Water-based varnishes: types and applications

Water-based varnish coatings are very popular in construction and finishing works. This product is characterized by a number of properties that make it an indispensable component in home decoration. Modern construction stores provide customers with a huge selection of lacquer products. Therefore, before purchasing this product, it is necessary to familiarize yourself in advance with all possible types of products, the characteristics of the compositions and the features of the application.

Water-soluble varnish compositions are actively gaining popularity in the construction market. A distinctive feature of such mixtures is the need to dilute the main components with water. Typically, the composition of such a varnish as a binder includes emulsifiers, which are poured into water in the form of a dry powder.

After mixing the powder, a special water-dispersion composition is formed, to which are added various chemical elements responsible for the formation of a protective film and pigmentation.

Initially, varnish acts as a protective coating for products made of various materials. Most often, the composition is a clear solution that gives any surface a glossy texture. Also, in some cases, it helps to enhance the saturation of the surface color. Since there are different types of varnish solutions, each of them is characterized by a special set of characteristics and composition components.

Polyurethane varnish contains polyurethane as the main component. It is he who endows such coatings with the unique property of creating additional strength and surface resistance to various kinds of influences.

Such varnish is resistant to not only moisture, but also various chemical components.included in the cleaning products. In addition to chemical manipulations, the varnish mixture tolerates mechanical stress perfectly. It is not afraid of various shocks, so it is often used in rooms where there is a high risk of damage to surfaces.

Acrylic varnish is a different composition. It is based on acrylic acid. This varnish has a milky white color and is a composition in which, in addition to acrylic resins, there are also stabilizers that preserve the structure of the mixture. On the surface, the varnish forms a transparent protective layer upon drying. One-component acrylic varnish has a very elastic texture, it does not lay down in a thick layer on the surface, but allows it to "breathe". Despite the fact that such products tend to protect surfaces from fading, however, such compositions are not resistant to abrasion.

For processing wood, a special type of water-based coating is used - stain. It refreshes the color of the wood and has a disinfecting effect. Water-based products are powder that must be diluted with water before use. This substance has color in its composition, so the intensity of the color is usually adjusted depending on the concentration of the powder used.

This composition includes two components - acrylic and polyurethane.Thanks to this combination, the coating is endowed with additional properties, is more resistant to various influences, but at the same time retains its elasticity. Such products combine various positive properties, including resistance to fire and the absence of the unpleasant odor characteristic of many other mixtures.

Varnishes are also divided into varieties according to their texture. They are of the following types:

• Matt lacquer is presented in the form of formulations produced by mixing alkyd and urethane resins. In the finished form, the coating is an opaque dense film. It does not create any shine on the surface, it looks restrained and noble.
• Glossy varnish is transparent. It creates a special layer that is more abrasion resistant. It can be colorless or have some shades such as gold or silver.
• Semi-matt varnish, especially common among the acrylic varieties. It very clearly highlights the surface relief, has an unobtrusive shine. Such a coating should be applied only to perfectly smooth surfaces, because it will highlight the flaws.

Scuba diving has a number of positive qualities that distinguish them from various other types of varnish compositions.

The main advantages are:

• Environmental friendliness. During use, such mixtures do not form toxic fumes, the release of which is hazardous to health.
• Short drying time. Unlike various other decorative coatings, such varnishes dry no more than 5 hours, which significantly saves time for repair work. Drying time for some species is only a couple of hours.
• Water-based varnishes are non-flammable and therefore offer a higher level of safety than, for example, paper finishes.

• The film formed by the varnish is not under strong tension. This provides more effective protection for the material.
• Aqueous formulations are durable.
• The material gives the surface an additional aesthetic appearance.

• The varnish has a high level of adhesion. It adheres perfectly to wooden surfaces, and during operation, chips and other disturbances in the structure of the coating do not form.
• Some types of water-based varnish have antiseptic properties, such as acrylic.
• Varnishes tolerate ultraviolet radiation normally. When exposed to sunlight, they do not lose their appearance and protective functions.

The negative characteristics of water-based varnish include the following nuances:

• When applying it, you must observe a number of conditions regarding temperature and humidity - maintain a certain temperature (not less than 15 and not more than 20 C) and a humidity level in the range from 55 to 60%.
• The lacquer products of companies that have established themselves among users are quite expensive. For less than 1 liter of products, you will have to pay from 500 to 1000 rubles.

Compared to the many pluses of the material, we can say that the minuses are not so significant. All the positive qualities cover the shortcomings and form a weighty reason for purchasing such a varnish composition for finishing work.

The scope of application of finishing varnishes varies depending on their varieties. Water-based varnishes are mainly used for interior finishing work, as they are not sufficiently resistant to weather conditions.

Polyurethane compounds are commonly used in public premises: educational institutions, administrative buildings, trade pavilions. Usually, it is in these places that there is a high permeability, which such a varnish coating withstands very well.

Acrylic products are best used for home interiors, especially as a colorless wall covering.The composition is unstable to both mechanical and temperature fluctuations, so ordinary apartments are best suited as a scope of its use. Only degreased surfaces are covered with this mixture.

Two-component compounds are used for the treatment of floor coverings. They are often treated with parquet. Glossy varnish is used as a finishing parquet layer. It can also be applied to plaster, wallpaper, stone surfaces, wood, concrete, drywall.

There are a number of firms in the production of paints and varnishes, which have earned a lot of positive feedback from consumers. The most demanded companies include:

• Tikkurila. The products of this brand are represented by acrylic varnishes with high resistance to mechanical stress. Varnishes are great for indoor use where windows are not exposed to the sun. In the absence of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such a coating can last a long time and not lose its presentable appearance. Among the company's assortment, one can find varnishes both for walls and ceilings and for floor coverings. It is considered an excellent composition for protecting wood products. All the company's products are hypoallergenic, which is especially important for families with small children.

• Company products Eurotex It is quite remarkable for its aqua-glaze, which creates reliable protection of wooden surfaces from rotting and the appearance of various parasites. With the help of special pigments in the composition, you have the opportunity to create not only a transparent coating, but also to give the material shades of noble wood species. Among the products there is a special type of varnish designed to cover the wooden surfaces of a bath or sauna. These types of mixtures imply increased resistance to high temperatures and humidity.

• Popular not only in the Russian Federation, but also in many European countries, is the company "Lacra"... It offers customers products of the highest quality, which is confirmed by appropriate certificates. Such varnishes are used mainly for finishing. They have high aesthetic properties and are absolutely safe for health.

• To paint furniture and other interior details made of wood with a protective varnish layer, you can choose 3V3 products... Such coatings are specially designed for furniture. They are completely non-toxic, dry quickly and do not leave streaks when applied. The company offers a range of colors to choose from, among which it is easy to find the most suitable shade for the interior. A significant advantage is the ability to reuse tools after applying this varnish, because all devices can be easily cleaned of excess mixture with water.

The service life and quality of the coating largely depends on its application. Only taking into account all the nuances of creating a protective layer, you can create a high-quality design using varnish. First of all, you should remember about all the necessary tools for the job.

These include:

• protective gloves;
• respirator;
• rollers;
• brushes;
• tools for grinding.

Preparation is an important step. Since water-based varnish is not suitable for outdoor work and for metal, it should only be used on wooden surfaces, having prepared them in advance.

It includes the following steps:

• Removing the old coating (if any). This procedure can be carried out using a grinder.
• Next, you need to clean the wooden surface from dirt and let the material dry.

• Priming of the wood is an obligatory step.You can buy special varieties of primers, or you can significantly reduce the amount of work and purchase a self-priming solution. It contains both primer and varnish components. It is recommended to apply the primer mixture in several layers.
• Depending on the density and components of the varnish composition, it is applied in a certain number of layers. The less dense the coating, the more coats must be applied. Acrylic, for example, is sometimes applied 8 times to the surface.

• Before applying the coating, be sure to shake it well before opening and then mix thoroughly.
• To keep the compositions in proper quality, it is worth keeping it only in a room with a positive air temperature.
• It is also not recommended to carry out work on varnishing the surface in the cold season. Under the influence of low temperatures, the varnish often cracks, loses its aesthetic appearance and requires additional surface restoration.

• Do not use thinner instead of water to dilute the composition.
• Consider the interior features when choosing a varnish. Glossy varieties are not suitable for all styles.
• When applying varnish, be sure to wait until each previous coat is completely dry. If you reapply on a dry surface, then there is a risk of irregularities and irregularities in its relief.
• Many people prefer to tint wood. To do this, add the color of the desired shade to the varnish. Remember that you need to add such a component in small quantities.

To make the varnish coating a real decoration of your interior, follow the recommendations of the professionals and be careful when buying and applying the composition. Then the surfaces of walls, furniture or floors will delight you every day with their beautiful and laconic look.

How to make the parquet varnished with water-based varnish, see below.