In essence, varnish is basically a paint without the pigment applied to it. The majority of these are polyurethane based resins and are solvent based (similar to oil paints). Acrylic varnishes, although water based, are becoming more popular for their environmental and health benefits. Drying Oils – Again not varnishes, but simply the oils ingredient of the varnish without the resin and solvent. Because it is only the oils they take a long time to dry – often weeks for raw oils. This can be speeded up by boiling or treating to part polymerise the oil, or adding additives. The most commonly used are Tung oil and Linseed oil In this project we focus on varnishes, and if a colour is needed, stains. We will explain when and how to use your stain with your varnish to get the best finish. Varnish Ingredients – What Makes Up Varnishes? It acts as a shield for the floor, protecting it from high movement while providing the sensation of natural raw wood underfoot.

When applying Manns Floor Varnish over water-based wood stains,apply the first coat of varnish or primer lightly with just one or two light brush strokes in the direction of the grain, then allow to dry. This will seal in the wood stain allowing additional coats of varnish to be applied with ease There is a huge range of different varnishes out there and different manufactures will call them slightly different things to make it even more confusing. Freshly sanded floors should be swept and vacuumed to remove all traces of sanding dust, dirt and debris

Resin: This is the component that adds the strength and body to the finished varnish. There is a huge range of compounds from natural products such as tree resins and even insect secretions to organic chemicals such as polymers and plastics that are used as varnish resins. Like the oil the choice of resin can affect the varnish so resins that do not colour the varnish are favoured. The way that they react or act with the oil will have a bearing on the properties of the varnish Sand down lightly after the first application and if necessary apply another coat. This will make the colour bolder and darker. We would strongly recommend practicing on an off cut to get the measure of the stain before you start on the real thing, especially if you’re not familiar with using stains. Even if you are, it is important to see how the stain will work with your particular wood you are using. Once the first coat has been applied and it has dried, it then has to be keyed (rubbed down lightly) and a second coat is then applied (without dilution). Floor to be varnished should first be primed with one of the following Manns wood primers. Primers aid with adhesion between the floor and the varnish and can offer a cost saving when varnishing large areas. Product However, you can reduce the sheen of an oil-based finish by using hand rubbing with polish or wipe-on varnish. Here’s the step by step process of how to make matte finish on wood; Apply A Non-Shine Polyurethane Finish.

Alkyd Varnishes – This is a terms that you will sometimes hear, and most varnishes will contain an alkyd of some kind. They are modified natural or vegetable oils. Thankfully nowadays all commercially produced varnishes are of exceptional quality and will perform very well in the right setting. Varnish is also its own primer and undercoat, although in some cases it is better to thin the first coat with roughly 10% white spirit (for solvent varnishes) and water for water-based varnishes. This is particularly true if you are using a polyurethane varnish. In most cases it is also better to apply this with a lint free cloth and you are able to rub the varnish into the wood grain better than you could do with a brush.Varnish can be applied with a brush, which is more typical, or a roller. If you are planning to use a roller use one with a short pile. See here for help on choosing a roller. Apply with the grain to get a smooth and even finish. Using a soft cotton cloth, apply a tiny amount of tung oil, boiled linseed oil, or teak oil. Working with the wood’s grain, rub the oil into the finish, continue rubbing until there is only a tiny amount of oil left on the wood. Remember any product designed to permanently stain wood will have no trouble doing the same to your skin and fingers. The solvent will not be pleasant on your skin either so we recommend that you take care using stains, and definitely use rubber gloves and overalls. You will always apply the stain before applying the varnish, unless the varnish already has the stain mixed into it. Allow sufficient time for the solvent to fully evaporate before applying the finishing coat of say, varnish. If it is wet or cold we suggest that you leave another 24 hours over the manufacturers’ recommended drying time to be 100% safe.

Much like paint, varnishes have finishes that vary from “Gloss” through “Satin” to “Matt”. This describes the sheen of the finish and how reflective it will be. Gloss is the shiniest and smoothest, while Matt describes a dull and un-shiny finish. Choosing the Right Varnish Make sure that the stain is thoroughly mixed before you start to apply it so that you get an even colour throughout. Applying a Stain Pigment: This is the part that provides the colour. Some people differentiate between pigments which are held in suspension and dyes which are dissolved in the ‘vehicle’ or solvent. Essentially it makes little difference to the user, except that pigments held in suspension will be large molecules and will not penetrate the structure of the wood as much which will make them more opaque. The colours are generally browns and wood effects, but you can get highly colourful stains which will colour wood in all manner of colours Fill any gaps or splits in the wood surface with Manns Trade Mix and Fill or other suitable wood filler After that, you apply a single coat of a water-based product on it that has a satin or matte shine. Products like this are always in spray cans, making them easy to use as spraying is the ideal way to use it.

What’s the best way to apply varnish?

A (wood) stain is very similar to a paint; it is designed to colour the substrate, although it does not leave a protective film as it is designed to be absorbed. Because it is absorbed, it means that the grain will be seen through the colour and the extent of this is largely dependent on how opaque the pigment in the stain is. Varnish Oils: This is the ingredient that will cure and/or harden on exposure to the air to form the protective coating that a varnish provides. Varying the proportion of (and types of) oils to resin affects the properties of the varnish, from high gloss, hard but brittle varnishes used on furniture to softer, flexible and weather resistant types that are better for outdoor use. The choice of oil will have an effect on the eventual “look” of the varnish. Some oils can have some colour which will tint the varnish. The gloss of the varnish will be determined by the oil, although additives known as flatting agents can be added to reduce the sheen To reduce bumps and defects in the finish, stroke with the grain with moderate pressure. To rub the wax or polish off, use a clean cloth or an electric buffer that has a lambswool buffing cloth. Why Matte Wood Floor Finish? Appealing To The Eye

A clear water-based, multi-purpose primer, suitable for all bare, solid and engineered wood flooring As we have already discussed the different ingredients or component parts of the varnish will have the biggest influence over these hardening processes and the time it takes. Also there are a range of additives that are used to affect these properties and others favourable properties such as colour, flexibility, UV protection and many more. Ensure that floors to be varnished are clean, dry and free from dust, dirt or any other surface contaminants. Generally, matte and low-luster coatings hide scratches, filth, and other flaws far better than shiny floors. Wood varnish helps to seal and protect a range of wooden surfaces, and you can buy it in a choice of colours. You can use interior varnish to coat and seal internal doors, as well as wooden furniture such as dining tables, wardrobes, and bedside tables. You may also wish to apply it to your skirting boards to give them improved protection and an attractive shine. There are clear versions, as well as products that come in natural wood shades like oak and pine.

Matte wood floors have a long shelf life, which is advantageous. With a matte finish, your wood can keep its appearance for a more extended period of time. It covers up any imperfections Using 400-grit or finer wet/dry sandpaper, scuff the finish. Moisten the paper with a small volume of water to help it smoothly cut the finish more.