Vernicie

Vernicie, or varnish, is a clear protective coating applied to surfaces such as wood, canvas, metal, and other materials to create a durable film that can add gloss, color saturation, and resistance to moisture and wear. In Romanian usage the term denotes a film-forming finish used on furniture, woodwork, and artworks, and it is also employed in conservation to describe removable protective layers on paintings.

Varnishes are made from a resin dissolved in a solvent or dispersed in a vehicle. Traditional varnishes used natural resins such as dammar, colophony (pine resin), and mastic, often with drying oils. Modern varnishes rely on synthetic resins, including alkyd, polyurethane, acrylic, and epoxy, and many are available as oil-based, spirit-based, or water-based formulations. Finishes range from high-gloss to satin and matte and are chosen for properties such as hardness, flexibility, drying time, and UV resistance. Some varnishes are designed to be removable to support conservation or refinishing.

Application and use: varnish is typically brushed, padded, or sprayed onto a clean, prepared surface. As solvents evaporate, a continuous film forms and hardens. In art, varnish is applied to oil paintings to unify the surface gloss and protect the paint film; conservators may apply retouch varnish or isolation varnish to control future cleaning or restoration.

Care and safety: varnishes can be flammable and emit fumes; work in well-ventilated areas and use appropriate personal protective equipment. For cleaning, use products that match the finish and avoid aggressive solvents on delicate surfaces. Over time, varnishes can amber, yellow, or craze, and may require removal or refinishing.