Coating from the LKM category, called varnish, is used to protect the surface of furniture, parquet, and other wooden elements that are often used in the interior and have become an integral part of it. A film is formed on the surface, which does not allow moisture and water to penetrate into the wood structure and spoil it. The wood gets extra shine and lasts longer than the usual one, not opened with varnish. There is no need to talk much about this material, the only thing left to take care of is to study the intricacies of choosing the right varnish option.
The market is overflowing with all kinds of material options, therefore, to make a choice, study the subject of purchase, having familiarized yourself with the varieties and characteristics of varnish.
Types of varnishes for wood
The following options are distinguished by type:
- Based on oil or resin, the proportions of the components are different. The more resins in the composition, the faster the varnish dries, but it is less durable. This kind of varnish penetrates deep into the structure of the tree, so it is perfect for processing furniture. But for finishing the floor you will have to look for another option.
- Onnatural or synthetic resin base. Varnishes are similar in their performance properties and characteristics to oil varnishes and are indispensable when working with wood.
- Alkyd, which is why they got their name. The class of varnishes is characterized by high moisture resistance and resistance to temperature extremes. This product is inexpensive. Actively used for wood flooring, giving wood extra strength, suitable for many years of use.
- Alcohol containing ethyl alcohol and resins. A distinctive characteristic of the material is the short drying time and low cost. They are used to cover furniture and other wooden items, including wooden musical instruments. This wood varnish is not suitable for indoor use.
- Alkyd-carbamide varnishes, which differ from analogues in the features of preparation. Before applying the varnish, a special hardener is added to it. This is an excellent option for furniture and flooring, featuring increased durability and moisture resistance, enhanced gloss after drying.
- Epoxy based. This is the best lacquer for floors that are subjected to heavy loads. Thanks to epoxy resins in the composition of the varnish, a hard film is formed on the surface, which perfectly resists mechanical damage, including strong impacts.
- Polyester. The peculiarity of using the material is with a special gun that promotes the formation of a thick glossy film.
- Ether-cellulosic varnishes dry quickly, but are not very durable,so over time they begin to flake off. Varnishes are used to coat small wood products. For furniture interior items and floors, they will be useless. Don't ask how long the varnish takes to dry: if you need a fast curing option, then the cellulose ester is for you.
- Acrylic-urethane varnishes are diluted with water before use. They are distinguished by increased adhesion, therefore they are suitable for arranging saunas and baths.
- Based on acrylic. Such varnishes are distinguished by fire safety, therefore they are used for finishing rooms with specific operating conditions, where the possibility of fire is increased. Acrylic varnishes for wood are characterized by increased adhesion and adhere well to almost any type of material. They are rarely used to cover the floor surface, as they are not durable.
- Alkyd-urethane - resistant to negative influences, therefore suitable for exterior finishing work and painting boats. Among the shortcomings, their high toxicity is noted, so the use of individual protective equipment is required.
- Polyurethane varnishes. This class of durable varnishes includes compositions with an unpleasant pungent odor. Suitable for external and internal work. The film that forms on the surface helps to protect the surface even from caustic chemicals that can affect the surface of the wood.
Scope of application
All varnishes are divided into four categories, and the belonging of materials is determined by the featuressurfaces and area of use:
- Internal work. Varnishes that form a durable and hard coating on the surface. Due to this, the material is characterized by the main property - resistance to abrasion, especially parquet varnishes. These products are environmentally friendly. Varnish for wood for interior work is most often made on the basis of drying oil.
- Outdoor work. An elastic coating is formed on the surface that can withstand compression and expansion of the material, for example, wood or metal. The main difference between these varnishes is their resistance to weathering, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, etc.
- With decorative effect. They are actively used to give an original look to surfaces, for example, the effect of aged wood or wet stone. There are varieties used for both indoor and outdoor work.
- Universal component compositions. Suitable for indoor and outdoor work. These products include alkyd varnishes, nitro-varnishes, etc. Coatings are characterized by the following features:
- elasticity;
- film hardness;
- long service life.
Despite the above characteristics, the described types of varnishes are not suitable for all types of interior work and exterior finishes.
Purpose of paint and varnish products for interior and exterior decoration
All coatings are also divided into categories based on the principle of use and performancevarnished material. They are briefly described below.
For wood
Divided into products for outdoor and indoor use, differing:
- UV resistant;
- moisture;
- temperature differences;
- to a series of mechanical influences.
The color of polishes may also differ.
These varnishes include alkyd, alkyd-urethane, polyurethane compounds. An excellent choice for wood protection is an alkyd-urethane-based yacht varnish, characterized as a composition with increased wear resistance.
For parquet
This group includes varieties of coatings for wood, characterized by increased resistance to mechanical abrasion. Parquet varnishes are glossy and matte, which determines their degree of gloss. In addition, they are characterized by environmental friendliness (for example, water-based varnishes for wood) and fire safety. A good option is a two-component high residue polyurethane varnish and an alkyd-urea varnish option.
For metal
Suitable for both interior and exterior decoration and are used to protect metal from corrosion and give it aesthetic external qualities. The main advantage of the varnish is increased resistance to wear and corrosion.
Special compositions with a variety of colors are widely used - varnishes used to coat tanks in which various kinds of liquids are stored, as well as metal floors, equipment, other structures,made of metal. The best coating option would be polyurethane or epoxy varnish.
For stone
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use to coat stone surfaces. They show special resistance to mechanical influences, moisture, chemical agents of an aggressive nature. The best option for stone is acrylic coating.
For concrete
This kind of materials are used for exterior and interior work and painting floors, walls, structures, tiles - facing and paving. How to apply varnish is not difficult to guess, and with the help of smooth strokes of the brush you can cover any surface.
The advantages of varnishes for concrete include high resistance to abrasion, the influence of precipitation, chemical aggressive substances, mechanical stress. Best of all, polyurethane varnishes cope with their goals. The scope of their application is limited to the finishing of industrial facilities, industrial premises, agricultural buildings, various infrastructure facilities, etc.
Some tips for choosing paintwork
There are some guidelines to keep in mind when choosing wood show varnish:
- For painting the floor, choose those types of varnishes that are characterized by increased strength and wear resistance.
- For furniture, buy paintwork materials that emphasize its appearance - the structure and beauty of wood. Polyurethane compounds do an excellent job with such goals, which, among other advantages, are also safe for human he alth.
- To perform outdoor robot give preferencevarnishes, characterized by increased resistance to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and other negative external factors.
- For interior work, take only the varnish that does not have a sharp corrosive smell. While for outdoor, depending on the direction of application, any will do.
- Depending on the desired result, choose a coating that guarantees a glossy or matte finish.
- For a safe and completely harmless finish, use an environmentally friendly material, such as a water-based wood varnish. Such varnishes are no worse than alternatives, but they can be used in children's rooms.
Varnish for wood - another chance to extend the life of wooden things, products and surfaces, as well as improve their appearance and performance.
