- When purchasing varnish, consider how glossy the surface should be after the application process is finished and has dried, and how long it takes to dry. A high gloss finish will leave a bright shiny surface and will bring out the color pigments. No matter if the surface is painted or stained, the shine will make the colors brighter. A satin finish will have a softer glow when it is dry. It also brings the colors out and will add a nice hue to the surface. A matte varnish has little to no shine, but serves more as a sealer to protect the color and the surface.
- Water-based varnish dries quickly, usually within a half-hour or so. Available in an interior and exterior finish, it is less toxic than oil-based varnishes are. Since the drying time is shorter, multiple coats of varnish can be applied in a few hours. Oil based varnish has a much longer drying time requirement and may take a day or two to harden completely. The hardness of both varnishes are equal to one another. Many varnish products are made to work in conjunction with the paint or stain made by the same manufacturer.
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The surface must be completely clean, smooth and free of dust. A good paint brush is necessary for stroke-free coverage. When purchasing a brush, read the label for recommended usage.
Dip the brush halfway into the varnish to load it well. Begin at the very edge of the surface and work in one direction only. If the brush runs out of varnish, reload it and continue on. Apply even coats of varnish and allow it to dry thoroughly. Run a hand over the surface to feel for roughness. If there is any roughness at all, lightly sand the surface with a superfine grit sandpaper in one direction only. Wipe the surface clean and apply the second coat of varnish. Two or three vanish applications should be enough.
If a wipe-on polyurethane varnish is purchased, then use a clean, lint-free cloth and apply the varnish in smooth sweeping strokes across the surface. Once it has dried, check for surface roughness and sand with a superfine grit sandpaper.
