How to Varnish

Varnish is a traditional finish for fine furniture and other wood projects.

Varnish is a traditional wood finish that can enhance the natural beauty of any woodworking project. The application of varnish requires several coats to achieve a lustrous finish. It is important to make sure that the area where you apply varnish is free of dust and remains free of dust throughout the entire process to ensure that the finish is smooth. Varnish is ideally applied between the 70 to 80 degree range, but it must be at least 60 degrees.

Things You'll Need

• 320 grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Varnish
• Cheesecloth
• Small plastic bucket
• Mineral spirits
• Paint stirrer
• Varnish brush

Instructions

1. Finish sand the surface of the wood to be varnished with 320 grit sandpaper to prepare it for the varnish. The wood may need to be prepared by sanding with coarse grits of sandpaper using 100 grit first, followed by 200 grit until finishing the piece with 320 grit.

2. Wipe the surface of the wood with a tack cloth to clean off any small dust particles left behind by the sandpaper.

3. Strain the varnish through two layers of cheesecloth to filter out any sediments from the can each time you mix it. Mix together 1 part varnish with 1 part mineral spirits in a plastic bucket with a paint stirrer. This is the mixture necessary for the first coat, which is a thin sealer coat.

4. Brush a thin sealer coat onto the wood with a varnish brush. Allow the coat to dry overnight.

5. Sand the sealer coat very lightly with 320-grit sandpaper. Wipe the wood surface off with a tack cloth.

6. Mix together 4 parts varnish with 1 part mineral spirits. Apply at least two additional coats of varnish or more until the desired finish is achieved. The finish will be more durable with each additional coat. Allow the varnish to dry overnight between applications. Allow the final coat to cure for at least three weeks before heavy use.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a hand rubbed paste wax over the varnish to add a polished look to the project once the varnish has cured for three weeks.

• Wear eye protection when sanding varnish. Apply varnish in a well ventilated area.

References

• Craftsman Style: Varnishing Wood, How to Varnish Wood
• Antique Restorers: Brushing On Varnish

Resources

• The Family Handyman: Finishing Wood Trim with Stain and Varnish