Varnish facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Varnish is a transparent, hard, protective finish or film primarily used in wood finishing but also for other materials. Varnish is traditionally a combination of a drying oil, a resin, and a solvent.

Resin

Most resin or "gum" varnishes consist of a natural substance dissolved in a solvent. The two main types of natural varnishes are spirit varnish (which uses alcohol as a solvent) and turpentine or petroleum-based varnish. Some resins are soluble in both alcohol and turpentine.

Shellac is a very widely used single component resin varnish that is alcohol soluble. It is not used outdoors or where it will come into repeated contact with water such as around a sink or bathtub.

Images for kids

  • Varnish

    Varnish on wood stairs

  • Oak flooring

    Varnished oak floor

  • German, maple Violin

    Varnished violin


All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Varnish Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.