How to use wood varnish

• What is varnish?
• Types of varnish
• How to apply traditional wood varnish
• Drawbacks of varnish finishes
• What are VOCs?
• Finish outdoor wood with Roxil Wood Protection Cream

Varnish has been a popular choice for waterproofing outdoor wood furniture for thousands of years. The first mentions of varnishes described a mix of solvent and resin and were applied with a brush. Ancient cultures in Greece and Egypt used natural resins and oils to protect and beautify wood surfaces. The development of furniture varnish continued through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance right up to the modern day.

Exterior wood varnish is still an incredibly popular way of weatherproofing fences and furniture. Does it stand up as an effective way to protect your garden furniture or is there a better way?

Varnish is usually made from 3 main components:

• Oil
• Resin
• Solvent

Varying the type and amount of each component will result in varnishes with differing properties. For example, the choice of oil will impact the colour of the finish. Resin adds strength to the finished product and can also impact colour.

Solvents help thin oil and resin for workability and use. More solvent in the mixture results in a thinner varnish. The solvent evaporates to leave the resin and oil to cure into a hard layer.

There are various types of varnish available on the market. Common types include:

• Acrylic varnish: Tends to be water-based and is used for a variety of different applications. It is usually clear and is relatively cheap when compared to other types. It is sensitive to extreme weather and may crack in high and low temperatures.
• Polyurethane Varnish: This type is a synthetic, durable and widely used option. It is resistant to corrosive materials but is very vulnerable to UV radiation from the sun’s rays.
• Yacht (or Spar) Varnish: Specifically designed for outdoor use and typically made from spar urethane. Yacht varnish contains additional additives that enhance its ability to withstand weathering. It offers better moisture resistance but still requires regular maintenance. It is designed for protection. The finish is intended for use on wood in contact with water and tends to be brittle — not ideal for the garden.
• Spirit Varnish: Spirit varnishes use alcohol as the solvent. These types are smelly to work with, contain high levels of VOC and are not resilient to weathering.
• Alkyd Varnish: Contains alkyd resin. It has high levels of water resistance but takes a relatively long time to dry. Very pungent to apply.

• Sand the wood surface to ensure smoothness and remove any previous coatings. Traditional wood varnish is brushed or sprayed onto the wood. 
• Multiple coats are typically applied to build up a protective layer. Allow to dry between coats.
• Sand and polish to achieve the desired finish.

Vulnerable varnish

Varnish can crack over time to let in moisture and UV radiation from the sun.

Flexibility and Durability

Varnish coatings tend to become brittle over time and under fluctuating weather conditions. This leads to cracking and peeling when exposed to wood movement caused by temperature and humidity changes.

Roxil Wood Protection Cream adapts to the natural expansion and contraction of wood. This flexibility ensures long-lasting protection without the risk of surface damage or failure.

Lack of breathability

One of the significant drawbacks of varnish is its lack of breathability. Varnish forms a film on the surface of the wood and prevents wood from naturally exchanging moisture with the environment. This can lead to trapped moisture and subsequent wood decay. Roxil Wood Protection Cream allows the wood to breathe. It establishes a water-repellent barrier that enables the passage of water vapour and reduces the risk of rot and mould growth. 

UV Resistance

UV rays from the sun causes wood to fade, discolour, and degrade over time. Varnish offers limited UV protection and may require additional UV-resistant topcoats. Roxil Wood Protection Cream, on the other hand, contains advanced UV stabilizers that help shield the wood from harmful sun radiation. This ensures that the natural beauty of the wood is preserved for an extended period.

Water Repellency

Roxil Wood Protection Cream excels at waterproofing. It forms a hydrophobic barrier that repels water and prevents damage like warping, swelling and splitting. The superior water repellency of Roxil makes it highly effective at protecting garden wood exposed to rain, snow, and other outdoor elements.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are the reason treatments of all kinds give off a powerful smell. They can be dangerous to human health and the environment. VOCs are found in a wide range of DIY materials.

VOCs can produce ground layer ozone which is the main cause of smogs in cities. They are also irritants and can cause cold-like symptoms in people sensitive to them. As well as varnishes, VOCs are also present in paints and adhesives. 

Varnish has several limitations when it comes to waterproofing outdoor wood furniture:

• Maintenance Intensive: Varnish coatings require regular upkeep to maintain their effectiveness. Exposure to sunlight, moisture, and changing weather conditions causes varnish to degrade over time. 
• Brittle and Prone to Peeling: Varnish is not flexible and can become brittle as it ages. This rigidity makes it susceptible to cracking and peeling, expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes. Cracked varnish layers let water in and compromise the entire structure.
• Limited UV Protection: The UV resistance of varnish is not as effective as modern alternatives like UV-resistant wood stains or protective coatings.
• Environmental Concerns: Traditional varnishes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful chemicals. These chemicals can pose health risks during application and contribute to environmental pollution. They are also unpleasant to work with.

Modern alternatives like silicone-based wood creams provide superior protection, durability, and ease of use for waterproofing outdoor wood.

Roxil Wood Protection Cream

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Varnish typically requires multiple coats and meticulous surface preparation like sanding and polishing. Roxil Wood Protection Cream is easy to apply and requires minimal preparation. It can be applied directly to the wood surface using a brush or roller to save both time and effort. Roxil Wood Protection Liquid can be applied with a pump-action pressure sprayer.

Roxil Wood Protection Cream is a silicone cream emulsion for the long-term protection of exterior wood furniture, fences and more. It protects wood from moisture damage, weathering, warping and moss/algae growth. It also slows tannin-leaching and helps wood maintain its colour for longer.

The colourless cream formula absorbs into wood to create a waterproof barrier. It protects fences, decking, sheds, furniture and more from the elements without changing their appearance.