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Proper varnishing: the many possible uses of colored varnish

DIYers and professionals alike swear by the use of colored varnishes. On the one hand, they are easy to apply, usually with a brush, roller or as spray paint in an aerosol can; on the other hand, they show their excellent properties on a wide range of substrates, so that the coating offers many possibilities. Wood, metal, plastics, concrete and masonry – none of these surfaces are a problem for these products. With these paints, getting a perfect finish is easy.

The right paint in 2 steps

If you want to paint a surface properly, you shouldn’t just jump straight in, but first think a few things through. What material is the surface you want to paint? Is it indoors or outdoors? Which colored varnish is best suited? Choosing the right varnish is actually the most important factor in getting a good result. Below, we explain in detail what you need to consider when choosing a colored varnish and what advantages and disadvantages the different types of varnish have. After that, we show you how to properly prepare the surface and how to apply the varnish correctly.

Glossy, satin or matt paints: how to paint properly with the right sheen level

Coloured varnishes are available in different gloss levels. There are gloss varnishes that create a highly glossy surface, look particularly elegant and are significantly more hard-wearing, as well as silk-matt and matt coloured varnishes that are more subtle. Which you choose depends on your personal taste and also on the impact resistance you need from the surface coating.

Good to know: The gloss level indicates how strongly incident light is reflected by the varnish. It is therefore an important characteristic of the surface finish and something you should definitely consider if you want to varnish correctly. As a rule, high-gloss surfaces reflect light evenly in one direction, while matt surfaces scatter it more irregularly. Because perception often varies from person to person, the exact gloss level is determined with a reflectometer.

Painting properly with acrylic paint: advantages and disadvantages

Acrylic paints are water-based and therefore particularly environmentally friendly, such as our BAUFIX coloured varnish. This means that the water-based varnish is liquid when applied. The product can even be thinned with water afterwards. The low odour is a real advantage indoors. At the same time, the water-based variant impresses after painting with high weather and UV resistance and fast drying times. This means that coloured varnish also performs very well outdoors.

However, the finish achieved with these varnishes is usually not quite as good. In terms of durability, they also lag behind some other variants. The top coat is somewhat thinner.

Painting properly with synthetic resin paint: advantages and disadvantages

Synthetic resin paints are solvent-based. They are viscous and cannot be thinned. Their particular strength is forming a robust, hard-wearing surface on materials, making them impact- and shock-resistant. Once cured, the substrate can withstand even the heaviest use. Because the paint remains elastic, it is ideal for coating wood and protects the material from cracking. As these paints are also heat-resistant, they are even suitable for use on radiators. The downside is that the protective coating produces a stronger odor during application and takes longer to dry.

Cleaning & priming: with these preparations, surfaces can be painted correctly

To achieve a proper finish when painting surfaces, once you have chosen the right paint, you need to prepare the surface. It is important that it is clean and smooth.

Cleaning and removing old paint to ensure proper repainting

When you start working, first clean the surface you want to paint thoroughly. Then allow it to dry completely. If the surface has been varnished before, this layer must first be removed thoroughly. For water-based varnish, it’s best to use water and dishwashing liquid; for solvent-based varnish, use a suitable solvent or paint stripper. This can be applied easily, and after the exposure time you can remove the varnish with water and a scraper. Sanding is only recommended for surfaces that you won’t damage with a sander.

Sanding down uneven areas for proper varnishing

To achieve an optimal, smooth varnish finish, the surface must be even. You can correct uneven areas with sandpaper, a sander or a sanding block. In addition, small cracks must be filled with filler.

Primer for proper varnishing

To improve adhesion and make application easier, a primer can be useful. A low-emission universal primer is suitable for this, or a rust-inhibiting primer for metals.

You don’t want to wait for the primer to dry before you can get started? With 2-in-1 products such as BAUFIX Coloured Varnish, priming before applying the varnish becomes unnecessary. It is ready to use straight from the can and ensures high adhesion even without a primer.

How to apply the varnish

Once you have completed all the necessary preparations, you can start applying the varnish. The procedure varies slightly depending on the surface. For larger areas, it is advisable to start in one corner and work your way across step by step to achieve an even result. For smaller areas, start in the middle and gradually work your way outwards. As a general rule for multicoloured coatings: always start with the lighter colour to achieve a proper finish.

How do I store and dispose of colored lacquers?

Store paints and varnishes in a cool, frost-free place. After painting, make sure you close the container airtight. This is the only way to prevent it from drying out. Depending on the product, unopened paints can be used for up to two years and opened cans for up to twelve months. Dispose of dried paint with household waste. Take liquid paints to your local recycling center. If in doubt, always choose the latter option for the sake of the environment.

Fancy giving your home a fresh new look? Then grab some colored varnish! Browse our range now and discover the variety of colors and finishes of BAUFIX paints. We hope you enjoy your project and are happy to advise you on any questions you may have.