Finishing touches for furniture

Acrylic varnish:

• Solvent

Water

• Characteristics

Genuinely clear, thin, hard fi lm with no amber tones. Moderate resistance to wear and spills.

• How to apply

Usually sold in a spray can. To apply, spray or, if necessary, brush on two or three thin coats.

Oil-based varnish:

• Solvent

Mineral turpentine

• Characteristics

Hard film with a warm, amber tone. Moderate to good resistance to wear and spills.

• How to apply

Brush on two to three coats, sanding between coats. Recoating is easy but spot-repairs are problematic.

Lacquer

• Solvent

Lacquer thinner

• Characteristics

Thin, hard film. Very good spill and wear resistance. Often used on commercial furniture.

• How to apply

Usually professional equipment is used to spray on two or three coats. If using a slow-drying product, apply with a brush. Don’t use over other finishes.