Reasons for varnishing acrylic paint

Peculiarities

The list of positive properties of varnish is quite wide:

• It can be applied to almost any degreased surface.
• It dries very quickly. However, the formation of a completely cured strong film will occur in about a week.
• It tolerates ultraviolet radiation well, without changing color and without acquiring yellowness, while maintaining the color palette of the surface to be coated. Even the action of direct sunlight does not cause its destruction.
• The use of colorless varnish will keep the original color of the product, its saturation and brightness for a long time.
• Resistant to temperature extremes.
• Will add shine or matte if necessary.
• There is a huge assortment, any specialty store will provide a wide selection.

• Thanks to its water base, it penetrates deeply into wooden surfaces, protecting them from decay, mold, mildew and pests, giving additional strength.
• Provides water-repellent properties.
• Not subject to ignition.
• Protects against mechanical stress and damage.
• To obtain a certain tone on the product, any water-soluble paints can be added to the colorless composition.
• It has a high level of adhesion to the surface, due to which the surface film becomes especially durable.
• Chemically inactive, it is not affected by aggressive environments.
• Does not have a strong odor.

• Environmentally friendly, as it is made from harmless elements; does not emit into the environment substances that poison the human body, and therefore can be used to decorate rooms where children are often.
• It does not cause any difficulties in application.
• The acrylic lacquered surface is easy to care for - it tolerates household detergents well.
• Suitable for various types of work.
• Not subject to abrasion.
• Possesses high decorative qualities, shows the texture of wood.
• Used economically.

To obtain a stable finish, you must adhere to the following application conditions:

• the ambient temperature should be above + 5 ° С and should not be warmed up above + 30 ° С;
• the temperature of the varnish itself should not be lower than + 15 ° С;
• before use, the composition should be well stirred until a homogeneous mass is obtained, since during storage a precipitate may form from the components of the varnish;
• during the procedure, there should be no drafts;
• the surface to be treated should not be exposed to direct sunlight;
• the surface before application must be thoroughly cleaned of dust, dirt and previous coatings;
• too low ambient temperature prolongs the drying time of the varnish;
• in very dry air, drying will occur too quickly, which can lead to the appearance of defects on the surface, cause swelling of the wood fibers, which will require additional sanding and surface treatment.

Views

Initially, all acrylic varnishes are divided into two large groups: one-component and two-component. The one-component varieties contain only acrylic; two-component are also characterized by the presence of polyurethane.

It is worth noting that two-component varnishes guarantee higher durability, therefore they are most often chosen for external work.

The most popular are water-based acrylic varnishes. They are increasingly replacing conventional furniture varnishes. Acrylic scuba diving has become so popular because compared to other products that are also water-based (alkyd, for example), they are cheaper.

The reverse side of the coin is strength characteristics. They cannot be called elevated.As a result, such varnishes are not used outdoors.

They are suitable only for painting floors and furniture, while it is important to comply with all the requirements for working conditions with paint and varnish materials indicated on the packaging. Usually refers to temperature and humidity

Two-component acrylic-polyurethane varieties, despite almost the same price, have higher strength properties than their one-component equivalent. However, you should not use this variety outside the room: it will not work for outdoor work.

Acrylate varnishes, also related to acrylic, have a slightly expanded area of ​​application. So, with their help, you can not only tint and give a glossy shine to clean wooden surfaces, but also apply them to already painted elements.

It is important to keep one thing in mind here. The paint used for painting must also be water-dispersion, otherwise the varnish will not set properly

There are few types of acrylic varnishes, but each of them is universal. If necessary, you can use each of them for outdoor decoration, but only on condition that you live in a temperate climatic zone without extreme weather conditions. Otherwise, the paint and varnish material will not withstand and will simply crack, having lost the lion's share of its operational properties.

Features of applying acrylic varnish.

The varnish is applied to a cleaned, previously degreased, dry surface with a brush, roller or spray. The varnish can be applied to any surface as a decorative finish that protects the surface of wood or wood materials from external influences, while enhancing the layer pattern, as well as painted surfaces. It is allowed to dilute them with water and apply both in liquid and in paste form, resulting in a smooth shiny surface that is not prone to cracking.

How to properly prepare the surface for varnishing. Before work, the surface must be well cycled, dried, sanded, and also cleaned of dust, grease and various kinds of contamination.

If the surface has previously been treated with varnish, then it is necessary to carry out its grinding and cleaning until it reaches a matte state. Then remove the remaining dust and carry out a control varnishing.

Stir the varnish thoroughly before applying. If the wooden surface is varnished for the first time, then it is first coated with 10 percent white spirit varnish and only after that undiluted varnish is applied in two layers.

If the surface has previously been treated with a varnish compatible with the new coating, it is suggested to cover the surface with undiluted varnish in two layers with a preliminary priming, if the surfaces are wooden.

Peculiarities

Acrylic varnish contains dispersion and other substances that allow not only treating wood with a uniform layer, but also protecting it from some harmful effects. This refers not only to the consequences of the vital activity of microorganisms, but also all kinds of climatic influences: increased dryness or humidity of the air, for example. By itself, such a varnish has the texture of thick sour cream, but it is more viscous. The classic color is delicate milky.

The tool has many advantages, including the following.

• Security. There are no toxic elements in the composition of acrylic varnishes. Some of them can even paint dishes.
• Durability. High-quality varnishes do not wear off much over time, reliably protecting wooden surfaces for many years.
• Ecological cleanliness. Not to say that all the elements that make up the varnish are natural, but it decomposes and does not harm the environment.
• Practical convenience. It is easy to maintain lacquered surfaces, especially if they have increased strength characteristics.

• High functionality.Varnishes are used for various coatings on wood, from painting tableware elements to finishing terraces and gazebos.
• Aesthetic appeal. Wood covered with acrylic paints and varnishes looks presentable. Its color and texture deepens, the texture appears more clearly
• Ergonomic This refers to the achievement of optimal performance with low material consumption. For example, applying only two layers, you can limit yourself to only them, since the tree will already look good.

• High elasticity. When solidified, the varnish forms a protective film, which cannot be removed in the future.
• High strength characteristics. Even at a high level of stress, the lacquer coating will never completely wear off.
• High adhesive properties. The varnish has good adhesion to the original surface, as a result of which such a high strength is achieved.

• Subtle smell. Many consumers note the presence of a faint smell, similar to that which is emitted by ordinary gouache. Epoxy and other paints and varnishes are not comparable.
• Short time required for setting and drying. As a rule, multiple coats can be applied within one daylight hours.
• Resistance to the vital activity of microorganisms. Acrylic varnishes clog the surface of the wood, preventing plant spores or bacteria from entering.

• Resistance to adverse climatic events. This also refers to the microclimate of the room. For example, lacquer material is able to protect wood from cracking in a room with dry warm air.
• Affordable cost. The price of acrylic paints and varnishes cannot be called excessively high; rather, it is at an average level.
• Ease of operation. Several tools are suitable for application at once: the varnish is not very capricious in this regard.

In addition to the advantages, the material also has some disadvantages.

• The need for a special temperature and climatic conditions during application. Do not apply varnish if the temperature is below +5 degrees or above +30 degrees. The technology will be violated, and the paintwork will not be guaranteed to be durable. Drafts should also be avoided.
• The need for special storage. Do not freeze or even cool the material, expose it to sunlight.

How to do it yourself

Glazing compounds are available from a variety of manufacturers, but most are expensive. If you want to save money, you can prepare the solution yourself.

This will require:

Necessary materials for making blue glaze with your own hands

1. scales;
2. wallpaper glue;
3. acrylic panel varnish (matte or glossy, depending on the type of coating required);
4. drill with mixer attachment;
5. container for mixing the solution;
6. color or water-based paint;
7. additives (glitter - glitter).

1. First, prepare the glue - dilute the dry powder according to the instructions on the package. Mix thoroughly and leave to completely dissolve the flakes in the water. It is undesirable to store the prepared liquid for a long time, so you need to calculate the required volume and prepare as much as you need for work.
2. Pour panel varnish into a container with ready-made glue, mix thoroughly.
3. Then paint is added. If you use a color scheme, then pour in a smaller amount (not ½ part).
4. At the same time, glitter is added. Add very few additives - just a few grams per 1 kg of solution.

Expert opinion
Marina Zanina
Interior designer

This recipe is not the only one. It is quite possible to do without wallpaper glue, for example, using only acrylic varnish diluted with water 1: 1 and tinted with color. If you do not add water, then the plaster will get too thick glossy film.

How to apply?

The most important stage in the application of varnish is the preparation of the surface for coating. Acrylic varnish for wood applied on a sanded, degreased and dry surface, free from dust. Poor polishing, grinding, drying can lead to the need to redo all the work from the beginning.

Acrylic varnish can only be thinned with water, but no more than 10%, so as not to reduce its quality.

To apply this paint and varnish material, you do not need expensive tools. It is convenient to apply with rollers and brushes. Wear gloves to protect the skin.

If it is necessary to give the wood the desired shade, first apply a water-based impregnation of the desired shade. Then you need to let it dry well, and then apply clear varnish.

When working, it is important to adhere to all the recommendations specified in the instructions, including the temperature regime. It must be taken into account that at high air temperatures, it quickly sets.

This feature can create some difficulties when varnishing large areas. If you notice some blemishes after drying, they can be eliminated with sandpaper. But this applies to matte varnish.

With glossy, painstaking work is ahead. A poor-quality layer can be removed with a wash or under the influence of a building hair dryer. After washing, the surface must be washed and dried, and then re-coated with a new layer.

The varnish should be applied in several layers with obligatory drying and sanding of the layers, except for the final one. Grinding is as follows: the surface is moistened and processed with fine sandpaper. Then, after it dries, wipe off dust and other dirt from it. The finishing coat can now be applied.

Prime the surface on which you are going to apply the parquet paint and varnish material. So, you can avoid the appearance of irregularities and defects, and you will take less material. For varnishing the parquet, use a special two-component acrylic varnish. Due to its composition, it forms a denser film that is resistant to various kinds of damage and scratches. The finish coat can be tinted to give the desired shade to the wood floor.

The varnish for floor work provides for high loads on the surface, therefore, it dries longer than other varnishes. It usually dries completely after only a week. Then it will already be possible to install heavy furniture. True, if the temperature during drying is no more than +10 degrees, then for this it will be necessary to allocate twice as much time.

Scope of application

Despite the fact that this material has appeared on the market relatively recently, it is already widely used for interior and exterior work. Water-based clear and semi-matt varnishes are often used to cover parquet boards. There are specially formulated formulations that provide a highly durable and flexible coating that can withstand regular friction.

It should be borne in mind that a special varnish, acrylic parquet, is suitable for covering only the specified flooring material. When used on solid plank floors, it will quickly lose its appearance.

This type of floor varnish must include special additives to ensure its durability. In this case, the material must be applied in 2 and sometimes 3 layers to create a high-quality coating. The special acrylic urethane varnish has a fast drying speed. How much water-based acrylic varnish dries also depends on the temperature in the room, but in most cases 1-2 hours are enough for hardening. This speeds up the coating creation process.

A special composition for indoor walls has also been developed.It can be effectively used even for decorating walls in bathrooms and kitchens. it is distinguished by its ability to withstand high humidity and temperature changes. It is often used to treat the surfaces of handrails, steps and windows located in the house.

Colorless acrylic varnish can be used to treat vines, figurines, and homemade furniture. A special varnish for paintings has also been developed. It is suitable for all paper weights and webs. They can handle frames. There is a composition on sale that is suitable for decoupage. Water-based acrylic glossy varnish is often used in the restoration of antique wooden furniture.

Polyurethane varnish, characterized by resistance to various weather conditions and ultraviolet light, is often used to cover open wooden verandas, gazebos, and external walls. In addition, it is well suited for the treatment of interior walls and floors in baths and saunas. possesses high water-repellent properties and the ability to withstand temperature extremes. It is often used for external treatment of the walls of the house. It can be applied to decorative plaster, extending the lifespan of the finish.

Views

Depending on the composition, one-component and two-component varnishes are distinguished:

• In one-component versions, only acrylic acts as a binder, to which stabilizers, plasticizers, antiseptics are added. One-component compositions are strong enough, the resulting transparent layer will effectively protect the wood from burnout, damage, mechanical damage. However, a constant humid environment will significantly shorten the service life and make the varnish less durable. Therefore, one-component compositions are more often used in arts and crafts than for covering floors and other surfaces that are exposed to significant stress.
• In two-component formulations, the additional binder is polyurethane. Its addition increases the elasticity and strength of the final coating, resistance to mechanical stress, which makes it suitable for flooring in public places with a large influx of visitors.

Depending on the resulting decorative effect, the varnish can be matte, semi-matte, glossy:

• Semi-matt gives the surface a smooth surface without shine. After hardening, it has a silky texture, irregularities and defects on the surface become less noticeable.
• The product covered with glossy varnish acquires a bright shine. The use of a glossy composition requires an almost perfect surface, since all its disadvantages will appear. Parquet is often treated with a glossy varnish to obtain a "mirror effect". Parquet lacquer is inferior to matte in durability.
• Semi-matt combines the advantages and disadvantages of matte and glossy compositions. It will emphasize the texture of the product, give it a subtle shine and shimmer, but also show surface imperfections.

Types of varnishes for painting

Among modern varnishes, there are: dammar, acrylic pistachio, pistachio and acrylic styrene. There is also retouch varnish, fixative varnish and fir varnish.

Dammarny varnish is the most common. Its advantages include low cost and the ability to protect the painting from sunlight. But, over time, such a varnish turns yellow, so it is not advisable to use it for paintings made in cold colors.

Perfect for them acrylic pistachio varnish. It differs in transparency and elasticity of the coating, does not grow cloudy over time, but it costs much more and is not so common.

Pistachio the varnish got its name due to the main ingredient - pistachio resin. It practically does not differ from the previous type of varnish, but it is even less common on sale.

Acrylic-styrene the varnish is recognized as the most effective.In addition to providing a thin, transparent coating, does not change color or yellow, it has good water resistance properties.

All these varnishes give glare, so if the painting is under bright light, there is reason to give preference to matte varnishes. In terms of properties, they do not differ from glossy ones, except that they are not able to increase the depth and color saturation.

When choosing a varnish, pay attention to the date of manufacture and expiration date. For most products, it is no more than six months, and for some varnishes, no more than three

If the varnish is expired, then it will stick even after drying, attracting dust and dirt, and can soften in high humidity.

Retouch varnishes should not be confused with topcoats, since they have the opposite principle of action: they are used to dissolve the paint layer in order to continue working on a dried painting. It is applied before starting work on the desired area. Once dry, the varnish is reapplied to the work area. Retouching varnish, slightly dissolving the top dry paint, enhances the adhesion of the new layer. Thus, a "protection" against fading is obtained.

Tip: a simple and effective way from the old masters - cutting a head of garlic - is an excellent substitute for retouching varnish.

Fixative varnish is used to fix drawings with a pencil, charcoal, pastels, etc. After drying, it forms a film that allows you to remove dust from the picture. In addition to physical "protection", this varnish allows you to preserve the richness of color.

Fir varnish is similar to dammar varnish, that is, it is also made from resins. Less common, as a dammar varnish, or "tee" (a mixture of thinner, varnish and linseed oil) is usually used.

General tips for applying polyacrylic varnish

One of the prerequisites that must be observed for high-quality painting is a positive temperature inside the working room and a high - at least 50% - air humidity. Otherwise, the quality characteristics of the coating may deteriorate significantly.

Before painting, you should stock up on gloves and a protective gown to prevent the composition from getting on your skin and everyday clothes. If a few drops nevertheless spilled in an unnecessary place, wipe off the acrylic varnish until it dries, you can use plain water. After drying, it is better to use professional solvents or gasoline, but you need to be careful with sensitive surfaces. For example, a laminate top layer made of polyurethane can come off with an accidentally spilled acrylic lacquer stain.

The best way to apply a water-based varnish is with a roller, which makes it easier to handle large, even surfaces. The brush is best used for small or complex areas. Aerosol acrylic varnish in cans can be used for painting walls or other large objects

Taking into account how long acrylic varnish dries (2-4 hours), this can be the best solution for fast processing of large rooms.

Many beginners ask if the acrylic compound can be applied to alkyd paint or varnish. In theory, yes, but it's best not to. The reason for this is the poor compatibility of the formulations of the two coatings, which leads to swelling, unevenness and subsequent waste of the top layer. So this combination is not recommended.

Another popular question is "why does acrylic varnish stick?" The answer, alas, is very simple - you came across a composition of poor quality. A high-quality acrylic-based composition after complete drying should completely lose its sticky properties.

Manufacturers

In the construction markets, it is quite difficult to decide on the choice of paints and varnishes due to the wide range and a large number of manufacturers.

There are several popular firms that produce quality products:

• Optimist is a large Russian manufacturer of paints and varnishes with a twenty-year history. The company strictly adheres to quality standards, uses high-quality materials in its work.
• VGT is a Russian company specializing in the production of varnishes, paints, enamels, pigments and other acrylic materials. The firm has its own research center. A wide range of products of this company is provided in hardware stores.

• Tikkurila is one of the leading paints and varnishes companies in Finland, Sweden and Russia. Acrylic varnishes of this brand are in great demand among consumers.
• Pinotex - the products of this company are famous for their quality, are in demand throughout Europe, they produce universal, waterproof, wear-resistant acrylic varnishes.
• "Lakra" produces parquet and tinted varnishes with a UV filter, the products have quality certificates.

Features and basic qualities

This paint and varnish material is sold ready-to-use. This allows you to start surface treatment immediately after purchase. However, if necessary, it can be diluted with water, but the amount of this solvent should not exceed 10% of the total. Thus, in most cases there is no problem with how to dilute acrylic varnish.

It should be borne in mind that there are acrylic varnishes that are suitable for coating interior surfaces, and there are options for outdoor use. Due to its special molecular structure, this material is highly penetrating and versatile, i.e. it can be applied to most types of surfaces, including:

• cardboard;
• wallpaper;
• wood;
• brick;
• glass;
• plastic;
• decorative plaster, etc.

In addition, this material is irreplaceable when the question arises of what varnish to cover acrylic paint with. Wood surfaces often have to be coated with acrylic varnish in several layers. This is due to the fact that the water contained in this material can be absorbed into the wood fibers, leading to their swelling. Because of this, after the first treatment, the surface may become slightly rough and unattractive.

To eliminate this effect, additional sanding is often required after the application and drying of the first layer. After that, a second layer is applied. At the same time, the impregnation of wood and other coatings with varnish increases their protection against the effects of various factors.

Areas of application of aqueous acrylic varnishes

The high quality standards that meet the characteristics of water-based acrylic varnishes ensure a wide range of possible applications. Similar compositions are used both in repair and construction, and in decorative and finishing works.

Consider the main areas in which varnish is used.

• For interior and exterior work in wooden houses, glossy colorless and panel acrylic varnish are most popular. They are effective from an aesthetic and practical point of view, as they emphasize the natural beauty of natural wood and reliably protect it. The coating can be washed regularly, it is environmentally friendly and does not pose a danger to the human body.
• Interior decoration elements. Tables, chairs, sofa frames, stair railings - any pieces of furniture and other structures made of wood will last much longer if acrylic-polyurethane varnish was used for their processing. The strength of the composition prevents the occurrence of minor damage, which is why polishing from the moment of application will not be required more often than once a year.
• Strengthening the finishing wall covering. One of the reasons why water-based varnish is so in demand is its versatility in terms of surface material. Universal acrylic varnish is applied to painted walls, paper wallpapers, tiles and tiles.In all cases, the main goal is to create an additional protective layer that preserves the appearance of the interior wall decoration.
• Parquet processing. As a rule, dense and rough boards are used to create parquet flooring, therefore, for their processing, it is better to choose a matte colorless acrylic lacquer on a polymer-acrylic base. It will provide a more durable coating that can withstand heavy use. Considering how long acrylic lacquer dries, you can treat all floors in one room in just one day.
• To enhance the decorative effect of wood or other products. Modern water-based acrylic varnishes are an effective material for the final stage of processing wood or other products, which can emphasize their beauty. When applied to wood, the composition actively penetrates into the pores of the top layer and is securely fixed to the base.
• Protection of painting objects. Do not be surprised, professional artists, striving to prolong the life of their masterpieces, often use a transparent acrylic compound as a protective layer. It does not affect the brightness of paints and protects them from fading. By the way, another option for the creative use of acrylic varnish is decoupage. This designer find provides for decorative finishing of the interior with small drawings and patterns on a paper basis.