Wood varnish for exterior and interior use: which is better and how to choose? Types, colors, varnish consumption + 10 tips on application

Sooner or later, every person begins to undertake renovations in the house and then the question arises about choosing a floor covering. What could it be? Parquet, laminate, linoleum or even boards - it's up to you. The most popular at the moment is parquet. It attracts buyers with its appearance and convenient installation, compared to its competitors. However, you need to take care of it if you want the parquet to serve you for many years. You will have to deal with varnish and oil coating, which will help protect the wood from water and nasty insects.

Rating of the TOP 7 best parquet varnishes: types, pros and cons, price, characteristics, reviews will help you understand all the difficulties of parquet owners.

Types of wood varnishes

Manufacturers are ready to provide protective materials to suit every taste.

They can be:

• One and two-component. The first compositions are already completely ready for use (home craftsmen prefer them), the second ones will have to be mixed independently, focusing on the manufacturer’s instructions and one’s own preferences. But they are more durable and are often preferred by professional finishers.
• Matte and glossy.
• Transparent and tonal. The second option will allow you to make an imitation of a more expensive material from ordinary wood.

All these characteristics can be assessed immediately before purchasing, but it is better to find out the pros and cons of each type of varnish at the stage of planning the purchase.

How to choose

When deciding which yacht varnish is best for the work being carried out, you should pay attention to the nature of the work (what type of varnish is suitable for what is described above). It is also worth focusing on leading manufacturers who have proven themselves positively.

The main manufacturers of yacht varnish are Beckers (Sweden), Tikkurila (Finland), Marshall (Turkey). You can read reviews on the Internet about varnishes that have already been used for a similar type of work.

Features of varnishes

When choosing a future coating, pay special attention to:

• Conditions for future use. For items that are intensively exposed to ultraviolet radiation, rain, snow, wind, and temperature changes, practical and durable materials for outdoor use are selected. Its less durable brother will perfectly decorate furniture and interior decoration.
• Wear resistance. To decorate surfaces that are subject to severe abrasion (for example, floors), choose a varnish with the maximum level of wear resistance; for finishing decorative elements you can use the simplest varnish.
• Toxicity. Due to their structure, all varnishes have a strong aroma, but some materials stop emitting an odor quite quickly, while some are ready to smell for weeks, and the concentration of hazardous substances during application is very high for some materials. If it is not possible to arrange high-quality ventilation or close the room until the applied coating has completely dried, then it is better to use water-based products, but if it is possible to use protective agents and leave the wood to dry in splendid isolation, then you can use both hydrovarnishes and a polyester compound.
• Drying time. Water- and oil-based varnishes take the longest to dry, and therefore they are used if there is no urgent need to use varnished items in the coming days (weeks). Alcohol varnishes will acquire the necessary strength within half an hour.
• Temperature resistance. To decorate rooms where there is a high risk of fire and increased temperature, heat-resistant varnishes are purchased.
• The need for a primer. Self-priming varnishes do not require prior application of adhesives; all other materials are applied over a primer layer. Otherwise, the varnish may crack or begin to peel off.

Best lists

Don’t limit yourself to a small rating; let’s get to know the best in the following categories:

1. Water.
2. Polyurethane.
3. For decoupage.

Now let's move on to the description. The section will describe one model, including descriptions, parameters and price in the middle range.

Water

TURY has a wide range of applications. Used as a coating for furniture and floors. The total drying time is 6 hours. The next step is to apply a new layer if necessary. You can use any tools: roller, sprayer, brush.

Price: from 450 to 600 rubles.

construction varnish TURY

Polyurethane

VGT Premium is diluted with water in order to be economical and increase the existing volume. It is safe and easy to use, making it suitable for most buyers. The complete drying time is a day. Does not have a specific color, with a high tendency to colorlessness.

Price: from 250 to 500 rubles.

construction varnish VGT

For decoupage

Poli-R is a varnish designed for parquet flooring, providing it with high strength and resistance to water. Diluting the product with water is prohibited, but it is strongly recommended to use a solvent, as when working with paint. After some time of drying, the varnish shines and gives the parquet a more presentable appearance.

Price: from 400 to 550 rubles.

construction varnish Poli-R

Types of varnishes for wood

There are about ten types of varnishes suitable for decorating wooden structures. They are divided according to the type of solvent, so they have completely different performance qualities.

Oil varnishes

These preparations are based on natural oils and resins. Despite such a pleasant neighborhood, this species is not very popular due to its high cost. Although now natural ingredients are increasingly being replaced by artificial compounds, which leads to lower prices.

Oil-based varnishes have proven themselves to be excellent when decorating floors, but you will have to wait 1-3 days for the surface to dry.

comparison table

Based on the rating compiled above, we organized the main technical parameters of varnishes and placed them in a table. With this organized information, you can track down the most suitable remedy for yourself.

Alkyd varnishes

To create these paints and varnishes, synthetic resins, solvents, and substances that increase the drying speed are used.

The advantages of this segment of coatings are:

• Resistance to all unpleasant living conditions (some of these varnishes can withstand even sunlight and are not afraid of fire);
• High wear resistance;
• Long shelf life;
• Loyal cost.

Similar paints and varnishes are used to decorate floors, including heated floors, and to decorate furniture sets and individual items.

You will have to wait for final drying for 2-3 days, and the varnish will emit a very unpleasant odor.

Specifications

The constant and main component of varnishes is alkyd resin, which acts as a base. Among similar products, alkyd varnishes are unrivaled in terms of resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Vibration loads do not in any way affect the quality of the applied alkyd composition; in addition, the varnish does not have the adhesive qualities that many representatives of paint and varnish products have. The product is absorbed directly into the wood and does not penetrate into the floor cracks in the log house. Such product characteristics make it possible to minimize floorboard squeaks when treating the floor with an alkyd mixture.

The first alkyd-based varnish that began to be produced in Russia was the composition PF-231. The product is intended for use on all types of surfaces. One can note the visual attractiveness of the base obtained after treatment with this composition - the film evenly and neatly covers the working surface.

In addition to the positive characteristics, the composition also has some disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the short service life of the coating due to its minimal hardness. Due to this, after 2-3 years the surface of the wooden floor will have to be treated again.

On other materials the composition will last many times longer.

PF 283 forms a glossy layer, notable for its decorative properties. Essentially, these products are a mixture of alkyd resin, fatty acids and natural solvents. What surfaces can acrylic varnish be applied to? In addition, the ingredients include a drier.

Most often, such varnish is sold in a can as an aerosol of 150 ml.

PF-170 includes resin in combination with specific additives and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The composition can be used for wood, wood-containing materials, metal and ceramic substrates. In addition, bases treated with paints, enamels and primers are very often coated with a protective and decorative composition. The products are allowed for use indoors and outdoors.

The varnish is manufactured in accordance with GOST, is resistant to chemical detergents and aggressive environmental factors, allows the surface to “breathe” and is very economical in terms of consumption.

Alkyd-urea varnishes

The two-component material hardens using special hardeners. But this composition will be good for only a few hours, so it’s quite difficult to guess the size of each portion.

The varnish perfectly protects objects from water and is able to withstand high loads.

It is usually used to design:

• Sexes;
• Wall panels;
• Furniture;
• Decorative elements located indoors.

Caring for varnished floors

At first glance, it may seem that covering the floor with varnish is a simple task, and even a schoolchild can cope with it. But this labor-intensive process has its own nuances that should be taken into account.

Therefore, it is important to protect the coating for as long as possible; this requires proper care:

1. You should not immediately run across the floor after the last layer of varnish has dried - you should wait a few days;
2. Do not rush to lay carpets on fresh surfaces - you need to wait at least 10 days;
3. Furniture legs should be equipped with felt attachments;
4. It is advisable to refresh the coating once a year with a new layer of quick-drying varnish.

Before you start the varnishing procedure, you should carefully read the instructions and composition of the product, because by following all the tips and instructions, you will achieve the best result, and your floor will become a beautiful and stylish addition to the interior.

You can also cover laminate flooring in this way, protecting it from adverse influences.

Nitrocellulose varnishes

The paintwork materials of this group include:

• Artificial resin;
• Plasticizer;
• Organic solvent;
• Cellulose nitrate.

Varnish is popular for finishing interior surfaces due to:

• Quick drying;
• Possibility of further polishing;
• High decorative properties;
• Deep penetration into the layers of wood.

Among the disadvantages, the following stand out:

• The need for protective equipment;
• Strong smell.

Polyurethane varnishes

These varnishes have maximum durability and are therefore considered a universal finish.

The advantages of this group were:

• Excellent performance properties;
• Easy penetration into layers of wood;
• High drying speed.

The varnish is great for decorating exterior surfaces and interior decoration.

The disadvantages of these varnishes are the price and the need to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Manufacturers

Several brands are in wide demand among buyers:

• White house
• Parade
• Tikkurila

Alkyd-urethane mixtures from Parade were able to win a large audience, since this manufacturer sells varnishes with increased elasticity. Buyers leave reviews in which they report that the film that forms after applying the product does not crack or deteriorate for a long time. Alkyd products can emphasize the naturalness of wood material and make the floor more impressive. Parade offers its customers mixtures for exterior and interior use.

White house has won over customers with its affordable prices and low scent. The manufacturer produces high-quality varnishes that are characterized by high wear protection, rapid polymerization and a decorative component. Varnish is able to preserve the natural shade of wood. Just like Parade, the manufacturer produces products for working with outdoor and home surfaces.

Tikkurila is considered a trusted manufacturer of many materials for construction work. The brand has won the respect of customers and is known as a manufacturer of reliable and high-quality products. Tikkurila yacht varnish, which is characterized by fast polymerization and excellent spreadability, receives good reviews. The low price helps this brand become a leader among alkyd varnish manufacturers.

Water-based acrylic varnishes

This category of varnishes is considered to be the most environmentally friendly paints and varnishes. The material does not emit odors and is completely safe, therefore it is used even when decorating children's rooms.

The disadvantage of varnish is that it takes a long time for surfaces to dry:

• The varnish will finally harden a couple of weeks after application.
• In addition, it is not very suitable for outdoor use, not providing the required level of moisture resistance.
• And in terms of abrasion resistance, the varnish has not proven itself very well.

Popular brands

Alkyd varnish PF-231 belongs to one of the first series of parquet varnishes produced in Russia. The composition is easy to apply, and the film looks neat and provides decent protective characteristics. However, the main disadvantage of PF-231 is very significant: the coating does not have a long service life and must be replaced after 2-3 years.

MCh-0163 is a two-component product that includes alkyds, urea-formaldehyde resin, and an acid hardener. In comparison with PF-231, this mixture is more competitive: it resists moisture more reliably and takes mechanical loads better. The disadvantages of MCh-0163 should be considered instability to ultraviolet radiation, insufficient elasticity of the film coating, a rather pungent odor, and the possibility of bubbling on the surface during varnishing.

EP-2146 is a one-component composition with good performance properties. Epoxy resin is used as a modifier here. EP-2146 has decent hardness, moisture and abrasive resistance. EP-2146 is used for varnishing parquet, veneer, fiberboard, chipboard, plywood.

Epoxy varnishes

These materials were developed based on epoxy resins and differ:

• High strength;
• Hardness;
• Wear resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage.

The material will be an excellent option for finishing interior spaces, including floors; it also serves well for exterior decoration.

Conclusion

After drying, the varnish forms a durable protective film on the treated surface, which protects the surface from mechanical damage, abrasion, moisture and the effects of solar ultraviolet radiation. Yacht varnishes are more wear-resistant and elastic compared to parquet flooring. However, at low temperatures the properties of the varnish change and it becomes brittle. When choosing a product, you should take this point into account, as well as the technical characteristics of the coating, composition and recommendations for use.

Polyester varnishes

The varnish will be an excellent coating for finishing floors, furniture and even musical instruments.

But working with this material is quite difficult: It requires special equipment and professional skills.

Water-based polyurethane varnishes

Such materials have become an improved copy of acrylic varnish.

They are characterized by:

• Resilience;
• Elasticity;
• Durability;
• Environmentally friendly;
• Durability.

The only downside will be the high price of the material.

Alcohol varnishes

Such coatings are made on the basis of ethyl alcohol. Thanks to the rapid evaporation of the volatile substance, the varnish dries almost instantly: the maximum period is only an hour.

The advantage of this material is its light shine, the disadvantage is poor resistance to water and damage. Most often, such varnishes are used for the final finishing of musical instruments and furniture structures.

A variety of varnishing materials will help create a durable and beautiful coating that will suit all the needs of future owners.

Advantages

Ship varnish has a wide range of significant advantages. Let's consider the most relevant ones.

• Excellent adhesion to wood. It has a high degree of adhesion to the surface material. Instantly impregnates the surface material, remains in the wood structure for a long time and acts for a long time.
• Not susceptible to the harmful effects of UV. The sun has almost no harmful effect on the material coated with yacht varnish, since it contains special components that absorb this radiation, as well as light stabilizers that convert ultraviolet rays into heat. This keeps the protective film intact.
• Makes the surface attractive. The decorative component of the coating plays a big role in attracting attention to the product. This coating looks well-groomed.

• Hydrophobicity. This product increases the moisture resistance of wood, helps get rid of the destructive effects of rot, mold or fungus that destroys wood.
• Wear resistance. The film ensures durability and abrasion resistance of the material. At the same time, the coating is protected from scratches and chips.
• Chemical resistance. There is no reaction with acids, alkalis, or salts. This allows, if necessary, to wipe the surface using household chemicals.
• Elasticity. The surface coated with this varnish can bend without significant damage to the film. At the same time, it will not crack.
• Relatively low price. Availability when purchased is another advantage of yacht varnish in addition to other properties. Saving money makes these products in demand among a wide range of buyers.

Photos of all types of wood varnish