Types of Varnishes for Furniture Refinishing

Despite your best efforts, the original finish of your furniture might chip. This finish is meant to protect the underlying wood, and its chipping will leave your wood exposed to various elements that might harm it. In this instance, your ideal alternative is furniture refinishing. Most people assume that this is as easy as applying a store-bought finish. There, however, are a lot of decisions involved in making the right choice in refinishing. You, for instance, should choose between an opaque and a transparent finish. Antiques are mostly finished with a clear finish, most notably varnish, to let their natural beauty shine. Here are the varnish types that can be used.

 

Acrylic Varnish

 

This is a non-toxic water-based finish that dries quickly. It also has excellent UV resistance meaning it is perfect for outdoor furniture. Acrylic varnish does not yellow and can be cleaned with water making it user-friendly. It is available in matte, satin and gloss variants.

 

Exterior Varnish

 

This is specifically meant for outdoor furniture. It has an additional ingredient for UV protection to guarantee better protection for your wood compared to when using acrylic varnish. Exterior varnish for furniture refinishing is also micro-porous. This property allows the wood to breathe to prevent mold growth.

 

Polyurethane Varnish

 

This generates a relatively hard surface and is often used for floors and furniture prone to considerable wear and tear. Polyurethane varnish is heat-resistant and will be the perfect choice for refinishing kitchen furniture and that used in areas exposed to heat. Polyurethane varnish comes in matte, satin, and gloss variants.

 

Furniture refinishing using the above varnishes requires high-quality surface preparation. Speed is also essential during the application of the varnish since some dry very quickly. Only a professional will come with the right balance between speed and correct application of varnish to guarantee your furniture still looks exceptional.