How to Use Colored Varnish

Varnish brings out the grain of wood while protecting it from heat, stains and scratches. Colored varnish can be used over previous layers of varnish or on untreated wood to make it look old, match other types of wood or darken it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brushes
• Clean Rags
• Colored Varnish
• Steel Wool
• Clean Rags
• Steel Wool
• Lamb's Wool Applicator Pads
• Mineral Spirits
• Mineral Spirits
• Newspaper
• Newspaper
• Linseed Oils
• Pollen/dust Masks

1. Set out a layer of newspapers to protect the work area.

2. Gather your brushes, clean rags, steel wool pads and mineral spirits so that they're nearby when needed.

3. Clean the wood to be treated with a steel wool pad dipped in about a cup of mineral spirits mixed with 2 tsp. linseed oil.

4. Use a clean rag to dry the wood.

5. Pour enough varnish to do the first coat into a separate container, and dilute it with 10 percent mineral spirits (1 part mineral spirits to 10 parts varnish).

6. Use a lamb's wool pad to rub this diluted varnish into the wood. Work with the grain.

7. Let that coat dry at least 6 hours but not more than 20.

8. Apply the second coat with the pad or a brush, but don't use the diluted formula.

9. Put on up to five coats, depending on how much wear you anticipate the surface to receive.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider making a test run to see how dark the varnish will make your wood.
• Keep everything as clean as possible. A piece of lint or dust stuck in the varnish can ruin its smooth look. If you discover dust in the varnish, let it dry and then sand it with very fine sandpaper before applying the next coat.
• Dragging the paintbrush across the rim of the can will cause bubbles. Dab it instead.
• Read the label before use and follow the manufacturer's warnings and suggestions carefully.
• Wear a respirator mask if you can't avoid being in the fumes.
• Dispose of rags and newspapers in a closed metal can. Vapors can easily catch fire.