Features of wooden countertop coating for the kitchen

Choosing a countertop is one of the most important issues when arranging a kitchen, which must be resolved first of all. After all, this is a work area. It is noteworthy that every day she is subjected to many tests of strength. For example, hot dishes, cutting food, splashes of boiling water, fat, spilled liquids... That is, the main part of the load falls on the work surface.

And in this article we will tell you in detail how to cover a wooden tabletop so that it retains its original appearance and performance characteristics for as long as possible.

Wood is the material preferred by most. Why? Because this option is the most environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing of all available on the market.

Don't plan to spend money on a kitchen top made of natural wood, but want a high-quality and environmentally friendly product? Pay attention to the product line from the Kedr brand.

A catalog of more than 180 decors will allow you to choose the appropriate option for any interior concept. It contains products that are indistinguishable in appearance from real wood. And the E1 emission class guarantees the environmental safety of the material under any operating conditions.

Tabletop Cedar 7053/FL* Taxus

Advantages of wooden work surfaces

The countertop is something that is always visible in the kitchen. Of course, the beauty, durability and service life of the entire headset depend on its quality. It’s easy to guess that this is why customers of luxury kitchens, first of all, pay attention to wooden countertops.

Photo from source: ivd.ru

Table top Cedar 2075/FL Oak Kera

Wood is nobility, sophistication and environmental friendliness. Therefore, it has always been in great demand despite the impressive price tag.

Also, the advantages of solid surfaces include:

· safety both during operation and during disposal;

· amazing appearance of natural wood texture;

· pleasant and warm to the touch;

· the ability to give various shapes, that is, there are no restrictions in design;

· always remain in trend;

· possibility of use in any interior concept, that is, in all styles from classic to high-tech.

Application work

If it is necessary to varnish a tabletop, the work is carried out in a clean room where there are no sources of dust. Otherwise, all the dust will stick to the varnish, and the table will have to be processed again.

There are several options for the sequence of layers. The stain can be applied to the table before or after the primer. Which option to use is up to the master. After applying the first layer, the surface of the tabletop must be sanded. You cannot completely ignore the process of applying stain or primer - they help save expensive finishing material, that is, the countertop can then be coated with a smaller varnish.

As a primer, you can use wax dissolved in turpentine, wood powder mixed with PVA glue, or wood glue diluted with water.

The stain is chosen based on the varnish that will cover the countertop. Use alcohol-based, water-based or self-thinned dyes.

Types of wooden countertops

The durability of products made from solid wood directly depends on the production method and the type of wood.

The hardest, and therefore most expensive, species are beech and oak.

Photo from source: fotostrana.ru

Table top Cedar 3829/Nw Bunratti Oak

Products made from birch, ash, walnut, and pine will be cheaper.

Table top Cedar 8215/12D Pine bourbon

Larch is especially preferred by manufacturers due to its durability. It is very resistant to stress and damage, has a dense structure, and contains gum - a natural antiseptic that will prevent, for example, wood from rotting, as well as the formation of fungus and mold.

Remember that products made from solid wood may warp over time. Glued laminated wood is assembled from several plates. It is extremely elastic, flexible, and resistant to moisture and sudden temperature changes.

Manufacturing of countertops

In appearance, furniture made from panel material is not very different from products made from solid wood, but it costs much less. The countertop in the kitchen is exposed to water, steam, and impacts, for example, when beating meat. Even more extreme conditions are found on the countertop in the bathroom, adding humidity and the possibility of household chemicals getting onto the surface.

To make countertops, it is best to use 40 mm thick furniture panels made from oak or beech; ash or larch are also sometimes used.

A tabletop made of valuable wood attracts with its qualities:

• increased strength;
• durability;
• naturalness;
• beauty;
• heat resistance;
• resistance to temperature changes and deformation.

You can choose one of three options for furniture panels:

• extra-class (solid lamella) – homogeneous, without defects in the form of knots and cores, assembled from solid lamellas;
• grade A (joined) – without defects, has an even tone over the entire surface;
• grade B (jointed) – uniform tone, there are a small number of knots.

If two letters are used in the grade marking, for example AA or AB, this means that one side of the board meets the requirements of grade A and another B.

A table top made of extra-class and grade A looks expensive and elegant, while grade B is more natural. The last option can be used, for example, for the LOFT style.

Tabletop requirements

When thinking about how to cover a wooden kitchen countertop, keep two things in mind.

Firstly, it's durability.

Secondly, practicality.

These are the two main requirements for a kitchen top.

ALSO GOOD WOODEN TABLETOPS SHOULD:

· do not react to aggressive household chemicals;

· do not fade in the sun, do not change its color;

· have water-repellent properties;

· blend harmoniously with the overall design style;

· be heat-resistant so that hot dishes do not leave marks or damage;

· have a coating that is easy to clean - due to the fact that bacteria and microbes accumulate in the recesses of loose surfaces.

Ways to protect wooden surfaces

Kitchen work surfaces are exposed to various liquids, mechanical stress and high humidity every day. To extend the life of furniture, it must be protected with a special compound. Today, the following methods are used to protect wooden products:

1. The surface is treated with a special oil, which penetrates deeply into the wood and subsequently prevents it from swelling when the wood comes into contact with moisture or liquids. The following compositions are high-quality and effective oils for treating wooden tables: Belinda, OSMO TopOil, Adler Lengo, etc. For maximum protection, it is recommended to use wax mixtures to cover a wooden table. However, wax and oil provide short-term protection and need to be renewed from time to time.
2. The working surface is treated with a special varnish. You can add coloring pigments to the varnish for a wooden tabletop, which allows you to change the shade of the wood fibers and make the surface more saturated. Coating a countertop with a varnish is much easier than treating it with wax or oil.

Oil

Photo from source: master-kraski.ru
Oil impregnation is the optimal method for protecting solid wood products.

First of all, it helps the wood begin to repel water due to the formation of a barrier film that prevents the structure from getting wet.

Please note that such coverage will require periodic updating.

The compositions are available in different colors. Therefore, your decorative possibilities are almost limitless.

The base can be mineral, vegetable, synthetic. But, of course, industrial tung, citrus and linseed oils will provide the most reliable protection.

Divided into drying:

· partially - the wood is impregnated to deep layers. To remove the top layer, use a mechanical method;

· completely – does not wash off with water, forms a solid top layer.

It is better to apply oil compositions in at least two layers. Before applying a new one, the previous one must dry well.

Factors of wood damage

If the room has high humidity, poor ventilation and a comfortable temperature for the growth of bacteria (depending on the type - from 15 to 65 ° C) and moldy fungi, any wooden surface is at risk.

This is how a kitchen cutting board can turn black.

Do not forget - and this applies mainly to the kitchen - that aggressive solutions (acids and alkalis) change the chemical composition of wood and thereby worsen its appearance and strength characteristics.

Another factor of damage is direct sunlight. But here the situation is ambiguous: on the one hand, ultraviolet light has a pronounced bactericidal effect. But in addition to destroying bacteria, it almost instantly begins to destroy the unprotected surface of the tree. It becomes silver-gray in color and loses strength.

Finally, do not forget about possible (and in the case of a cutting board, inevitable) mechanical damage. They put a hot frying pan on, scratched it with a knife - they ruined the tabletop or board.

It may seem subjective, but we are for butter. Yes, the varnish coating looks beautiful, dries quickly and is inexpensive.

But the varnish coating has disadvantages, which in the case of countertops and especially cutting boards will emphasize the advantages of oil:

• The varnish is not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity.
• The varnish can hardly withstand temperature changes: and this happens often in the kitchen.
• The varnish coating is easily damaged even with slight impact - a scratch on oiled wood is much less noticeable.
• Damaged varnish cannot be restored in a separate area - you will have to completely remove the coating and apply a new one.

Any defects on the varnish become immediately visible.

How to oil a wooden tabletop?

To ensure that your wooden work surface lasts as long as possible, treat it properly. Everything is important here - the product, the thoroughness of surface preparation, application, drying.

Photo from source: instagram.com

STEP 1: Primary surface treatment

The first stage is cleaning from traces of grease and various contaminants. After this, the wood is dried. To better absorb the oil, the material is sanded. Coarse abrasives are used first and then fine abrasives.

After each abrasive treatment, the wood is cleaned. If deep scratches appear on the kitchen top, they are repaired with putty. Wax-based restoration kits are best suited for this.

STEP 2: Prepare the product for application

Everything is simple here. To prepare the oil for use, stir it for five minutes immediately before applying.

Attention! Quality is the most important thing when choosing oil. Don't skimp on it. A good surface protectant will help avoid damage from moisture and mechanical stress, make the countertop shiny and refresh its appearance.

STEP 3: Apply

Apply the oil composition to the work surface with a cloth or brush.

Attention! Choose a fabric that does not leave lint.

Leave the first layer to dry for at least 12 hours. After this, it will be possible to apply the next one, and proceed similarly to the same principle.

The number of layers you will need is directly dependent on what you are using to apply the oil. For example, if you use a cloth, you will need to apply up to four layers, but if you use a brush, then only two.

Step 4: Dry

It may take from several hours to several days for complete drying, but nothing can be said for sure. However, information regarding the timing must be indicated on the packaging.

Oils with a natural base, as well as mixtures containing acrylic, take the longest to dry. After drying, it is important to wait and not use immediately.

The best solvent-based furniture varnishes

Yaroslavl paints Bystrolak alkyd

This product from a domestic manufacturer is available in transparent color, as well as in several color options that will imitate natural wood. For example, pine, oak, rosewood, Oregon, etc. This product has a fairly economical consumption, and is also not afraid of exposure to sunlight, precipitation or temperature changes. Thanks to this, Bystrolak can be used for both garden and indoor furniture.

After drying, the coating will have a gloss. Therefore, Bystrolak can be used for both decorative and protective purposes. This product will take 5 hours to dry. It is worth noting that the product consumption is 13-14 sq.m/kg.

The average cost is 350 rubles.

VARNISH Yaroslavl paints Bystrolak alkyd

Advantages:

• Economical consumption;
• Weather resistance;
• Applies evenly;
• Quick drying;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Has a strong smell.

Tikkurila Unica Super 20 alkyd-urethane

"Tikkurila Unica Super 20" can be used to protect and decorate both indoor and outdoor furniture. The main feature of this product is the presence of components that will slow down the appearance of yellowness on the coating. This will also protect the product from the harmful effects of sunlight, moisture, and create protection from mechanical stress. In addition, the varnish layer is resistant to chemicals, fats and various lubricants. “Tikkurila Unica Super 20” is highly resistant to wear, so this product can be used to cover not only furniture, but also walls or floors.

It will take 1-2 hours for one layer of Tikkurila Unica Super 20 to dry, but the next layer can be applied only after 6 hours. The coated product will reach its final resistance to wear within a month. The consumption of “Tikkurila Unica Super 20” is 8-10 sq.m/l. This product is available in cans of 0.9, 2.7, 9 liters.

The average cost of a 900 ml can is 1,100 rubles.

Tikkurila Unica Super 20 alkyd-urethane VARNISH

Advantages:

• Ease of application;
• Emphasizes texture;
• Opaque;
• Economical consumption;
• Fast drying.

Flaws:

• High price.

Dufa Retail Parkett alkyd-urethane

Although this product is called parquet, it can also be used to cover walls, furniture, window frames or doors. When applied, “Dufa Retail Parkett” spreads well, thanks to which the layer is even and has no bald spots or drips. After drying, you get a uniform gloss that will please the eye. This varnish coating is wear-resistant and is not afraid of moisture, so Dufa Retail Parkett can be used in rooms with high humidity levels. In addition, this product is available with a matte and semi-matte effect.

It will take 24 hours for the layer to dry completely. The consumption of “Dufa Retail Parkett” is 10-12 sq. m/l. This varnish is available in cans of 0.75, 2.5 and 10 liters.

The average cost of a 2.5 liter can is 1,350 rubles.

Dufa Retail Parkett alkyd-urethane varnish

Advantages:

• Wear resistance;
• Moisture resistance;
• Uniform coverage;
• Economical consumption.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Teknos Helo 15 alkyd-urethane

This transparent product has a matte effect. If desired, it can be painted with a special color and achieve the desired shade. After drying, not only a durable but also elastic film is obtained. Thanks to this, the product will withstand not only moisture, mechanical stress, but also shocks. Oil, grease or detergents will not adversely affect the coating. In addition to moisture resistance, this product is also resistant to atmospheric influences and temperature changes.

Teknos Helo 15 can be applied using a sprayer, brush or roller. It will take 12 hours for one layer to dry, and a day for complete drying. The consumption of Teknos Helo 15 is 10-14 sq.m/l.

The average cost is 900 rubles.

VARNISH Teknos Helo 15 alkyd-urethane

Advantages:

• Moisture resistance;
• Weather resistance;
• Ease of application.

Flaws:

• Drying time.

Wax

Wax is a natural, environmentally friendly material. But in addition to the water-repellent coating, it also creates protection against scratches and abrasions. Able to withstand common kitchen cleaning products.

Photo from source: ufa-les.ru

Attention! Wax thins out quite quickly, so you will have to polish and renew the coating more often than with oil. Before each update, the old layer will have to be cleared.

Types of oils by drying

Oil dries more slowly than varnish because it penetrates into the wood and the varnish polymerizes on its surface. But oils are different: depending on the composition, there are completely drying and non-drying ones.

For initial impregnation of wood, a linseed oil coating is most often used. Adding tung oil to it speeds up the drying process. In this case, tung oil perfectly replaces metal driers (a substance that is added to the oil to speed up drying).

G-Nature natural countertop oil uses this exact combination. It also contains rosin as an excellent antiseptic and wax to give the surface a matte shine after polishing.

Varnish

Photo from source: kitchen-eco.ru
The varnish allows you to leave a beautiful natural wood pattern and gives a more saturated color. If you apply it in several layers, the varnish will prevent the kitchen top from deteriorating over time, will make its service life longer, protect it from the negative effects of moisture, and will prevent fungus, mold, and cracking due to sudden changes in temperature.

Criteria for choosing wood varnish

To choose the right paint for wood, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the criteria, based on which you can make the right choice without wasting money and time:

• Consumption - calculate the surface you will treat, due to the fact that each product has a different consumption.
• Layers – for untreated wood, it is necessary to treat the surface in several layers. Thus, you need to estimate exactly how much material you will need.
• Composition – the composition may contain many dangerous substances that can negatively affect the human body.
• Application methods - there are a huge number of ways to apply varnish: aerosol, brush or roller.

Further purpose - it is necessary to carefully study the issue of future operation, since there are different varnishes: with resistance to atmospheric pressure and ultraviolet radiation, resistance to humidity and temperature changes.

What varnish should I use on a wooden tabletop?

Photo from source: tiu.ru
It is recommended to use acrylic or polyurethane varnish. The area treated with them will withstand cold and hot dishes without any problems. It also creates reliable protection against contamination.

To remove the varnish coating, the surface will need to be scraped.

Varnishing process

It takes place in several stages:

REMOVAL OF OLD COATING

Clean the surface to “clean” wood. This can be done in three ways:

· chemical - a remover is used, which is applied with a roller or brush for ten minutes. The old layer of varnish is removed with a rag;

· mechanical – carried out using different-grained sandpapers or grinding machines;

· thermal cleaning - a hair dryer is used for this. After the top layer heats up and softens, it is removed with a rag.

REMOVING DUST FROM THE SURFACE

It is better to use a vacuum cleaner for this. At the same time, pay special attention to the corners of the table and other places where dirt could accumulate during the grinding process.

FILLING SCRATCHES

If there are scratches, fill them with putty. The best option is the one based on wax.

STAINING

Apply a small amount of stain. Do not allow streaks, drips, or unevenness to occur during work.

Staining is a wood processing process. It prevents mold and rotting of wood.

DRYING

Dry after application. Please note that the drying time of the varnish depends on its type, that is, it can range from 18 to 36 hours.

GRINDING

Do an intermediate sanding using sandpaper to remove any minor unevenness, if any.

Features of table decoration

When the paint is completely dry and hardened, it's time to start decorating. There are several techniques you can use at home. They are good because they do not require expensive investments and are easy to create at home. This is a great option for updating a child's room.

1. Decoupage. For this technique you will need napkins with a beautiful pattern, brushes and PVA glue. Select the topmost layer of paper with a decorative element, attach it to the tabletop and apply glue on top with a brush. Make sure that the napkin does not tear, form air bubbles, or move from its original position. After the glue has completely dried, the decorative element is coated with transparent varnish.
2. Tulle. Find a piece of tulle with a beautiful pattern. Wet the material, apply it to the table surface and fix it. Using spray paint or a brush, paint the tulle fabric evenly. After drying, remove the improvised stencil. It will look especially impressive if you use contrasting colors of the paint composition.
3. Artificial aging of wood looks stylish in a home interior. To do this, sand the surface of the table with sandpaper and wipe certain areas with ammonia. When they darken, go through sandpaper again and varnish.
4. Patination. This method produces beautiful, dark, vintage stains on a wooden surface. Apply the patina using stain or other suitable means, wait until it dries and remove unnecessary layers with a foam sponge.

Liquid glass

Photo from source: derevoblog.ru
This is epoxy resin - a transparent polymer that contains sodium and potassium silicates.

Soda glass is the best choice for decorating a wooden tabletop.

ADVANTAGES OF COATING

· retains the original shade;

· will not peel off;

· will not crack, is resistant to wear;

· will not be damaged by spilling hot coffee;

· easy and simple care

Liquid glass is diluted with ordinary tap water. To make the coating look like real glass, the wood is cleaned and well sanded.

Liquid glass is diluted with ordinary tap water. To make the coating look like real glass, the wood is cleaned and well sanded.

The composition is applied in a spiral, leveled with a spatula towards the edges from the center. It is important to have time to give the desired shape before the liquid glass hardens.

Dye is added to create a colored coating.

Self-adhesive film

Of course, this is the easiest way to cover. Allows you to renew a kitchen top that has become old.

Photo from source: mebpilot.ru

Before you begin finishing, thoroughly clean the area to be treated with sandpaper. Achieve a perfectly smooth surface.

Attention! Clean thoroughly. Do not allow air bubbles to form under the film!

In stores you can find a huge assortment of self-adhesive films with a variety of designs - imitation stones, solid wood of any species, plain, with a pattern.

The surface with such a film is easy to clean from dirt and can serve for a long time without wear or fading.

Preparing the surface for painting

The countertop that you plan to paint must be clean, intact and dry. Fill all chips and cracks with putty, after drying, clean these places, or better yet, the entire surface as a whole. This will not only get rid of differences and unevenness, but also give the surface roughness, which will improve paint adhesion.

If the tabletop is very old, with multiple damages, and you doubt that you will be able to repair them perfectly, it is better to make an overlay - for example, from an MDF sheet or moisture-resistant plywood. By screwing such an overlay to the surface, you will get a smooth surface ready for painting. Only the edges need to be sealed with putty.

To improve paint adhesion, use a primer that matches the material of the countertop (primer for wood, primer for mineral surfaces, etc.). Or use a universal primer. Allow the primed countertop to dry before you begin painting. Not only the top layer, but the entire countertop as a whole should be dry. Some materials (wood, unglazed ceramics) absorb the primer especially actively, so it is better to continue the work the next day.

Soft glass

Photo from source: spkubani.club
You can cover it with oilcloth or a tablecloth, but they wear out very quickly.

An adequate alternative is transparent PVC film. It is also called soft glass. Withstands household chemicals, relatively high temperatures, is not saturated with water, and is not subject to deformation. No scratches left.

Excellent for surfaces made of wood, chipboard, MDF, glass, metal, artificial stone, agglomerate.

What is the best way to cover a wooden tabletop?

When choosing a covering, you need to rely on your desires, as well as the design of the room as a whole.

Photo from source: reciclaredecorar.com Tabletop Cedar 3198/Mw Rhodes Wood

Do you work with wood yourself? Do you want to remodel an old countertop or create one yourself from scratch? Then choose formulations made from oil and wax. They will protect the array from moisture, scratches, and the negative effects of high temperatures. Varnishes are less popular at the moment.

Need a quick restoration of your work surface? An excellent option would be to use self-adhesive film, the color and design of which can be chosen so that the surface is in perfect harmony with the set and the interior as a whole.

If you want to experiment and create a masterpiece with your own hands, try liquid glass. It can be used not only to fill a tree, but also to add a herbarium, shells, sea pebbles, and branches to the composition.

Photo from source: art-build-msk.ru

TOP best varnish manufacturers

To choose the right quality paint, you will need to study the list of proven, best manufacturers of wood varnishes.

Among the most proven are:

• Dulux - England.
• VGT – Russia.
• Dali - Denmark.
• Escaro - Sweden.
• Neomid - Russia.
• Kudo – Russia.
• Parade - USA.
• Loba - Germany.
• Marshall - USA.

Can chipboard replace natural wood?

Chipboard (chipboard) is a composite material that contains chips mixed with resin. By far, this is the most popular material for making countertops.

If you don’t see the point of spending money on a kitchen top made of natural wood, but want an aesthetic product with good performance characteristics, pay attention to the following options:

Veneered chipboards

Photo from source: zakazat-mebel.ru

The surface is covered with veneer - a thin layer made from natural wood. A protective layer of varnish is applied on top.

Visually they do not differ from solid wood countertops. Disadvantages include an average level of resistance to chemicals and scratches.

Melamine cladding

Photo from source: sdelai-lestnicu.ru

In this case, the chipboard is finished with kraft paper, which is impregnated and coated with melamine resin. Resistant to solvents and moisture.

They can have any pattern, including the texture of natural wood.

Lamination with plastic

Covered with HPL plastic. It is resistant to UV rays, mechanical stress, moisture, food acids and any household chemicals. They are durable and easy to maintain. These are beautiful, varied products.

They give the greatest scope in terms of design. On the market you can find decors with very high-quality imitation wood or stone.

If you are looking for a high-quality countertop with an affordable price tag, then pay attention to chipboard with HPL lamination.

A photorealistic imitation of an array will please the eye, reliability and ease of maintenance will eliminate additional expenses and worries, and a high level of environmental friendliness will allow you not to worry about the health of your family.

It is these advantages that we have embodied in the “Cedar” line of countertops. Our task is to provide the client with a high-quality, aesthetic and durable product at an affordable price. Get more information on the official product resource.

Table top Cedar 690/P Indian wood

Types of wood varnish

By type, varnishes for wooden surfaces are:

• Acrylic base;
• Water based;
• Oil based;
• Polyurethane based.

These varnishes can be used to process: ceilings, floors, walls and furniture.

Acrylic lacquer

Acrylic is considered one of the main paint bases because it is heat-resistant.

The advantages of such coverage are as follows:

• Resistance of the surface to moisture - if the table is located in a humid environment (or outdoors), precipitation or evaporation will not harm the wood.
• It does not clog the pores of the wood - the tree perfectly allows air to pass through itself.
• Antibacterial agent - acrylic can prevent the formation of microbes.
• Fast drying.

Eurotex is considered the market leader in acrylic varnishes for warm rooms. The manufacturer guarantees moisture resistance and no fungus formation. After application, you can notice how the surface of the wood becomes matte.

The composition of this product does not contain toxic additives at all, so it can be used indoors. Moreover, the varnish is not flammable at all.

Water based varnish

Water-based varnish penetrates deeply into the base of the wood. The main advantage is that this varnish does not release toxic substances when heated, so it can be used directly for warm rooms.

In addition, it can be used to process soft wood. The main advantage is the varied palette. You can choose any color you want.

Among the disadvantages are:

• Fragility - surfaces must be re-treated every 2 years.
• Experts believe that this type of varnish is better for directly treating furniture located in the house without damp fumes and high temperatures.

Tikkurila is very popular in the paint and varnish market. The manufacturer guarantees that you will not regret using this product.

The advantage is that the components actively fight fungus, which will certainly appear in a humid environment.

The Biofa brand is an excellent less expensive replacement. Designed for durable, wear-resistant and breathable coverage. The disadvantage is considered to be water resistance and lack of resistance to temperature changes. As for the composition, it is absolutely safe.

Oil varnish

It is worth noting that it is better not to use tables made of wooden materials placed directly inside heated rooms. Since such a substance has the ability to heat up and accidentally touching it threatens you with a burn.

TEX Profi is considered the best in its business, as it performs all the necessary functions.

• The composition of this varnish allows you to cover furniture.
• The first disadvantage is the unpleasant, pungent odor.
• Be sure to ventilate the premises while working with varnish.
• The second disadvantage is its instability to high temperatures.

Polyurethane varnish

With this solution you can create a perfectly flat surface. It can protect the table from fading (if it is exposed to the sun) and mechanical stress.

• There is no need to worry about the composition of the varnish, since it contains substances that are absolutely not harmful to wood and human health.
• The recommendation from experts is that you need to wear gloves and avoid getting the varnish in your eyes.

Experts recommend the Varathane brand as one of the best of its kind.