Varnish
A varnish in paint is a transparent coating, applied as a finish, which is used to protect and beautify painted or unpainted surfaces. It is commonly used on materials to give them a glossy, satin or matte finish while protecting them from external aggressions. Thus, varnish is mainly used both to protect and to enhance the appearance of a surface or object, while improving its durability.
Here are its main characteristics:
• Protection: Varnish protects the surface from scratches, stains, humidity and UV rays. It prevents premature wear of the paint or the underlying material.
• Transparent finish: Unlike paint, varnish is colorless and does not alter the color or appearance of the surface, although it can intensify the natural shade of the wood or the underlying paint.
• Glossy, satin or matte appearance: Varnish comes in several levels of gloss. Glossy varnish provides a smooth and light-reflecting appearance, while satin or matte finishes are more discreet and natural.
• Durability: It increases the surface’s resistance to environmental elements such as humidity, heat, and chemicals. This makes it particularly useful for furniture or exterior surfaces.
• Ease of maintenance: A varnished surface is generally easier to clean, as the varnish forms a protective layer that prevents dirt from penetrating deeply.
• Application flexibility: Varnish can be applied to painted surfaces to protect them or directly to raw wood or other materials to enhance and protect them.