Water-based varnish, which appeared relatively recently, is becoming increasingly popular. This is due to the environmental friendliness of the composition, the absence unpleasant odor when applied and with decent technical characteristics.
Peculiarities
Water-based varnish is a type of paint and varnish product that is primarily environmentally friendly. It contains water and emulsifiers (acrylic or polyurethane). In addition, the composition may contain liquid polymers, antiseptics (in varnishes for wood processing), solvents (their share can be 5–15%), plasticizers (provide increased strength of the varnish layer). The presence of water determines the “setting” of the varnish. First of all, it is this that evaporates, then the film-forming component (solvent), and lastly the binding component (emulsifier).
All water-based varnishes are divided into two large groups - one-component and two-component. One-component compositions, as the name implies, consist of one active component - acrylic or polyurethane.
- Acrylic the compositions are considered more environmentally friendly; they do not create a film on the surface, so the bases can “breathe”. In addition, acrylic varnishes are more elastic, which means they are easier to apply. At the same time, these compositions do not demonstrate the same high strength indicators as polyurethane analogues. The optimal area for use of the product is residential premises with standard environmental conditions.
- Polyurethane varnishes, characterized by a large margin of safety, are used for surfaces in public and administrative buildings. They are suitable for substrates subject to high mechanical loads and prone to damage.
The basis of the two-component varnish is acrylic, to which polyurethane is added to improve performance. An important feature of water-based varnishes is their freezing at subzero air temperatures. Once defrosted, this product is not suitable for use.
Compliance with storage rules allows you to avoid damage to the composition. Water-based varnishes can only be stored at positive temperatures.
Specifications
Speaking about technical characteristics, it is logical to note the advantages of water-based varnishes.
- Environmental friendliness, due to the absence or minimal content of solvents and other aggressive chemical elements in the composition. This ensures that there is no unpleasant odor during the painting and drying process of the water-based varnish. Neither alkyd, nor oil, nor, especially, formaldehyde compositions can demonstrate similar properties.
- High fire safety – the material is completely non-flammable, which allows it to be used on surfaces that are subject to increased fire safety requirements.
- High drying speed– 3–5 hours after application. However, we must not forget that the layer will gain its final strength in 15–30 days.
- Good performance adhesion, but subject to compliance with the technology for preparing working bases.
- Antiseptic ability is typical for acrylic varnishes.
- Durability to temperature changes, increased humidity levels.
- Durability to the influence of ultraviolet rays, which provides reliable protection of surfaces from sunlight and preserves their color.
- Opportunity further use working tools - just wash them with soap or dish soap, rinse and dry.
- It is important that no unpleasant odor, as well as a high drying speed, make it possible to carry out work without changing the usual way of life of household members. There is no need to think about where to move children and elderly relatives during the renovation.
Like any type of varnish, the composition in question has disadvantages, namely:
- lower strength to mechanical stress compared to similar indicators of other types of varnishes;
- application possible only at temperatures +15–20ºС and air humidity 50–55%;
- high cost compared to other types of varnish.
Dispersion varnish with the addition of polyurethane has high wet strength and resistance to chemicals. household chemicals, including alcohol-containing. The interior composition usually has an acrylic base, and for application to the floor it is polyurethane, which is characterized by increased strength. There are also varieties of the product intended for different types bases (wooden, concrete, plasterboard and others).
Separately, it is worth highlighting the self-priming water-based composition used for finishing. One of its main advantages is the ability to spread evenly, forming a smooth surface. The use of the composition can significantly improve appearance varnished surfaces.
There are such types of self-priming composition as:
- glossy– allows you to get elegant shiny surfaces, emphasizes the richness of bright colors. Not suitable for application to surfaces with defects, as it makes them even more noticeable;
- matte– derived from alkyd-urethane composition. It does not have a characteristic shine, looks elegant, noble, and also emphasizes the depth of color and visually hides the imperfections of the base.
In addition, there are “intermediate” options - semi-matte and semi-gloss. The latter exhibits a greater degree of gloss, but still does not “reach” the pronounced glossy coatings. Water-based varnish is a colorless transparent composition, and if we are talking about the acrylic version, it is a milky white shade. However, by adding color to them, you can get any shade. Transparent varnish does not change the shade and structure of the surface, but only emphasizes them.
Scope of application
The bulk of water-based products are intended for interior work, their use for exterior decoration is not recommended. The product has a fairly wide scope of application. It increases moisture resistance and other performance characteristics of walls, furniture, and interior elements. However, water-based acrylic compounds cannot withstand increased static and dynamic loads, so they are unsuitable for application over high-traffic flooring. It is acceptable to use them in the bedroom and children's room, for example, but not in the living room and hallway. For these rooms, it is better to choose analogues with a polyurethane binder component.
It should be noted that acrylic varnishes and paints are usually used for home decoration, while more durable polyurethane ones are used for surface treatment in public buildings.
Two-component compositions are most often used for application to wooden floor coverings. In addition, they can be applied to metal, concrete, stone, and drywall. Similar compositions are used when performing the following types of work:
- strengthening the foundation– in this case, they act as a kind of adhesive solution that holds the peeling elements together;
- antiseptic treatment– prevents the appearance of mold and mildew on the treated surface;
- surface protection– treated bases acquire greater strength, including resistance to temperature changes, mechanical damage, and high humidity;
- maintaining surface color saturation– the resulting film protects the substrate from fading under the influence of UV rays;
- surface decoration– depending on the type, such varnish can be used as a tinting composition, imparting a matte or glossy shine;
- simplifying the surface care process– protected bases can be safely wiped with a damp cloth.
Manufacturers: review and reviews
Among the leading manufacturers of water-based varnishes is a Finnish company Tikkurila. The range is represented mainly by acrylic varnishes; there are both universal compositions and products for walls, floors, and furniture. Buyers note a complete absence of odor when working with the product. And also from the experience of some users, we can conclude that the composition is best used in rooms facing the non-sunny side.
Varnishes produced under the trademark Eurotex, allow not only to protect surfaces and add gloss to them, but also to create an imitation of valuable and expensive wood species (when applying the composition to wood, of course).
Brand composition brands are also considered a leader LOBA. This German manufacturer regularly expands its range of varnishes, as well as colors for them. The price range is also wide. A large assortment is usually demonstrated by such reputable European brands as Vermeister, Pallmann, Berger-Seidle. In addition to special varnishes for different types of surfaces, as well as wooden furniture, walls and floors, there are modifications for baths and saunas. The latter are characterized by increased heat resistance and moisture resistance.
Products from domestic manufacturers receive positive feedback from customers "Lakra". High quality, absence of odor (a slight specific “aroma” is possible when using polyurethane varnishes), lower cost compared to the price of imported analogues - all these are undoubted advantages of the product. The assortment is represented mainly by finishing coating compositions. The company's products boast a variety of products V33, as it includes options for floors, walls, furniture, as well as universal varnishes. The products amaze with a variety of colors such as wenge, stained oak, pine and others.
If you need to varnish or decorate furniture, it is recommended to use varnishes 3V3 from a French manufacturer. Thanks to their characteristic consistency, they are easier to apply to curved surfaces and to use in hard-to-reach places.
Lacquer stain is characterized by increased wear resistance and strength. Deluxe. In addition, the product allows the base to give a noble appearance, imitation of valuable wood species. According to reviews, this composition, applied in the corridor, does not require updating for about 3 years. At the same time, the impeccable appearance of the floor is maintained even in conditions of high traffic and regular wet cleaning.
This manufacturer’s product range includes another composition for treating parquet boards – Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze. Due to the peculiarities of its composition and production, this varnish provides 10 times greater strength than other water-based varnishes.
- To obtain an impeccable result, as well as maintain the performance characteristics of the varnish It is important to prepare the working foundations in advance. They must be smooth, clean (without grease stains or traces of previous coating), and dry.
- First the primer is applied. This stage of work should not be skipped; the primer should be applied in 2–3 layers, which will reduce the consumption of varnish and increase the strength of its layer.
- Recommended to use special primers, intended for the surface to be finished, for example, for wooden surfaces, a wood primer should be used. It is important to choose compatible primers and varnishes. They both need to be water based.
- Water-based varnishes cannot be applied with brushes. For these purposes, only a roller is used; on larger bases, you can use a spray gun. Using a brush can cause noticeable stripes to appear on the surface to be varnished, so rollers of appropriate sizes are used even in corners and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Before applying each subsequent layer, you must wait complete drying of the previous one. Otherwise, unevenness and roughness of the surface cannot be avoided. If this recommendation complied with, but the dried varnish layer is rough, this is due to dust settling on the varnish. This problem can be eliminated by grinding the surface with the defect.
- Acrylic and polyurethane varnishes must be mix or shake thoroughly for 2–8 minutes depending on the volume of the container with varnish.
There are many. When deciding which wood varnish is best to choose, take into account the purpose of the materials being processed and the conditions in which they will be used.
Alkyd varnishes
Wood varnishes with alkyd compounds are used for treating wood indoors and outdoors. In terms of durability, this type of varnish is one of the best. The wood coating is hard and reliably protects the wood from moisture. The varnish is resistant to ultraviolet rays. There are also minor drawbacks: the varnish takes a long time to dry, at least three days. Additional additives in alkyd varnishes can reduce drying time to up to a day.
Another type of alkyd varnish is products with urethane group additives. Such varnishes dry much faster - up to 12 hours, while the strength characteristics of the coating itself increase significantly.
Oil varnishes
Oil-based varnishes are also often used for indoor wood finishing. Such products are presented in several shades: from pale yellow to intense brown. The final appearance of the processed product will depend on the chosen shade of varnish.
The composition of this type of varnish varies in terms of fat content. Fatty and medium-fat varnishes apply easily and well to the surface and, in addition to the decorative effect, serve as protection for the surface. Varnishes with a low fat content, up to 55%, are used exclusively for the aesthetic treatment of wood.
Water-based acrylic varnishes
Choosing acrylic varnish for wood is for environmentally friendly people. The material is safe from this point of view, it has no odor, and gives the treated wood fire-resistant properties. These varnishes are used for finishing interiors and exteriors. They retain the texture of the wood, but do not give off a yellowish tint like other types of varnishes. Usually, stores offer a whole line of varnishes that have varying degrees of gloss. These products are not recommended for rooms with high traffic and constant, let alone high, humidity. Ultraviolet rays do not have a significant effect on the varnish. Acrylic varnish takes a long time to dry; it takes about 2 weeks for the film to completely form.
Nitrovarnishes
This type of varnish is used for different types of wood, but mainly for indoor work, since there is no resistance to ultraviolet rays. Nitrovarnishes are also not used in damp rooms. In other cases, they are good because they quickly penetrate the wood, provide reliable protection and dry very quickly, within just a couple of hours. It is necessary to apply nitro varnish in a respirator, since it contains solvents that have a high degree of toxicity.
Polyurethane varnishes
Very often, varnishes with a polyurethane composition are used for exterior finishing. The most famous type of this varnish is yacht varnish. It is resistant to moisture, wear-resistant, and can withstand high traffic. The surface of wood after coating with polyurethane varnish is usually glossy. This product is also often used for processing furniture and for floor coverings, and even small interior items.
Natural wood is associated with warmth, comfort and an eco-friendly lifestyle - and is perfectly suited for creating a favorable atmosphere in the home. Each species has its own unique color and pattern, so walls decorated with wood do not require additional decorations. Only good defense.
In this section you can choose modern products for varnishing wooden walls and panels, which will help preserve their natural beauty for a long time.
So, you are going to varnish wooden walls
Tikkurila wall varnish creates a durable layer that protects the surface from moisture, dirt and damage. All products differ in the degree of gloss and recommendations for use. How to choose the right one?
Traditional varnishes of the family are perfect for varnishing the walls of dry rooms. For new, previously untreated walls, it is recommended with antifungal components. For light wood species, use a special varnish.
Designed to protect previously uncovered wood panels, linings, boards and logs. It is available in two levels of gloss and gives the surface water- and dirt-repellent properties and protects it from mold. Varnishes from the family can also be used for walls. They are diluted with water and do not turn yellow over time, and their remains are useful for varnishing furniture.
Treating wooden surfaces with colored varnish allows you to emphasize the textural features of a certain type of wood, which creates a beautiful decorative look. The varnish also performs a protective function. It forms a reliable protective layer that prevents destruction wooden surface. Colored wood varnish for interior work closes the pores of wood, which prevents the release of phytoncides and various natural odors.
Wood varnish for interior work is a special construction-type composition that is used to treat wooden surfaces of floors, various furniture, doors, stairs and other surfaces made of various types of wood. Colored varnish provides protection from the penetration of moisture and various cleaning agents, does not allow mold and fungi to destroy the wood, and also provides protection from mechanical stress (impacts, falling objects, friction).
People choose colored polish because it creates a certain look. Beautiful and rich tones of wood texture allow you to implement any design ideas and solutions. There are several types of colored wood varnish, but the most popular is polyurethane varnish. This is a chemical composition based on polyurethanes and other compounds and additives. This varnish is excellent for treating floorboards, parquet, various laminates (colored floor varnish), wooden walls and ceilings, various elements wooden interior, furniture.
Coating with ready-made colored varnish or tinting and subsequent varnishing of the wood?
When a wooden product is new, it does not look as beautiful. To give it a certain beauty it is necessary to treat it with a special coating. You can choose two options for coverage. The first option is to coat wooden surfaces with ready-made colored varnish. The second option is preliminary tinting in the desired color and subsequent varnish treatment. What type of coating is better?
Applying colored varnish can significantly save both money and time. To cover using tint, you will have to buy tint and clear varnish on wood, in the case of colored varnish, you only need to purchase varnish. When tinting, you will need to cover the wood with one layer of stain, then several layers of varnish, each layer must dry for a certain time. Therefore, it will take quite a long period of time.
Basic methods of applying colored polyurethane varnish for wood
Before applying colored varnish, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory procedures. First you need to level the wooden surface. If the unevenness is large enough, then it is necessary to use special tools. If the irregularities are small, then they can be treated with simple sandpaper. The surface must be flat and smooth. If there are knots on the surface, they can be removed using a special chisel, and inserts made from the same wood can be glued in their place.
After sanding, it is necessary to remove from the surface all traces of dirt, dust and greasy spots. To do this, you can use regular detergents and water. Polyurethane-based varnish is best applied to primed surfaces. The primer should be applied evenly over the entire surface; hard-to-reach areas must be treated very carefully. The primer must saturate the entire surface. It is best to apply a layer of primer with a brush with a fairly high hardness rating.
When the primer is completely absorbed, you can begin processing with colored varnish. The varnish is applied with a synthetic brush. It should lie in an even layer. Sagging and drips should not be allowed. Apply colored polyurethane varnish in 2-3 layers. Before applying the next layer, the previous one must dry thoroughly. During final drying, all doors and windows in the room must be closed and air movement must not be allowed.
Advantages of ZAR ULTRA PLUS colored polyurethane varnish
It is made on the basis of a polyurethane compound with the addition of a special stain. The varnish dries very quickly. At optimal temperature conditions in the room, complete drying occurs in 6 hours. It provides reliable protection of the wooden surface from impacts and other mechanical impacts. The special formula of the varnish allows you to give the wood a rich color.
You can purchase high-quality colored polyurethane varnish at affordable prices in our professional premium-class paint and varnish store.
