Coating from the LKM category, called varnish, is used to protect the surface of furniture, parquet, and other wooden elements that are often used in the interior and become its integral part. A film forms on the surface, which does not allow moisture and water to penetrate the structure of the tree and spoil it. The tree receives an extra shine and lasts longer than a regular, not varnished. There is no need to talk much about this material, the only thing left to take care of is to study the subtleties of choosing the right varnish option.
The market is full of all kinds of materials, therefore, in order to make a choice, study the item of purchase, familiarizing yourself with varieties and characteristics of varnish.
Types of varnishes for wood
By types, the following options are distinguished:
- Based on oil or from resins, the proportions of the components differ. The more resins in the composition, the sooner the varnish dries, but it is less durable. Such varnishes penetrate deeply into the structure of the tree, so they are perfect for furniture processing. But to finish the floor you have to look for another option.
- On a natural or synthetic resin base. Varnishes are similar in their operational properties and characteristics to oil and are indispensable in working with wood.
- Alkyd, so they got the name. The class of varnishes is characterized by high moisture resistance and resistance to temperature extremes. These products are inexpensive. It is actively used to cover wood floors, giving wood additional strength, suitable for many years of use.
- Alcohol, in the composition of which - ethyl alcohol and resins. A distinctive characteristic of the material is short drying times and low cost. They are used to cover furniture and other wooden objects, including wooden musical instruments. Such a varnish for wood is not suitable for interior work.
- Alkyd-urea varnishes, which differ from analogues in the preparation features. Before applying varnish, a special hardener is added to it. This is an excellent coating for furniture and flooring, characterized by increased strength and moisture resistance, enhanced gloss after drying.
- Epoxy based. This is the best varnish for floors exposed to heavy loads. Thanks to epoxy resins, a solid film is formed on the surface of the varnish, which perfectly resists mechanical damage, including strong impacts.
- Polyester. The peculiarity of using the material is with the help of a special gun that promotes the formation of a thick glossy film.
- Essential cellulose varnishes dry quickly, but do not differ in high strength, therefore, they begin to peel off over time. Varnishes are used to coat small wood products. For furniture, interior and floor, they will be useless. Do not ask how much the varnish dries: if you need a fast hardening option, then the cellulose ether composition is for you.
- Acrylic-urethane varnishes are diluted with water before use. They are characterized by increased adhesion, therefore they are suitable for arranging saunas and baths.
- Based on acrylic. Such varnishes are fireproof, therefore they are used for decoration of premises with specific operating conditions, where the possibility of fire is increased. Acrylic varnishes for wood are characterized by increased adhesion and adhere well to almost any type of material. They are rarely used to cover the floor surface, as they are not durable.
- Alkyd-urethane - resistant to adverse effects, therefore suitable for external finishing work and painting boats. Of the shortcomings, their high toxicity is noted, therefore, the use of personal protective equipment is required.
- Polyurethane varnishes. This class of durable varnishes includes compounds with an unpleasant pungent odor. Suitable for exterior and interior use. A film formed on the surface helps protect the surface even from corrosive chemicals that can affect the surface of the wood.
Application area
All varnishes are divided into four categories, and the ownership of materials is determined by the characteristics of the surfaces and the scope of use:
- Internal work. Varnishes forming a strong and hard coating on the surface. Due to this, the material is characterized by the main property - abrasion resistance, especially parquet varnishes. Such products are environmentally friendly. Varnish for wood for interior work is most often made on the basis of drying oil.
- Outdoor work. An elastic coating is formed on the surface that can withstand compression and expansion of a material, such as wood or metal. The main difference between such varnishes is resistance to weathering, UV radiation, temperature jumps, etc.
- With a decorative effect. Actively used to give the original appearance to surfaces, for example, the effect of aged wood or wet stone. The varieties used for both indoor and outdoor work are distinguished.
- Universal component formulations. Actual for internal and external works. These include alkyd varnishes, nitro varnishes, etc. The coatings are characterized by the following features:
- elasticity;
- film hardness;
- long term of operation.
Despite the above listed characteristics, the described types of varnishes are not suitable for all types of interior work and exterior decoration.
Purpose of paints and varnishes for interior and exterior decoration
All paintwork materials are also divided into categories based on the principle of use and operational characteristics of the material processed by the varnish. They are briefly described below.
For wood
They are divided into funds for external and internal works, characterized by:
- resistance to UV radiation;
- exposure to moisture;
- temperature differences;
- a number of mechanical influences.
The color of the varnishes may also vary.
Among these varnishes include alkyd, alkyd-urethane, polyurethane compounds. An excellent choice for wood protection is yacht varnish on an alkyd-urethane base, characterized as a composition with increased wear resistance.
For parquet
This group includes varieties of coatings for wood, characterized by increased resistance to mechanical abrasion. Parquet varnishes are glossy and matte, which determines their degree of gloss. In addition, they are characterized by environmental friendliness (for example, water-based varnishes for wood) and fire safety. A good option is a two-component high-residue polyurethane varnish and an alkyd-carbide varnish option.
For metal
Suitable for both internal and external decoration and used to protect metal from corrosion and give it aesthetic external qualities. The main advantage of the varnish is increased resistance to wear and corrosion.
Special formulations with various colors are widely distributed - varnishes used to cover reservoirs that store various kinds of liquids, as well as metal floors, equipment, and other structures made of metal. The best option is a polyurethane or epoxy varnish.
For stone
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use to cover stone surfaces. They are especially resistant to mechanical stress, moisture, and aggressive chemicals. The best option for a stone is an acrylic coating.
For concrete
Such materials are used for external and internal works and painting floors, walls, structures, tiles - facing and paving. How to apply varnish is not difficult to guess, and with the help of smooth brush strokes it will be possible to cover any surface.
The advantages of concrete varnishes include high resistance to abrasion, the influence of atmospheric precipitation, chemical aggressive substances, and mechanical stresses. Polyurethane varnishes cope best with the goals. The scope of their application is limited to the decoration of industrial facilities, industrial premises, agricultural buildings, various infrastructure facilities, etc.
Some tips for choosing LMB
Follow some recommendations when choosing a varnish for opening a tree:
- To paint the floor, choose those types of varnishes that are characterized by increased strength and wear resistance.
- For furniture, buy coatings emphasizing its appearance - the structure and beauty of wood. Polyurethane compounds, which, among other advantages, are also safe for human health, can cope with such goals.
- To perform outdoor robots, give preference to varnishes, characterized by increased resistance to UV radiation, temperature jumps, humidity, and other negative external factors.
- For interior work, take only that varnish that does not have a sharp corrosive odor. While for the outdoor, depending on the direction of application, anyone will do.
- Depending on the desired result, choose a paintwork that guarantees a glossy or matte finish.
- To obtain a safe and completely harmless coating, use environmentally friendly material, for example, water-based varnish for wood. Such varnishes are no worse than alternative options, but can be used in children's rooms.
Wood varnish is another chance to extend the life of wooden things, products and surfaces, as well as improve their appearance and performance.