How to varnish wood

Varnishing wood is a great way to elevate its natural beauty whilst also adding a layer of protection against things like moisture, scratches and even UV rays.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a completely newbie, knowing how to varnish wood is an excellent, money-saving skill to have.

In this article, we explore the benefits of varnishing wood and offer a step-by-step guide on how to do it to a professional standard.

If you don’t feel like taking on the job yourself, feel free to enter your postcode into the search box below and connect with some local experts.

Benefits of varnishing wood

There are many benefits to varnishing your wooden floors, doors or furniture.

The most important benefit for most people is that is enhances the wood’s appearance, exaggerating the natural textures and colour.

Not only that, but it protects the wood from wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for replacements. Some people use varnish as a means of protecting antique furniture items.

Learning the skill of wood varnishing is also beneficial for several reasons. It not only means you can maintain your hardwood floors and furniture yourself, but that you can save on the cost of having someone else do it.

If your floor needs more than a coat of varnish, you might be interested in reading about wood floor restoration costs.

How to varnish wood – Step-by-step

Here’s a detailed guide on how to varnish wood:

Materials required

• Varnish
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Clean cloth
• A brush
• Protective gloves
• Drop cloth

Step one: Prepare the area

First, ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, as you don’t want to breathe in the fumes from the varnish.

Cover the surrounding area with drop cloths or newspaper to protect against spills.

Step two: Prepare the wood

Make sure the wood is completely clean, dry and free from old paint or blemishes before preparing the wood.

Then, sand down the surface, starting with the coarsest grit, such as a 120, and working your way to the finest grit, like a 320.

Be sure to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the wood. After sanding, wipe away any dust with a clean cloth.

Step three: Stir and apply varnish

Stir the varnish gently to mix it. Don’t shake it, as this can cause air bubbles, which are a nuisance.

Dip your brush into the varnish, being careful not to overload it (you don’t want it to be dripping).

Begin at one edge and apply the varnish in the direction of the wood grain using long, smooth strokes, maintaining a wet edge to avoid overlaps.

Thinner coats dry faster and have less drips and runs, so it’s best to apply multiple thin layers if you need to, rather than making it too thick to begin with.

Step four: Let it dry

Check the manufacturer’s directions to find out how long the varnish takes to dry and then allow it to do so for the specified duration.

Water-based varnishes typically dry quicker than oil-based ones.

Try to maintain air circulation in the room, but be careful that dust and other debris doesn’t get onto the drying varnish.

Step five: Apply more coats

Before you apply another coat, lightly sand the surface once more with a fine-grit sandpaper. This isn’t essential, but it’s recommended, as it will help the next coat stick properly and help you achieve a smoother finish.

Wipe away any dust and apply the second coat or varnish. Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Depending on how you want the finished product to look, you can apply more coats of varnish.

Step six: Clean up

Clean up brushes immediately after use to avoid varnish sticking to the bristles. Allow the varnish to cure according to the product’s specifications, then clean the varnished wood with a slightly damp cloth.

How to varnish wood floors

Varnishing wood floors is the same as varnishing any wooden item, but the process is slightly unique because the wood is already locked in place. Follow these steps to varnish your wood floors:

Materials required

• Varnish
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Clean cloth
• A brush
• Protective gloves
• Drop cloth
• Painter’s tape

Step one: Prepare the area

Begin by evaluating your work area and making sure you have enough air circulating around the room. Good ventilation is important when working with varnish.

Next, remove everything from the room, including furniture. Tape off the edges of the floor to protect them during varnishing.

Step two: Prepare the floor

If the floor has previously had varnish applied to it, you’ll need to sand it down to bare wood, starting with a coarse grit and moving to a finer grit.

Otherwise, you’ll still need to sand the surface to smooth it out and make the varnish stick better, but not as vigorously.

After sanding, remove all dust from the floor, either by hand using a cloth, with a vacuum cleaner, or a combination of the two.

Step three: Apply the varnish

Gently stir the varnish to mix it together – but don’t shake it – then pour some into a paint tray.

Using a roller for large areas and a brush for edges, apply a thin, even coat of varnish on the wood, going with the grain.

Once completed, allow the first layer to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Step four: Apply more coats

If you want to apply another coat, lightly sand the surface again once it’s completely dry to ensure the next coat adheres well and to achieve a better finish. Wipe away any dust.

Following the exact same process as before, apply another coat of varnish and let it dry. If you want to apply even more coats, just repeat this step until you’re happy with the look.

Step five: Clean up

Clean up brushes and rollers straight away, but before cleaning the floor, allow it to cure for the length of time specified by the manufacturer.

You should be able to walk on the floor again after about 24hrs. Even if it feels dry, don’t walk on it before this time.

It can take up to a week for the varnish to fully harden, so don’t put any heavy furniture or rugs back in the room for between several days to a week.

If you’d prefer to call in a professional to complete the job for you, we don’t blame you! Simply pop your postcode into the search box below to connect with Checkatrade-approved experts in your area.

The easiest way to varnish your wood

Hire a professional to varnish your wood. They have all the tools and know-how to achieve a high-end finish. Plus, you don’t have to risk getting it wrong with your DIY skills!