply Linitop Vernis with a short mohair roller, in the direction of the wood grain.
For full instructions and some more helpful tips, please refer to the full product information.
Applying Acryl Vernis (water-based)
As with Linitop Vernis, it’s important to prepare your wood before applying any varnish.
How you need to apply Acryl Vernis, depends on the condition of the surface.
Applying to new wood or wood made bare
- Prior to application, you should encourage the opening of the pores by sanding (grit 180).
- Apply 2 coats of Acryl Vernis, leaving 6 hours between coats. You will need to sand (grit 280) and then dust between each coat.
You may need to apply 3 coats if your wood is highly absorbent.
Applying onto old varnish
- Ensure that you properly prepare your surface.
- Apply 1 to 2 coats of Acryl Vernis
Again, if you need to strip your wood first, you should get in touch with us for advice.
Micro-fibre rollers are the best tool to apply Acryl Vernis with. You should ensure that you apply it in the direction of the wood grain, then criss-cross the passes and even them out.
Confused about which varnish would be best for your project? Want to know more about how to apply varnish to wood? Get in touch today to chat to a member of our team.
We hope you found this post helpful and now know a little more on how to apply a varnish. If you have any other tips, tricks or advice, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
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Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol has the solution you are looking for.
