Furniture or other interior items made from wood never go out of style. Such products not only look expensive and stylish, but are also environmentally friendly, making them very popular. But wood requires special care, since this material can easily lose its qualities from external factors. Humidity, direct sunlight, and insects have a detrimental effect on wooden products. In addition, wooden furniture can easily become scratched or cracked if not properly cared for. Therefore, in order to preserve the presentable appearance of the item for a long time, it is coated with a special varnish. With its help, a film is formed on the product, which will protect the furniture from damage in the future.
What types of furniture varnishes are there?
Furniture varnish coatings can be classified not only by composition or color, but also by degree of gloss, method of application and purpose.
If we talk about the effect after coating, then the products are divided into glossy, matte, colored and craquelure varnishes. If you use varnish with a glossy effect, the furniture will reflect light as much as possible, making it the main asset of the room. Using a matte or semi-matte product you can achieve naturalness; such furniture looks good with chrome fittings. The matte option can be used for both home and office furniture. In addition, there will be no hand marks left on furniture coated with matte varnish, and this will help hide minor defects in the product. Using colored varnish, you can choose the desired shade that will fit into the interior. Such products help turn inexpensive wood into an exquisite species. And craquelure varnish will create the effect of cracks on the surface, with its help you can turn a new product into an antique.
Now let's look at the composition of varnishes. Products based on natural oil are classified as oil varnishes. Typically, linseed oil is used here. But now many manufacturers, in order to reduce the price of the product, use synthetic rather than natural ingredients. White Spirit is used as a solvent here. After coating with such a product, the product receives a durable film that will protect against many environmental factors. Oil products can be used for both home and garden furniture. When the solvent evaporates, the layer dries completely, which is one of the main advantages of this varnish.
The next option is nitrocellulose varnish. It can be used for garden and home furniture. To make such a product, resin, colloxylin and organic components are used. It will take about one hour for one thin layer to dry. The result will be a hard and smooth film. It is also worth noting that the nitrocellulose version is very popular due to its lack of odor.
A water-based varnish is considered environmentally friendly. This option is odorless, does not contain toxins and is fireproof. Thanks to these properties, this product can be used for processing furniture in children's rooms. The varnish dries quite quickly and creates a durable and elastic film. Water-based varnishes can be classified into several options according to the type of binder. One such binder is acrylic resin. This option has a milky color, but when it dries there will be a transparent film that will have high strength. This varnish should be used in rooms with low humidity, otherwise the product simply will not dry. There are also varnishes that use polyurethane. The main feature of this varnish is protection against mechanical stress and abrasion.
Varnishes based on alkyd resins protect wood well from moisture. Moreover, such products are easy to apply and tolerate temperature changes well. Alkyd varnish can be used for both indoor and outdoor furniture. But this option requires a long drying time, which is a minor drawback.
If we classify products by purpose, then manufacturers add special components that enhance a certain effect. For example, to use varnish on garden furniture, you will need a water-repellent component. There are also varnishes that are resistant to temperature changes, impact-resistant or weather-resistant.
According to the method of application, products can be divided into traditional varnishes, which are applied with a brush, and aerosol ones. The aerosol version is economical and easy to use. This way you can easily cover hard-to-reach places; when applied, you will get an even layer that dries quickly. Most often, the aerosol version is used when restoring old furniture so as not to damage its surface.
Operating rules
Regardless of which varnish coating option is chosen for the job, certain rules should be followed. Failure to comply with them can lead to poor results, which will subsequently affect the quality of the coating.
First of all, the room where work is carried out must be well ventilated. This condition is important even if the varnish is odorless. In addition, for your own safety, it is better to wear a protective suit and have personal protective equipment. This way, the skin, eyes and respiratory tract will be reliably protected. There should be no sources of fire nearby as the product can easily ignite.
Now you can get to work. But before this, you should remove the old varnish coating from the surface, if any. There should not be even a small uncleaned area left, otherwise the result will not be an even coating. If the product that will be varnished has cracks or small “pits”, then they must be eliminated using putty. Now you can coat the furniture with a layer of primer, after which you can apply the paint product. The layers of varnish should be thin; each new layer can be applied only after the previous one has dried.
If the product will be used in the form of an aerosol, then if you do not have the skills to do so, it is better to practice on an unnecessary board or plywood. Before use, shake the can well. It should be approximately 30 centimeters from the surface where the product will be applied. Movements must be in a horizontal direction. If you hold the can too close to the surface, smudges will appear. After the first layer has dried, you need to sand the surface. And remove all dust using a dry cloth or cloth. Then apply the next layer. If desired, after complete drying, a third layer can be applied.
Moisture-resistant impregnations
To prevent wood from actively absorbing moisture, it is necessary to use special impregnations for such purposes.
As a result of their use, the wood does not deteriorate or swell. Mixtures can be bought for a reasonable price, or you can make them yourself.
We suggest using one of these recipes:
- The heated oil is mixed with hectane and diluted with turpentine oil. The solution can be prepared in large quantities and applied in several layers, preheating the mixture and drying the surface after each applied layer throughout the day.
- The heated drying oil is mixed with a certain amount of wax.
- They combine nitro varnish and drying oil, which provides excellent decorative properties for wood.
- Cold drying oil and husk are mixed and the wood is saturated with them, periodically drying the layers every 5 hours.
After impregnation, it is possible to apply paint to the surface of the wood.
How to choose a good furniture varnish
If you choose the right paint coating for furniture, you can not only improve its appearance, but also extend its service life.
So, it is worth assessing the degree of wear of the product. If a piece of furniture will be subject to heavy loads, then polyurethane varnish will be the best option. If the product is needed for decorative purposes, then the best option would be a water-based product.
Also, do not forget about environmental friendliness and fire resistance. If the product contains a solvent, there will be an unpleasant odor during operation. Also, options that do not contain solvents will be resistant to fire.
If the product consists of one component, this will facilitate the application process. But varnishes made from two components will be more stable during operation.
For expensive wood species such as beech, oak, mahogany, it is better to use a transparent product. Because such wood has a beautiful texture, and tinted options will only hide it. The color composition is ideal for pine, birch or walnut. With the help of tone you can make this breed more stylish.
To hide small imperfections in wood, it is better to use products that have a matte effect. And such a coating will not require special care.
Anti-mold impregnations
These mixtures will be needed for furniture that is used in wet rooms - baths, saunas.
To protect furniture, use a solution of copper sulfate and potassium chromium diluted in water. You can also use sodium fluoride or silicon magnesium fluoride.
You just need to mix water with copper sulfate and spray it on a dry and clean exterior in a couple of balls for the best effect.
The mixtures are applied using a hard brush, thereby protecting the wood surface from fungus and mold.
The best water-based furniture varnishes
V33 matte polyacrylic white
This product from a French manufacturer is suitable for updating the surface of furniture, wooden walls or doors. If the surface has been previously treated, it will not require preliminary priming. After the layer has completely dried, a film will form that will not be afraid of water, mechanical stress or dirt. This makes caring for the product easier. In addition, such a varnish coating will not deteriorate from temperature changes and can withstand exposure to temperatures up to 90 degrees.
This model will give the wood a white color that will not turn yellow after a few years. “V33 matte polyacrylic” is easy to use and there will be no smudges during application. One liter of this product is enough to cover 12 sq.m. In this case, the first layer dries within three hours, and it will take a day to dry completely.
The average cost of a 0.5 liter metal can of varnish is 750 rubles.
VARNISH V33 matte polyacrylic white
Advantages:
- Uniform coverage;
- Almost odorless;
- Quick drying;
- Thermal and moisture resistance.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Chief technologist acrylate semi-matte
This semi-matte transparent product has almost no odor, so work can be done even indoors. Due to the fact that the product is safe, it can be used to cover furniture or parquet in medical, preschool, food institutions, as well as to be used in everyday life. After complete drying, a film will form that is resistant to mechanical stress and will not deteriorate from moisture. With its help, you can not only transform a wooden surface, but also protect it from the aging process. In addition, this varnish can also be used for decorative purposes.
Work with this product should be carried out at a temperature not lower than +15 degrees. “Chief Technologist Acrylate Semi-matte” can be applied with a brush, roller or spray. It will take about 30-60 minutes for one layer to dry. Complete drying time is 24 hours. For 1 sq. m. it takes about 100 grams of product.
The average cost is 500 rubles.
VARNISH Chief technologist acrylate semi-matte
Advantages:
- Economical consumption;
- Easy to apply;
- Odorless;
- Can be used for decorative and protective purposes;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for garden furniture.
Tikkurila Kiva 70 polyacrylic colorless
This product is suitable for covering furniture, walls, ceilings and children's toys made of wood. It has no shade, but it can be created using a special color. It is also worth noting that the coating after such varnish will not become yellow over time, and when the product thickens, it can be diluted with water.
Tikkurila Kiva 70 polyacrylic can be applied using a sprayer, sponge or brush. After drying, a durable layer is formed on the product, which will protect the piece of furniture from mechanical stress and prevent it from aging. But to achieve this within two weeks after dyeing, the product will require careful care. So, it will take a day for Tikkurila Kiva 70 polyacrylic to dry completely. Product consumption is 8-14 l/sq.m.
The average cost of a 0.23 liter can is 500 rubles.
VARNISH Tikkurila Kiva 70 polyacrylic colorless
Advantages:
- Convenient to use;
- Applies evenly;
- Durable coating;
- Quick drying;
- European manufacturer.
Flaws:
- High price.
Neomid Interior polyacrylic colorless
Using this product, you can create a protective coating on wooden products, and it can also be used for decorative finishing. "Neomid Interior" is suitable not only for covering furniture; it can also be used to paint walls or ceilings. After drying, the film will highlight the natural structure of the wood. It is also worth noting that the varnish layer will have a semi-matte effect and high elasticity. In addition, the product contains bioprotective additives; with their help, the coated product will have reliable protection against mold and will not be subject to rotting.
"Neomid Interior" can be used for both home and garden furniture. The manufacturer also provided the possibility of using a color scheme. It will take 60 minutes for one layer of Neomid Interior to dry. One liter of product is enough to cover 5-10 sq.m.
The average cost is 350 rubles.
VARNISH Neomid Interior polyacrylic colorless
Advantages:
- No smell;
- Suitable for outdoor use;
- Quick drying;
- Low consumption;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Fireproof impregnations
Wood is a material that is naturally flammable. It is very dangerous to use it in baths, saunas, and buildings with stove heating, because there is a high probability of a fire.
To avoid this, there are special impregnations that help maximize the fire-resistant qualities of wood.
The wood is impregnated with these substances at least twice and dried well after each application.
There are many impregnating compounds for wood, both sold separately and mixed with each other yourself.
Among them:
- liquid glass in combination with aluminum frame;
- glue for office supplies;
- a mixture of ammonium sulfate and water;
- impregnation with silicate glue, barite, water and zinc bellyl;
- a solution of orthoboric acid and borax;
- a mixture of water, liquid glass, talc and spar;
- impregnation of ammonium, water and trisodium phosphate;
- a mixture of boric acid, water, borax and pentachlorophenol.
All these solutions perfectly increase the fire resistance of wood and also block the formation of blossoms from smoke.
The best solvent-based furniture varnishes
Yaroslavl paints Bystrolak alkyd
This product from a domestic manufacturer is available in transparent color, as well as in several color options that will imitate natural wood. For example, pine, oak, rosewood, Oregon, etc. This product has a fairly economical consumption, and is also not afraid of exposure to sunlight, precipitation or temperature changes. Thanks to this, Bystrolak can be used for both garden and indoor furniture.
After drying, the coating will have a gloss. Therefore, Bystrolak can be used for both decorative and protective purposes. This product will take 5 hours to dry. It is worth noting that the product consumption is 13-14 sq.m/kg.
The average cost is 350 rubles.
VARNISH Yaroslavl paints Bystrolak alkyd
Advantages:
- Economical consumption;
- Weather resistance;
- Applies evenly;
- Quick drying;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Has a strong smell.
Tikkurila Unica Super 20 alkyd-urethane
"Tikkurila Unica Super 20" can be used to protect and decorate both indoor and outdoor furniture. The main feature of this product is the presence of components that will slow down the appearance of yellowness on the coating. This will also protect the product from the harmful effects of sunlight, moisture, and create protection from mechanical stress. In addition, the varnish layer is resistant to chemicals, fats and various lubricants. “Tikkurila Unica Super 20” is highly resistant to wear, so this product can be used to cover not only furniture, but also walls or floors.
It will take 1-2 hours for one layer of Tikkurila Unica Super 20 to dry, but the next layer can be applied only after 6 hours. The coated product will reach its final resistance to wear within a month. The consumption of “Tikkurila Unica Super 20” is 8-10 sq.m/l. This product is available in cans of 0.9, 2.7, 9 liters.
The average cost of a 900 ml can is 1,100 rubles.
Tikkurila Unica Super 20 alkyd-urethane VARNISH
Advantages:
- Ease of application;
- Emphasizes texture;
- Opaque;
- Economical consumption;
- Fast drying.
Flaws:
- High price.
Dufa Retail Parkett alkyd-urethane
Although this product is called parquet, it can also be used to cover walls, furniture, window frames or doors. When applied, “Dufa Retail Parkett” spreads well, thanks to which the layer is even and has no bald spots or drips. After drying, you get a uniform gloss that will please the eye. This varnish coating is wear-resistant and is not afraid of moisture, so Dufa Retail Parkett can be used in rooms with high humidity levels. In addition, this product is available with a matte and semi-matte effect.
It will take 24 hours for the layer to dry completely. The consumption of “Dufa Retail Parkett” is 10-12 sq. m/l. This varnish is available in cans of 0.75, 2.5 and 10 liters.
The average cost of a 2.5 liter can is 1,350 rubles.
Dufa Retail Parkett alkyd-urethane varnish
Advantages:
- Wear resistance;
- Moisture resistance;
- Uniform coverage;
- Economical consumption.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Teknos Helo 15 alkyd-urethane
This transparent product has a matte effect. If desired, it can be painted with a special color and achieve the desired shade. After drying, not only a durable but also elastic film is obtained. Thanks to this, the product will withstand not only moisture, mechanical stress, but also shocks. Oil, grease or detergents will not adversely affect the coating. In addition to moisture resistance, this product is also resistant to atmospheric influences and temperature changes.
Teknos Helo 15 can be applied using a sprayer, brush or roller. It will take 12 hours for one layer to dry, and a day for complete drying. The consumption of Teknos Helo 15 is 10-14 sq.m/l.
The average cost is 900 rubles.
VARNISH Teknos Helo 15 alkyd-urethane
Advantages:
- Moisture resistance;
- Weather resistance;
- Ease of application.
Flaws:
- Drying time.
Creating an Antique Look
Many designers use paint techniques or special methods of aging furniture to give it an antique look.
There are special styles in decorative art for aging furniture - Vintage and Provence.
The best way to artificially age furniture is to apply acrylic and varnish, as well as overlaying color shades of the same tone.
The best choice for this is white paint, to which different shades are mixed.
To do this, apply a dark shade of paint to a previously cleaned, dried and primed surface.
After drying, sand the surface to create a dark color effect on a light background.
Finally, coat with gloss varnish.
In the case of acrylic paint, the varnish will give the effect of cracked old furniture. Then, after applying the paintwork, it is enough to saturate it with the acrylic mixture at the same time.
Due to the fact that the drying time for these compositions is different, cracking of the materials will occur in the form of a network of cracks.
Surface pre-treatment
So, if the furniture is old and has already been covered with some inappropriate composition (varnish or paint), it can be saved by removing the old coating and restoring it. You can use a grinder if we are talking about large surfaces, but small parts will still have to be processed manually.
- We apply thick paper to the tabletop (step, shelf, etc.) and press a hot iron against it for a few seconds.
- Now use a spatula or a sharp knife to clean off the paint or varnish - they will come off faster when heated. You can use a hair dryer.
- Where the paint has become deeply embedded in the wood structure, you need to use a remover.
- After this, use a plane to remove the old top layer of wood.
- Then we clean the surface with sandpaper. Important: sand only along the grain. We do this for two reasons: firstly, the pores of the wood do not close, and secondly, the beautiful natural pattern remains intact.
If we are processing new furniture, we start from point No. 5. Now we polish and make final preparations for applying the oil.
Oil, unlike varnish, will preserve and emphasize the natural structure of wood
- Polishing is done using a surface grinder with fine-grained attachments. The larger the grain size, the smoother the surface will be, but it is important not to overdo it, otherwise you may close the pores of the wood.
- The wood can be wiped with an alkaline solution to make the dark fibers appear brighter and the overall contrast to become stronger.
What are the features of protecting wooden furniture?
Even though wood furniture is kept indoors (at least most of the time) and not exposed to moisture, UV rays or woodworms, it still needs protection. Mainly from wear in those places that come into contact with other surfaces: objects or human palms and soles. We are talking about countertops, steps and railings of stairs, shelves, seats of stools and chairs, as well as the surfaces of wooden doors that rub against jambs every day.
Thus, we will focus on protection against abrasion rather than against temperature or chemical influences.
Even if wooden furniture is at home, it still needs protection, mainly from abrasion
Specialized care products
When purchasing professional care products on sale, you need to study their composition and purpose. Those that contain ammonia, solvents, and abrasive components are harmful to wooden furniture.
The most popular care products are polishes. They protect against dirt, smooth out minor damage and scratches, and add shine. Polishing agents with a tinting effect are available for sale. There is a separate line of polishes for varnished surfaces.
Professionals advise treating wooden interior elements with polish 1-2 times a month. The exception is countertops that are exposed to frequent impacts: weekly use of such a product is acceptable here.
To get rid of scratches, you can purchase special wax. It is rubbed into the damaged area, and if the crack is large, it is applied with a knife or spatula. After 15 minutes, the excess is removed. Wax pencils are used to disguise minor scratches.
Knowing how to properly care for solid wood furniture, you can enjoy aristocratic, elegant and safe interior items for many years: they will give comfort and warmth to more than one generation in the family.
If regular cleaning isn't enough
It happens that stains of various origins, cracks, and scratches appear on wooden furniture. Standard cleaning will not help here: more serious measures are required.
- Traces from wet dishes are wiped with a walnut kernel. After the walnut layer has dried, the surface is rubbed with cloth.
- Traces from hot dishes are treated with paraffin and then ironed through the fabric with a warm iron. The final stage is polishing with a piece of cloth.
- Old stains are covered with a mixture of vegetable oil and table salt. After 2-3 hours, carefully remove the salt and wipe the surface with a woolen cloth.
- To remove areas of mold, use a cloth soaked in gasoline. A good effect in this case is achieved by treating surfaces with a product consisting of water (200 ml) and tea tree oil (5-6 drops).
- You can get rid of shallow scratches using wax or shoe polish that matches the color. If the furniture is made of dark wood (oak, walnut, mahogany), iodine is used for this purpose. Even ordinary strong tea leaves will help out here: it is applied with a cotton pad. The saturation of the brew is adjusted depending on the color of the surface being restored.
Wooden objects easily absorb foreign odors (for example, cigarette smoke), getting rid of which can be a problem. In such situations, a bowl of coffee grounds left inside a closet or chest of drawers will help. An alternative is to spray a mixture of white vinegar (0.5 cup) and water (2 cups) on the interior surfaces. If the foreign odor is very intense, the furniture is treated with a soda solution. You can simply sprinkle baking soda inside and remove it with a vacuum cleaner the next day.
