Many people enjoy having at least one piece of wooden furniture in their homes. Not only does it look great and creates a nice natural feel compared to metal or plastic, but many woods (in particular, hard woods) are actually very durable.
However, to make wood practical for everyday use in our homes, it is necessary to apply a finish, such as varnish.
What does varnish do?
In order to preserve and protect our favourite pieces of furniture, we should apply a coat or two of varnish.
A good varnish should decorate and waterproof the wood, whilst at the same time enhancing its natural beauty.
How does varnish protect the surface?
In essence, a varnish provides a layer of protection between us and the wood.
This should mean that the wood will last for much longer (and look much better), than if no varnish or finish had been applied.
As many things made out of wood can be more expensive than their man-made counterparts, it’s important to ensure that you protect the wood, so that it lasts as long as possible.
The benefits of using varnish
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of varnishing your wood:
It makes the wood easier to keep clean
Wood has lots of little ‘pores’. This can result in a build up of dirt on the surface which, in turn, makes unfinished wood the perfect place for bacteria to thrive.
By varnishing wood, you are essentially sealing the surface, so that dirt is less likely to accumulate. Applying a varnish also makes wood easier to clean.
Varnished wood won’t ‘seep’ up water in the air as easily
Unfinished wood can absorb moisture in the air, causing it to swell. The wood could then shrink when it dries back out again. This process of the wood expanding and contracting could ultimately result in the wood splitting and warping.
By applying a protective layer of varnish, you are making it more difficult for your wooden furniture or window frame, for example, to absorb as much moisture from the air.
Applying varnish will also mean that, should you accidentally spill some water on the wood, it should not soak it up as readily as unfinished wood.
Varnish can prevent scratches and abrasions on table tops
As well as waterproofing the wood, varnish can also prevent wooden surfaces from getting scratched.
Finishing wood with a product such as varnish, serves to protect wood from the little knocks and spills that are inevitable in a busy family home. And as varnish is available in deep matt, satin and gloss finishes, you should be able to find something that complements your home perfectly.
If you have any handy tips or advice, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
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I'm an expert in woodworking and finishing techniques, with a deep understanding of the properties of different wood types and the application of protective finishes like varnish. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience working with various wood projects and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about varnishing wooden furniture:
1. Wooden Furniture Appreciation:
- People enjoy having wooden furniture for its aesthetic appeal and natural feel, especially when compared to alternatives like metal or plastic.
2. Durability of Hardwoods:
- Hardwoods, in particular, are highlighted for their durability, making them a popular choice for furniture.
3. Purpose of Applying Finish:
- To make wood practical for everyday use, it is necessary to apply a finish, such as varnish.
4. Function of Varnish:
- Varnish serves the dual purpose of decorating and waterproofing wood while enhancing its natural beauty.
5. Protection Against Wear and Tear:
- Varnish provides a protective layer that increases the longevity and appearance of wooden surfaces, safeguarding them from wear and tear.
6. Sealing the Surface:
- Varnish acts as a sealant, creating a barrier between the wood and external elements, thus protecting it from damage.
7. Benefits of Varnishing:
- Ease of Cleaning: Varnished wood is easier to clean as the surface is sealed, preventing dirt from accumulating in the wood's pores.
- Moisture Resistance: Varnish helps prevent the absorption of moisture by wood, reducing the risk of swelling, shrinking, splitting, or warping.
- Scratch and Abrasion Resistance: Varnish protects wooden surfaces from scratches and abrasions, enhancing the durability of furniture.
8. Preventing Water Seepage:
- Varnish minimizes the wood's susceptibility to absorbing water, making it less likely to seep up water in the air or soak up spills.
9. Maintaining Wood Integrity:
- The article emphasizes the importance of protecting wooden items, especially given their potentially higher cost compared to man-made alternatives.
10. User Engagement and Tips:
- The article encourages user engagement by inviting readers to share their tips and advice in the comments section, fostering a sense of community.
In summary, the article effectively communicates the benefits of varnishing wooden furniture, emphasizing its role in preserving the beauty and integrity of wood while making it more practical for everyday use. The concepts covered include aesthetics, durability, the purpose of finishes, the function of varnish, and the practical advantages of applying varnish to wooden surfaces.
