Quick Lesson: Varnish Variations

You don't have to be confused by the world of varnish. In this video, professional finisher Peter Gedrys explains the differences between most oil-based varnishes to help you make better decisions when choosing a varnish for your next woodworking project. This video is a sidebar to a five-part video series. Find links to the full video series below.

Here, Gedrys explains how varnish is made up of oil and resin blended in different proportions and categorized by “oil length.” Varnishes fall into the categories of short, medium, or long oil, as well as a rubbing varnish. But they're also known under names such as spar, gym seal, and bar top. Discover the differences between these varieties in this excerpt from our series on refinishing furniture.

ABOUT THE SERIES
Expert finisher Peter Gedrys, of East Haddam, Conn. guides you through all the steps of refinishing furniture from stripping an old finish to putting the final touches on a new one. Also, become a member and chat with Gedrys about your finishing problems in Ask The Experts.

		Step One: Stripping the Old Finish  Learn the best ways to remove a finish, safely
		Step Two: Surface Preparation  How to create a smooth and clean surface, thwarting headaches down the road
		Step Three: Sealing and Coloring with Shellac  Professional techniques for sealing and coloring wood. A shellac pad helps you lay down smooth, thin layers. See how to make one in a short video sidebar.
		Step Four: Simple Techniques for Applying Varnish  Varnish is the perfect topcoat to repel moisture and alcohol. To learn how different varnishes compare, watch this short video sidebar.
		Step Five: Rubbing Out the Finish  Take your finish to the next level with the often-skipped rubbing-out process