Transform Your Wooden Interiors: How To Use Wood Varnish Like a Pro

Bring your wooden furniture back to life with a good coat of wood varnish!

Wooden furniture and interiors like doors, windows, and trim are a sturdy and timeless choice that stands the test of time - until it meets its nemesis: kids, pets, and everyday living! So, when your cherished wooden pieces become an accidental scratchpad or the glossy finish begins to chip off, it’s time to bring back the lustre with wood varnish.

But there are so many different wood varnish options out there - sprays, stains, oils, liquids, and more - it can be confusing. And picking out a varnish type is only half the battle, you also need to know the right techniques for applying it.

No stress! You'll soon become a pro at varnishing wooden interiors at home after going through the following;

Before you get to the applying part, it's important first to understand the basics of wood varnish and the different types available in New Zealand.

What Is Wood Varnish, And Why Do You Need It?

Wood varnish is a protective finish applied to wooden surfaces, such as furniture, doors, trim, and windows. On top of giving your interiors a glossy and lustrous finish, it provides;

• Protection: Varnish creates a durable barrier that shields the wood from moisture, everyday wear and tear and the harsh UV rays creeping through windows.
• Enhancement: It enhances the natural beauty of wood by bringing out its grains and rich tones.
• Longevity: Properly varnished wood can last for years, preserving the beauty and structural integrity of the wooden interiors.

Want to give your wood floors a refresh at the same time? Check out our guide on how to update interior timber floors here.

The 5 Different Types Of Wood Varnish

There are five common types of wood varnish you'll come across at your local Hardware or DIY store: polyurethane sprays and brush-on varnishes (oil-based or water-based), shellac, acrylic, and lacquer. To choose which one best works for you, it's important to understand the unique characteristics of each.

Spray varnish for wood furniture and interiors

Polyurethane Liquid Varnish for Wood Furniture and Interiors

Polyurethane varnish is a liquid plastic that is available in two forms: clear-based and stained varnishes. Both stain and clear varnishes come as water-based or oil-based.

Clear Polyurethane Varnishes

• Clear Water-based Polyurethane:

Highly durable, hard-wearing, fast-drying varnish enhances the natural grain of the wood.  The best thing about this varnish is that you don't have to do any sanding if the wooden surface is in good condition.

Quick specs:

• Fast recoat
• Non-yellowing
• Water wash-up

You can use Cabot's Cabothane Clear Water-Based varnish on its own or on top of a stain to add another layer of protection.

See how that's done in this quick video tutorial.

• Clear Oil-based Polyurethane:

Polyurethane Stain Varnish

• Stain & Varnish Water Based:

• Stain & Varnish Oil Based:

Shellac wood varnish

Shellac varnish is made out of a natural resin secreted by a female lac beetle. This varnish was once widely used until polyurethane varnishes were introduced and proved to be more durable and heat-resistant, as well as have a longer shelf life.

Lacquer wood varnish

Lacquer varnish is known for its quick drying time and high-gloss finish, but it may not be as durable as other options.

Acrylic wood varnish

Acrylic varnish is water-based and offers a clear finish. It's known for its low toxicity and easy cleanup.

How To Restore Old Varnished Wood With Cabot's Polyutherane Varnish

Now that we've covered the basics of wood varnish and the different types, we'll show you how to re-varnish old furniture, doors, windows and trims using Cabot's premium wood finishes.

Watch this video for a quick tutorial, or scroll down for detailed step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Strip the old varnish. Use a suitable paint stripper to remove the old varnish, following safety guidelines.

Step 2: Preparing the surface. Repair any damage or imperfections on the wood's surface using Cabot's Wood Tone Putty if needed. Then, sand using 180 grit sandpaper to create a smooth canvas for the new varnish.

Step 3. Applying varnish. Choose your preferred Cabot's wood varnish and apply using a good quality brush or roller going with the grain.

Step 4: Allow the varnish to dry. Drying time can vary depending on the type of wood varnish used, so read the label for instructions.

Step 5: Apply more coats as needed. Once the first layer is dry, apply another coat to make sure you get an even and beautiful finish.

Step 6: Dry again, then enjoy the results and admire your restored aged wood!

3 Quick FAQs about Wood Varnish for Furniture

Which varnish is best for wood?

For interior wood, you can't go wrong with a clear polyurethane varnish. It offers excellent protection and showcases the wood's natural beauty. Choose between water-based or oil-based polyurethane, depending on your preference.

What is the difference between wood varnish and wood finish?

Wood varnish is a protective coating that enhances wood's appearance and durability. Meanwhile, wood finish is a broader term that includes varnish but also includes stains, sealers, and other coatings used to protect and enhance wood.

Should I use wood stain or varnish?

It depends on your goal. If you want to add colour and enhance the wood's grain, go for a wood stain like Cabot's Interior Stain Water-Based followed by an overcoat with a Cabothane Clear Water-Based. If you're looking for protection and a glossy finish while preserving the wood's natural look, opt for a clear varnish, like our Cabothane Clear Water-Based.

Wrap-Up: Key Points On How To Varnish Wood Furniture

• Wood varnish offers protection and enhances a wooden surface's natural beauty and longevity.
• There are five types of wood varnish- polyurethane sprays and brush-ons (oil and water-based), shellac, acrylic and lacquer.
• Restoring old-varnished woods is easy using Cabot's premium wood finishes - sand down the surface, apply varnish with a brush or roller going with the grain and allow drying time between coats per label instructions.
• Whether to use stain or varnish depends on your goal- for colour and grain enhancement, choose a stain. To show off the natural grain of the wood, choose a clear varnish-like Cabot's clear water-based.

Got a question we haven’t answered? Our Help and Advice hub can help you out. If not, find Cabot's wood varnishes at your local DIY/hardware store here, and get started on your project today.