What types of varnishes and colors are there for furniture? Types of furniture varnish, their main areas of application

Lacquered furniture is unlikely to ever go out of fashion. Despite the fact that many different materials for making furniture have now appeared on the market, a lacquered living room or bedroom will always be very popular. Furniture varnish, which covers not only various pieces of furniture, but also other wood products, allows you to protect the surface of the wood from various damages; in addition, many types of varnish can protect wood from exposure to water.

What types of varnishes are there?

Experts identify several groups of varnishes that can be used to treat various surfaces.

The first group includes varnishes that are used to treat floors. The second group includes the so-called ship varnishes, this type of varnish can be used to coat wooden products that are located in, the third, most popular type of varnish includes furniture varnishes and varnishes that are used for finishing wooden surfaces, which are located both indoors and outdoors.

Before, how to choose furniture varnish , you need to pay attention to many parameters.

First of all, furniture varnishes are divided into single-component and multi-component; many of us used two-component varnishes when sanding parquet. When choosing a varnish for furniture, you should also pay attention to the varnish-forming base; currently there is an abundance of varnishes on the market that are made on the basis of polyacrylic, polyurethane, epoxy and other bases.

An important criterion that must be taken into account when choosing a varnish is its environmental friendliness. Most water-based varnishes are practically odorless and can be applied to the surface of furniture without using various respiratory protection devices. Most varnishes that use organic solvents have a sharp, unpleasant odor. In addition, furniture varnishes that do not contain organic solvents are...

Currently, you can find both domestic and foreign paint and varnish materials on the market. For domestic paints and varnishes there is a certain marking, which consists of four groups of characters.

The first group of numbers indicates the type of paint and varnish material, it can be varnish or enamel, in some cases the pigment that is included in the varnish is indicated.

The second group of symbols describes the type of film-forming substance that is used in the manufacture of varnish; safe varnishes include varnishes that are made on the basis of natural resins, for example, oil, rosin or water-dispersion.

The third group of symbols describes the purpose of the varnish, for example, weather-resistant, limited weather-resistant, water-repellent, heat-resistant or special.

The fourth group of symbols encodes the drying oil on the basis of which the paint is made or the plant where the paint and varnish material was made.Also, for most varnishes, the marking indicates their type - glossy, semi-gloss, matte or semi-matte.

The process of varnishing furniture has a rather complex technology; if you want to restore it, it is best to contact companies that have extensive experience in this field; as a rule, this work is carried out in specialized workshops.

Before you start varnishing furniture, you must clearly describe the parts that you plan to restore. Next, the parts must be removed from the furniture; if disassembling the furniture is impossible, you must carefully pack those furniture parts that cannot be varnished.

Before you start varnishing furniture with the chosen furniture varnish, you need to clean off the old layer of varnish and paint, why carefully sand the piece of furniture and smooth out all the chips and cracks that have formed on the wood during use. Before starting paint and varnish work, it is necessary to remove all dust that may remain after sanding wooden materials from the surface of the furniture.

Next, you need to cover the furniture with stain or paint, which can be selected according to RAL; after painting the furniture parts, you need to cover the furniture with two layers of varnish; as a rule, the varnish is applied to the surface of the furniture by roller or spraying; after applying the varnish, the furniture is dried in a special chamber, which allows create the perfect coverage. As a rule, the drying time for furniture varnish is 24 hours.

Reminds you that even after varnishing furniture, you should remember that polished furniture should be cared for using special products that do not leave streaks or scratches on the surface of the varnish, and also add shine to the furniture.

Lacquered furniture never goes out of style. Elegant and attractive, it allows you to radically transform the interior and bring into it a touch of familiar home comfort. When processing it, modern furniture varnishes are used, which protect the surface from mechanical stress, increase resistance to moisture, and prevent cracking and deformation. The construction market offers consumers a wide selection of paints and varnishes, which should be selected depending on their composition, purpose and expected effect.

Types of furniture varnishes by effect

The choice of composition based on visual effect largely depends on the wishes of the buyer himself. Whether you want to emphasize the noble structure of wood, give it more naturalness or a characteristic shine - all this determines the characteristics of furniture varnish for wood and divides it into several categories:

• Glossy and semi-gloss – gives a mirror effect and increases the decorative properties of interior items.
• Matte and semi-matte - allows wood to look as natural as possible and hides surface defects well.
• Colored – provides the furniture with the necessary shade. With its help, you can visually transform inexpensive types of wood into rare and noble types of wood.
• Craquelure is a specific varnish for wood furniture with a cracking effect, which gives the products an aged, antique look.

Types of varnishes by composition

The most extensive classification of paints and varnishes involves their division according to the main component included in the composition. Depending on this, the following furniture varnishes are distinguished:

• Water-based - products containing water, a binder (for example, acrylic or polyurethane) and various additives. Such materials are environmentally friendly, odorless and form a durable film with high wear resistance.
• Polyurethane – varnishes for wooden furniture based on urethane. They are among the most durable and abrasion resistant. Their high price is offset by the ability to create a coating with excellent performance characteristics that will last for many years.
• Oil based – materials based on natural oils. They form a waterproof film, but have a fairly long drying time.
• Nitrovarnishes are compositions that include colloxylin, synthetic resins, solvents and plasticizers. These wood furniture varnishes dry quickly and provide a durable finish, but contain toxic substances that can pose a health hazard.
• Alkyd – products based on organic solvents and alkyd resins. They are characterized by excellent water resistance, but their drying period is up to three days.
• Alcohol - varnishes based on alcohol and natural resins. They have good mechanical strength and adhesion to any surfaces. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the lack of resistance to high humidity.

Types of varnishes by purpose

When making furniture varnishes for wood products, many manufacturers mix them with special additives that allow the treated items to be used under special conditions. Based on their purpose, compositions are divided into several types:

• Heat-resistant – keeps furniture in its original form when used at high or low temperatures.
• Weather resistant – provides protection for surfaces that are exposed to the elements.
• Water-repellent – ​​furniture varnish that protects against high humidity (for example, when applied to garden furniture).
• Impact-resistant – protects against mechanical influences (impacts, chips, scratches).

Water-based compositions are among the most popular paints and varnishes because they are safe for health, easy to apply and have a short curing period. The product is characterized by the formation of an elastic coating, which not only decorates the tree, but also provides its preventive protection. On the other hand, it is undesirable to use such furniture wood varnish in places with high humidity, since it does not have water-repellent properties.

If you are looking for high-quality water-based formulations, in the TBM-Market store catalog you can find a wide range of products that meet the accepted criteria of quality and environmental friendliness.

Urethane-based materials can be used for both internal surface treatment and external use. Furniture polyurethane varnish for wood is not afraid of humidity, solar radiation and negative environmental influences (including sea water), therefore it is successfully used even in difficult operating conditions.

Its main advantages include increased strength and wear resistance, the ability not to crack during deformation, and excellent adhesion to all types of wood. Depending on the composition, the product is divided into one-component (completely ready for use) and two-component, which must be mixed with a hardener before application.

Oil varnishes

Typically, oil varnish for furniture is used for exterior finishing, as it protects wood well from sunlight and the effects of high humidity - fungi, mold. They cover garden benches, tables, gazebos, and various kinds of wooden decorations for the landscape. After application, the material gives the products a characteristic yellowish tint, which has a positive effect on the decorative properties of the furniture.

Alkyd varnishes

Compositions based on alkyd resins are resistant to temperature changes and changes in humidity. Using varnish for furniture made of wood of this type, you can achieve good decorativeness of the coating, resistance to vibration loads, mechanical damage and chemicals. As for the disadvantages, the product takes a long time to dry, so many manufacturers produce two-component materials to which special hardeners are added to increase the drying speed.

Criterias of choice

To purchase the most suitable varnish for furniture, you should pay attention to the key features of the proposed items. When purchasing, it is recommended to consider the following criteria:

• Ecological cleanliness. Water-based products are considered the safest, while varnishes based on organic solvents have an unpleasant odor, so they require the use of respirators during application.
• Fire resistance. The most fire-resistant varnishes for wood furniture are those that do not contain solvents.
• Method of application. One-component materials are easier to process because they do not require pre-mixing, but two-component materials are considered to be of higher quality and more reliable in further use.
• Decorative. Oil-based products provide the greatest decorative value. If you want to give your furniture an antique effect, you should choose craquelure materials.

If you find it difficult to purchase the optimal composition, TBM-Market consultants will help you choose and select exactly the furniture wood varnish that is best suited for your interior items.

Types of varnishes by surface type

Among the huge variety of furniture varnishes, it is customary to distinguish several types, the difference between which is determined primarily by the type of surface for which they are intended.

The first group includes varnishes that are used to treat floors. The second group includes the so-called ship varnishes. They are typically used to cover wood products found in bathrooms. And finally, the third group of varnishes is furniture varnishes, as well as varnishes that are used to finish wooden surfaces both indoors and outdoors.

How to choose furniture varnish? The answer to this question is not so easy to give. First of all, you need to decide on a number of parameters, without knowledge of which you can make a serious mistake and purchase something that is not at all what you need.

When choosing furniture varnish, be sure to take into account such an important criterion as the environmental friendliness of the product. Water-based varnishes are in most cases safe, odorless, and working with them is practically safe for life - there is no need for respiratory protection devices. Varnishes based on organic solvents have a strong, unpleasant odor, which necessitates the need for respiratory protection during operation. Varnishes for furniture, do not contain organic solvents, are fireproof.

Marking of furniture varnishes

Currently, both foreign varnishes and domestically produced products are presented on the market in our country. The latter are distinguished by special markings, including four groups of symbols.

The first group indicates the type of material (varnish, enamel). If necessary, the pigment included in the varnish is described here.

The second group of symbols describes the film-forming substance that was used to make the varnish. If the base of the varnish contains natural resins, such as water-dispersed, oil, rosin, then it is considered safe.

The third group provides information about the purpose of the varnish. Here we distinguish such varieties as weather-resistant, water-repellent, heat-resistant, and special varnishes.

The fourth group of symbols contains information about the plant where the varnish was made, or about the drying oil that became the basis for this varnish.

In addition, many varnishes are labeled to indicate their type (for example, glossy, matte, semi-gloss, semi-matte).

Types of varnishes by composition

Another parameter by which it is customary to distinguish furniture varnishes is their composition. Here it is customary to distinguish alkyd varnishes, oil varnishes, nitro varnishes, acrylic varnishes, epoxy and polyurethane varnishes.

Alkyd varnishes, as the name suggests, are based on alkyd resins and organic solvents. Due to their high strength and moisture resistance, these varnishes are very popular for both interior and exterior decoration. A significant drawback of this type of varnish is the long drying period, which, however, some manufacturers correct by adding a special hardener to the composition.

The basis oil varnishes includes resins, vegetable oils, organic solvents. This type of varnish is used primarily for the primary coating of wooden surfaces.

Nitrovarnishes are made from varnish colloxin, plasticizers, and resins. The main area of ​​use is interior finishing work. A number of advantages of nitro varnishes include short drying time, excellent adhesion to the surface, and high strength. Disadvantages - harm to health due to toxic solvents contained in their base.

Acrylic varnishes are considered the most environmentally friendly type of furniture varnish. Due to their water base, they are fireproof. Acrylic varnishes, or as they are also called, water-based varnishes, are characterized by high strength and elasticity. The disadvantages of this type of varnish include the requirement for appropriate indoor conditions - they are sensitive to moisture (room humidity should not fall below 50%). Acrylic varnishes applied with special rollers or by pneumatic spraying.

Epoxy varnishes for furniture are characterized by durability, resistance to various influences, and high water resistance. They are used for both internal and external work.

Polyurethane varnishes are among the most popular. They are resistant to abrasion and various influences, and their scope of application is extremely wide. They cover both musical instruments and parquet floors.

The popularity of natural interiors is explained by their natural beauty and complete harmlessness to human health.

An integral part of such home decoration is wooden furniture: if it is not additionally coated with a protective layer of paint or furniture varnish, it will quickly become cracked and deformed. The latter finishing option is more preferable, as it allows you to preserve (and sometimes emphasize) the natural beauty of the wood.

Purpose

Furniture varnish is a film-forming composition intended for the treatment of wooden bases. It is designed to perform the following tasks:

• protect surfaces from mechanical influences;
• make wooden products glossy (shiny) or matte;
• emphasize the natural beauty of wood (especially valuable species);
• create an impenetrable barrier to moisture, which can cause the wood to dry out or swell;
• protect from biological influences (fungus or harmful insects);
• increase the service life of expensive wooden furniture.

Varnishes for wooden furniture can be slightly tinted by adding pigment, or a transparent version can be used. They must be applied in several layers to ensure reliable protection.

Main varieties depending on the effect

Furniture varnish for wood is classified according to a number of characteristics. The first of these is the effect imparted to the treated surface. According to this criterion, glossy, matte, colored and transparent varieties of material can be distinguished.

A feature of a glossy or semi-gloss finish is its special shine and highlighting of the wood structure. This finish lasts a very long time, but does not mask flaws in the base well. Recommended for use in gloomy, shaded rooms to optimize the atmosphere.

If the purpose of finishing is to create an emphasis on the naturalness of wooden furniture, it is recommended to use matte or semi-matte varnish. Before varnishing, the base must be thoroughly sanded. This type of finish hides surface defects well and is easy to maintain.

The most common type of varnish for wooden furniture is a transparent substance. Most often it is used for processing valuable wood species (protection from moisture and other harmful influences).

The colored composition is used for varnishing inexpensive types of wood (pine, linden, birch), helping to increase the contrast of their structure. An excellent option for those cases when it is necessary to update furniture by creating a protective film on its surface. Colored varnishes are available for sale in a wide range of colors, so there are usually no problems with choosing the appropriate shade.

Craquelure varnish helps to imitate decorative aging with the appearance of cracks. Furniture items with a craquelure effect look best in retro and Provence interior styles.

Division by composition

The second important criterion for classifying furniture varnishes is their chemical composition.

Oil

In the old days, the basis of this group of materials was natural resin. Later it was replaced with natural oil and artificial additives. Oil varnishes are characterized by a significant variety of colors. Matte furniture varnish is especially beautiful.

Alkyd

Using alkyd varnish, you can create a durable and transparent moisture-resistant coating on the surface of furniture. The substance is made on the basis of alkyd resins and organic solvents. The applied layer dries for quite a long time, almost three days (although there are also quick-drying modifications with a drying time of no more than 24 hours). The application tool is usually a roller or spray gun.

Water based

A very convenient option for finishing wood is water-based furniture varnish. One of the varieties of this line of materials is acrylic varnish, after application of which a durable film appears. The finish hardens gradually as the water evaporates. Water-based varnishes do not emit unpleasant odors and are absolutely harmless to human health. This is the best option for wooden furniture that will be in a children's room.

The undoubted advantages of these materials include good drying speed and fire safety (the substance does not burn at all). The coating also has a significant weak point - furniture varnished in this way does not receive proper protection from moisture. For this reason, it is recommended to treat wooden products installed in dry rooms with water-based varnishes.

Alcohol

The main components here are alcohol and natural resins. After applying alcohol varnish, a durable shiny coating is formed. Like water-based ones, these materials resist moisture quite weakly. Most often these furniture varnishes are used to coat polished bases.

Polyurethane

A very durable and wear-resistant material, suitable for processing any wooden furniture located outdoors or indoors. Due to its outstanding performance qualities, even floors are coated with polyurethane varnish. Although such finishing costs a pretty penny, the money invested is fully compensated by its excellent performance and decorative characteristics.

Nitrolac

Nitrovarnishes contain resins, colloxylin, plasticizers and solvents. After application, a very durable layer is formed on the surface of the wood, drying in about 3-4 hours. Due to the volatile toxins contained in the material, it is permissible to work only in a respirator and gloves. This varnish can be used for garden furniture that will be placed outside, for benches, etc.

How to choose unscented varnish

When deciding which varnish is best for wooden furniture, it is recommended to pay attention to the most harmless compositions that do not have an unpleasant odor. This is not so easy to do, because materials based on organic solvents usually smell very strongly. The disadvantage of durable and moisture-resistant alkyd compositions is their high toxicity. Similar characteristics are also inherent in nitrocellulose quick-drying varnishes.

Polyurethane materials, despite their popularity and wide application, also contain toxic solvents. The best option for odorless furniture varnish is a water-based acrylic coating. It has virtually no restrictions on use, being characterized by complete harmlessness, durability, fire safety and high decorative characteristics. Wooden products processed with its help retain their naturalness and natural texture.

Aerosol-type compositions

As a rule, furniture varnishes require additional dilution before use. To facilitate the work of paint and varnish manufacturers, a special line of materials in the form of a spray has been developed. The substance is poured into sealed cans under factory conditions, from where it is subsequently sprayed by aerosol. This saves time on preparing the composition and money on purchasing the necessary tools (brushes, rollers).