Varnish is a fantastic tool that can instantly upgrade everything from Ikea furniture to yachts. It’s a
professional’s best secret for achieving perfect results every time. Just a few coats can transform
your DIY into a masterpiece.

In this blog, we’ll detail some of the uses of polyurethane varnish and acrylic varnish and share tips
to help you get the best results possible.

Why Choose Varnish Instead of Paint?

Many people immediately think of paint when they’re considering refreshing a surface, but there are
many reasons why varnishing is often the better option.

Varnish provides a durable protective barrier while enhancing the natural texture of wood. The
beauty of wood grain is timeless, classic, and eye-catching, while still blending harmoniously with
its surroundings. With paint, you’re locked into a colour system that can feel overwhelming and is
constantly influenced by trends. By embracing varnish, you showcase the natural elegance of
wood.

Painting can also be a time-consuming and costly task, with results that vary widely based on
experience. Varnishing, on the other hand, is simpler, less expensive, and often more
forgiving especially when you choose a quality varnish.

Why You Shouldn’t Varnish Over Paint

While some guides recommend applying varnish over painted surfaces, at Paintmaster we don’t
recommend this approach. Varnish is specially designed to protect and enhance natural wood.
When applied over paint, it doesn’t provide the same benefits and may even lead to an uneven
finish or long-term maintenance issues.

If you’ve already painted a surface, it’s best to enjoy the paint finish on its own or remove it to return
to the natural grain before varnishing. This ensures that the varnish can do its job
properly protecting and highlighting the beauty of the wood underneath.

What is Acrylic Varnish Used For?

Acrylic varnish is specially designed to revitalise natural or previously finished wood surfaces. It can
be used on a variety of items, producing beautiful results. From interior doors to kitchen tables,
wooden counters to shelving, acrylic varnish enhances and protects.

It’s also quicker drying, so you don’t have to keep surfaces out of action for long. Within 30 minutes
to an hour, it’s usually dry to the touch, with full curing taking a few hours. Acrylic varnish unifies the
surface sheen, enhances colour vibrancy, and delivers a smooth, polished finish.

What is Polyurethane Varnish Used For?

Polyurethane varnish is highly durable, making it an excellent long-term solution for wooden floors,
windows, staircases, and other high-use surfaces. Thanks to its toughness, it’s also the ideal choice
for exterior wood, garden furniture, and boats.

Tips for Interior and Exterior Varnishing

Indoors:

Ensure the room has good airflow so it dries quickly and fumes don’t linger.
Clean the space beforehand to reduce dust particles.
Make sure there’s enough light to clearly see your work.

Outdoors:

Choose a warm, dry, low-humidity day. In the UK, this often means summer.
Leave enough time between coats, and avoid varnishing right before an event.
Allow a few days for the smell to fully dissipate.

Surface Prep:

If you want to return to natural wood, use a stripper to remove existing finishes.
Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grease.
Sand rough areas and fill in any holes.
Use high-quality tools and products to ensure the best finish.

Application Tips:

Gently stir varnish before applying (don’t shake vigorously).
Tip off after each application to avoid clumps or bubbles.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Apply multiple coats (typically 3–4) for optimal durability and finish.

The Best Quality Varnish

At Paintmaster, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, versatile varnishes. Whether you’re
protecting indoor furniture, outdoor wood, or even a yacht, our products are designed to give you
the best finish and longest-lasting protection.