Can acrylic paint be varnished? What kind of varnish can be applied to acrylic paint. General information about varnishes

Published: 05 June 2015

To understand which varnish is best to purchase for application over acrylic paint, you need to learn as much as possible about the varieties of varnish compositions available and compare them with each other.

Types of varnishes

Lacquer is a liquid solution of various resins. Such material can be applied to a variety of surfaces. It gives them shine and reliably protects them from various external influences. According to the field of application, varnishes are very diverse:

1. Furniture varnish is used indoors. It is suitable not only for furniture, but also for other wood products. It is often applied as a finishing coat after sealing cracks in a log. It may contain coloring pigments, if not - if necessary, you can make tinting before use. Such varnishes are quite inexpensive, but they do not differ in wear resistance.

2. Parquet varnish. It can be applied to natural wood floors. Such coatings are compatible with the parquet itself, ordinary floorboards, massive boards. They are expensive, but they are highly resistant to abrasion. The unifying property of parquet and furniture varnishes is low moisture resistance, therefore it is recommended to wipe varnished floors, furniture and parquet with a special composition or mastic.

3. Yacht varnish. This paint and varnish material differs in the increased moisture resistance. It can be used not only in shipbuilding, but also for application on gazebos, garden furniture, carved architraves, wooden sheds. Such a varnish is very expensive, so it should be used carefully and wisely, without spending too much.

4. Decorative and universal varnishes. The cost of such materials can not be called either low or high, they have an average wear resistance.

Varnishes for water-based paints are most often just universal. They are well suited for both exterior decoration and interior renovation. Naturally, acrylic varnish goes well with acrylic paints, but polyurethane and even some alkyd materials can also work.

How to apply varnish on acrylic paint?

Acrylic paint has one important feature: the longer you do not apply varnish on it, the stronger it will “bond” with a wooden surface. Let the fresh paint dry before applying the varnish (it is better to wait a few weeks, but sometimes a few days is enough). During drying, protect the painted surface with glass or film.

Applying varnish on acrylic paint is carried out in the following order:

1. First choose a varnish. Be sure to find out if it is compatible with the base. If you need acrylic varnish, please note that it is recommended to buy the freshest one.

2. Getting ready to apply the paintwork material. Taking care not to damage the acrylic base, carefully remove the glass or protective film. If there is dust on the surface, remove it with a vacuum cleaner (do not come into contact with the surface). In extreme cases, use a feather whisk. Your movements should be measured and accurate. Sweeping the surface with a rag is strictly prohibited: acrylic paint is quite delicate, the coating can be easily damaged. The varnish itself should be slightly warmed up before application. It is recommended to do this in a water bath.

3. Lacquering. Take a small amount of paint material on a wide brush and start applying it to the surface. Your movements should be smooth, the direction is from top to bottom. Protect a fresh coating with a visor, a film frame.

Acrylic compounds are used very often. Due to its water-repellent properties and light resistance, this paintwork material is used for furniture treatment, protection of car bodies, application on art products and household items. It is important to decide whether or not to treat painted structures and products with varnish? Experts say that varnishing is necessary, thanks to this, the operational life of acrylic paint is extended, the material remains attractive for a long time. For this purpose, a special varnish for acrylic paints is used, which has many advantages.

Acrylic lacquer is made from several components, including a polymer material, a plasticizer and a plastic dispersion, which creates a strong and durable protective layer that protects the base being processed from harmful and aggressive environmental influences and mechanical stress. To understand which varnish with acrylic elements is better to use, it is necessary to consider what types of these compositions are.

Varieties

In stores today they sell various types of acrylic compounds and other mixtures. Here is a list of the most common and effective varieties:

water based solutions. Their main purpose is wood processing. These mixtures are refractory, colorless, reliably cover and protect the material. Their disadvantage is low resistance to sudden temperature changes. With rapid changes in air temperature, the surface treated with such an acrylic varnish may begin to crack and crumble;
oil formulations. They are made on a synthetic or organic basis, and have the appearance of oil or resin. They fit well on the tree, are perfectly absorbed into it, and prolong the life of the structure. These varnishes harden quickly, but the complete drying process takes several days;
nitro-varnishes. These mixtures instantly interact with the treated surface and air, so they dry very quickly. It is important to remember that they are highly toxic solutions, so when working with them, be sure to wear a respirator and ventilate the room well. First you need to try how this solution will behave on a small area of \u200b\u200bthe base to be treated;
alkyd blends. They are made from resin and synthetic solvent, have an average drying speed and sufficient resistance to moisture. They are universal, very easy and quick to apply with conventional tools. For application, you can use a spray gun, brush or roller. It is possible to process with alkyd solutions both inside and outside the premises, they are used to protect the facades of buildings, because they are not afraid of sudden temperature changes;
polyurethane paint products. They are used in many areas, because they are well compatible with any kind of base and paint. Polyurethane varnish solutions are not afraid of the harmful effects of the external environment. One of the disadvantages is the rather high cost and complexity of application;
epoxy varnish mixtures. Most often they are used in those rooms where an increased indicator of humidity is often observed, this includes saunas, wooden baths, and pools. Epoxy mortar dries quickly, is not afraid of mechanical stress.

When choosing one or another lacquer composition, you need to remember that they are sold not only transparent, but can be with any shade and shine - glossy, matte or mother-of-pearl.

The main properties and advantages of acrylic

Acrylic varnish has a lot of advantages, in comparison with other varnish solutions, because acrylic has excellent quality and properties. Acrylic composition combines elasticity with high strength, quickly and reliably sets to the base, which guarantees a long service life. A structure or product treated with an acrylic composition is not afraid of external influences, including mechanical damage, high humidity, frost, and sunlight.

When acrylic lacquer is applied inside a residential building, protection against fungus and mold is guaranteed, in addition, acrylic lacquer is fireproof. It can be applied to plastered walls, masonry and wood surfaces and creates an equally strong protective layer on them. Here is a list of the main properties of acrylic compositions:

practically no smell;
good interaction with acrylic paint and water-soluble paint products;
minimum drying period;
high strength layer that protects the surface from the external environment;
fast solubility in liquids containing water;
sufficient ductility;
high rate of adhesion or adhesion to different types of surfaces and materials;
resistance to water influence;
maintaining absolute transparency, even after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Many are interested in how to varnish acrylic paints? Acrylic varnish is ideal for this type of paint, and a polyurethane varnish composition is also suitable.

Among the advantages of varnish with acrylic elements are the following:

resistance to different temperatures;
resistance to moisture, good thermal conductivity;
resistance to mechanical stress;
small mass;
high strength and elasticity;
environmental cleanliness and safety, can be used for interior work in residential premises;
protection of the surface from the appearance of microorganisms, including mold and fungi;
aesthetics, external attractiveness;
versatility of application, acrylic varnish can be applied not only to wood, but also to putty, plaster and brick wall.

Areas of use of acrylic varnishes

Since these compositions are universal and unique in their properties, they are very often used during construction, repair, finishing work, sometimes they are even used instead of enamel or paint. To the question of how to varnish acrylic paint on wood, experts give an unequivocal answer - an acrylic-based varnish solution. But in addition to wood, which the composition protects from pests, damage and moisture, this type of lacquer product is used for:

processing of products and structures in the construction industry. In addition to acrylic paint, the solution is used for many other materials;
protection of all kinds of interior elements. Can be used to cover furniture, wooden railings, stairs, skirting boards, windows, doors, and more;
produce special varieties for covering yachts. This product has increased resistance to temperature fluctuations and high humidity;
production of various adhesives and building and finishing mixtures.

Rules for choosing varnish and varnishing

So, it is clear whether it is necessary to varnish acrylic paint, it is definitely necessary. Now it is important to determine whether the selected varnish is suitable for the existing base and for the paint. The base can be wood, plaster, putty or acrylic paint. It is necessary to choose a varnish mixture as fresh as possible, from the moment of its manufacture it is desirable that 3 months have not passed.

It is better to give preference to a matte surface rather than a glossy one, since acrylic paint applied to wood or putty does not need a shiny surface.

After choosing a varnish solution for paint, it is necessary to start cleaning the surface. You can varnish only a clean base, without dust, dirt, greasy stains and flaky areas. If the varnish is applied to the paint, it must adhere firmly and securely to the base. Before applying the varnish composition, it must be heated to 50 degrees, it is advisable to do this in a water bath. A three-liter container with varnish is usually heated within 5 minutes, during heating the mixture must be stirred all the time.

After heating, you can begin to varnish the paint or other base. If the application is carried out with a brush, it is important to ensure that the mixture does not drip from it. It is advisable to cover the base in small areas. When one area begins to harden, you need to start varnishing the next area.

Varnishing the base is quite difficult, because the mixture on wood or paint hardens quickly enough, and if dust gets on the varnish, then all the work will be done in vain. At first, it is advisable to practice a little on an inconspicuous area of small size, and when it starts to work out well, you can move on to the main surface. When about half a square meter has been processed, it is necessary to polish the applied coating. Polishing is done with a dry brush, and when it starts to stick to the base, you can start varnishing the next area.

Before varnishing the surface, it is advisable to prime the base if it has not yet been painted. As a primer, tinted impregnation or an aqueous mixture is used.
In order for the base, for example, wood, to be mirror-like and as shiny as possible, each layer of varnish, in addition to the last one, is processed with fine sandpaper.
So that defects and irregularities are not very visible on the paint and lacquered product, it is necessary to choose not a glossy, but a matte composition, which hides all the errors.
To dilute an acrylic-based lacquer solution, only pure water can be used, its volume should not be more than a 10th part. Dilution with a solvent, other type of varnish or drying oil is not allowed.
It is impossible to apply a varnish composition on wood or paint if the air humidity is very low, less than 50%, because the mixture will dry out very quickly and defects will appear on the base.
Lacquering on greasy bases is not allowed. At the beginning, they are treated with a soapy solution, after which they must be dried.
In order for the lacquer coating applied to the paint to be uniform, it is necessary to apply the mixture in several thin layers, this is much better than applying one thick coating.
In order for the varnishing to be uniform, the old varnish coating is preliminarily cleaned, or a dark varnish is used.

It is widely used in modern construction and finishing works. Its main purpose is to protect the surface from the negative effects of external factors such as dirt, dust, mechanical damage. In addition, the varnish performs an aesthetic function - it preserves the natural wood texture and surface pattern.

Is it possible to cover

When carrying out repairs, it often becomes necessary to replace the old varnish coating with a new one. And many are wondering if it is possible to cover

If the old layer of varnish is severely cracked and worn, experts recommend completely replacing the coating, as this will greatly affect the final result. Cracks and chips will be more visible, spoiling the appearance of the surface.

If the varnish in some places has become cloudy or matte, the surface must first be sanded with fine-grained sandpaper, and then varnished.

There is no consensus on the question of whether it is possible to cover. Some experts recommend completely removing the old coating layer, as there is a risk of varnish incompatibility and, as a result, peeling of the varnish layer. Others believe that it is quite realistic to do this, subject to certain rules and preparatory measures.

Rules for applying varnish to an old varnished surface

To obtain a perfectly flat surface, certain rules for applying varnish should be observed:

find out on what basis the varnish was applied to the surface, and select the appropriate new one;
clean the surface of debris, greasy, oily and wax stains;
perform interlayer grinding manually with sandpaper or using a vibratory grinder;
after grinding, wipe the surface with a damp cloth in order to prevent dust from entering;
apply varnish to the prepared surface in accordance with the instructions.

Is it possible to cover Yes, but subject to properly selected varnish and pre-prepared surface.

Lacquering of laminate

Laminate, like any other flooring, wears out over time and loses its appearance. Therefore, many people are interested in the questions: "How to extend the life of the flooring?" and “Can laminate be varnished?”.

The top layer of the laminate is covered with a protective film, which forms a perfectly flat surface. The film has no pores and cannot absorb any liquid substances. Due to poor adhesion to the plates, the paintwork does not adhere well, as a result of which the varnish will begin to flake off, crack and peel off over time.

Floating way to lay laminate. At the junctions of individual plates with each other, a backlash forms over time, so the applied layer of varnish will crack.

However, both problems can be solved. First, you need to find out which top layer the laminate flooring has: acrylic or melamine. Based on this, a certain type of varnish is selected. Laminate paint has excellent adhesion to the surface and interacts well with the protective film of the flooring.

Secondly, you need to carefully prepare the laying base and level the surface. The correct method of laying the laminate prevents the plates from mixing and cracking at the joints.

So, You can, if you choose the right varnish and carefully level the surface of the base.

Lacquering a painted surface

To give additional strength to the painted surface, as well as to create a brilliant effect, a special type of varnish is used. It protects it from mechanical damage and retains its original color.

Is it possible to varnish paint without preliminary surface preparation?

Before applying varnish, it is recommended to clean the painted surface from grease, dust or other contaminants. A prerequisite is the compatibility of the applied varnish and paint. To do this, a small amount of varnish is applied to the surface in an inconspicuous place. If no negative reactions follow, the varnish can be applied to the rest of the area.

Important: the painted surface must be completely dry!

Can tiles be varnished?

At present, the scope of application of varnish is quite wide. With it, you can give new life to the old tile. However, ordinary varnish is not suitable for such purposes.

Modern manufacturers have created a paintwork with a special composition, which includes a primer and a special tile varnish. First, a primer is applied, then the tile is varnished. If the seams connecting the tiles to each other are made of silicone, the coating will not fall on them. Silicone must be removed with a special tool. After applying the varnish, the seams are sealed again.

Biogel lacquer coating

Biogel nail extension is a fairly new service that has quickly gained popularity among modern women. The use of biogel allows you to create an irresistible image without the negative impact of the material on the nail plate.

One of the main advantages of biogel is that it allows you to frequently change the color of your nails. If at the same time you use a nail polish remover that does not contain acetone, the base does not deteriorate and retains its integrity for a long time. Therefore, if you do not know whether it is possible to cover biogel with varnish, do not be afraid to experiment and bring new images to life.

Creating an exquisite interior decoration

Decorating a room with bright and unusual photo wallpapers, you want to increase their service life and preserve the original look of your favorite landscape. Naturally, the question arises as to whether it is possible to varnish photo wallpapers.

Photo wallpaper varnish is the best way to create a beautiful and stylish interior that is resistant to external factors. Experts recommend using a paintwork that retains the novelty of the canvas for up to 15-20 years, despite the fact that the wallpaper is made on a paper basis. To do this, you need to use special

When choosing a varnish for photo wallpaper, you need to consider the layout of the room. Matte varnish creates a deep and rich color reproduction. However, this effect can only be achieved if there is high-quality lighting in the room. The glossy texture gives a lot of glare even in poor lighting. This varnish is suitable for a room where there is no more than one window.

The scope of varnish is extremely diverse. It is used for protective and decorative purposes, to increase the service life and make the surface resistant to environmental influences.

Lacquer is a type of coating that protects the surface from moisture and mechanical damage, besides, it does an excellent job with its aesthetic function. Modern manufacturers are constantly releasing new types of this finishing material.

Taking a course on organicity and environmental friendliness, experts recommend opting for a varnish based on acrylic.

What it is?

Acrylic varnish is crushed plastic dissolved in acrylic. After drying of such a composition, a thin colorless acrylic film is formed with high resistance to mechanical damage.

The main substances that make up the varnish fit in three points:

liquid polymer (acrylic);
antiseptic (to protect wood from moisture and pests);
plasticizer (the main component that gives the coating maximum strength and durability).

Acrylic varnish is a ready-to-use substance: homogeneous, transparent, practically odorless. It is based on high-quality acrylic resins, not burdened with color, and water dispersions.

To get acquainted with this almost universal coating, its main properties and characteristics should be highlighted.

Acrylic varnish is a liquid. It is characterized by high viscosity and the ability to dissolve in water.
One of the amenities is the minimal presence of smell (at least unpleasant).
Despite the fact that this type of varnish is water-soluble, it cannot be washed off after drying.
The film that appears in place of the dried acrylic varnish has increased elasticity and wear resistance.
The coating does not lose its transparency even with time and under the influence of sunlight.
If necessary, such a varnish is even recommended to be mixed with water-soluble paints.
Ideal for outdoor and indoor work. It interacts well not only with wood, but also with brick.

Peculiarities

The main and most pleasant feature of acrylic lacquer is its ready state, that is, you can buy it, bring it home and start processing right away. Also, professionals advise to stop their attention on it due to the fact that the coating has a high resistance to temperature extremes (it does not crack either in the heat or in severe frost). Acrylic lacquer is so versatile that it easily lays down not only on wood or brick. There is information about the successful application of it on paper, wallpaper, cardboard, plastered surfaces, metal and plastic products, fiberboard and drywall, glass surfaces and more. Let's dwell on the positive and negative aspects of acrylic varnish.

Advantages:

high level of moisture resistance and thermal conductivity;
transparency and elasticity;
environmental friendliness;
pronounced antiseptic properties;
excellent decorating solution;
low fire hazard;
resistance to household chemicals and alcohol solutions.

There are practically no shortcomings in the use of acrylic varnish, with the exception of the human factor and the simple inattention of buyers.

Professionals are always advised to pay attention to the date of manufacture and the expiration date of acrylic varnish, which can significantly affect its physical and chemical characteristics. If the coating has been stored in the cold for a long time, it may freeze and lose its main properties: elasticity and ease of application. Of course, the disadvantages include the high price for a quality product.

Required Tools

Preparing the surface for applying acrylic varnish is the main and important step in the work. First you need to clean everything from dust, dirt and grease. In the case of re-application, the old layer must be removed and sanded what will be varnished. The first application on wood is characterized by the use of three layers: the first is varnish, diluted with a solvent by 10%; the second and third are undiluted varnish.

It is recommended to apply an acrylic coating using a special roller. Professionals do not advise the use of a brush when it comes to large sizes of the varnished surface. The interaction of the substance with the skin is unacceptable, therefore, work should be carried out with gloves.

When decorating a room and its elements, you may have the idea of adding color to the varnish. Of course, bright colors cannot be achieved, but tinting makes it easy to give your favorite piece of furniture a new shade.

Kinds

Starting to purchase acrylic varnish, you should understand its main types. There are countless varieties of this finishing material on the modern market. Even before buying and applying acrylic varnish, you need to firmly decide what kind of coating you want to get in the end: matte or glossy, transparent, dull or with a certain shade.

There are several main characteristics by which varnishes can be divided into groups.

Compound. One-component - a coating, which includes only acrylic. Two-component - varnish, supplemented with polyurethane.
Appearance treated surface. Two polar subspecies: matte and glossy, and one adjacent - semi-matte. Matte varieties have a pleasant silky texture with the addition of velvety notes. Gloss, on the contrary, creates the impression of an impenetrable ice cover.

Surface type:

for the floor (acrylic-based urethane parquet varnish is suitable for perfectly flat surfaces; for uneven parquet, it is better to use matte varieties);
for furniture (often used to give freshness and brightness to old interior items, so it is best to choose a polyurethane glossy varnish).

Color. In its original form, acrylic lacquer is a liquid transparent substance that can be easily combined with any water-based paint, acquiring its unique shade. Just like paint, it can be tinted and be colored. From colorless it easily goes to extremes: white and black.
Packing. It can be an aerosol in a can designed for wood processing and tinting (such an aerosol universal acrylic lacquer allows the imagination to take part in decorating the room). The spray promotes even, lightweight application. The main container for coating is also a jar or bucket, depending on the desired volume.

You can list the types exactly as much as you can sing praises to all the advantages of acrylic lacquer. Insulating and antiseptic properties, a slight presence of odor also make it possible to distinguish a particular type of varnish into a separate category and subspecies.

And such a universal remedy as VGT acrylic lacquer leaves no chance at all for any of its fellows, because it is VGT that has universal qualities for processing both parquet floors and other motley surfaces.

Selection and application

The choice of the right finishing material not only saves time and money, but also the successful processing of the selected surface. Acrylic lacquer is so unique and versatile that it can easily be used in any interior design with your eyes closed.

When processing wood, acrylic-based varnish has a practical and aesthetic effect. What is the processing of a wooden floor worth! In the case of working with a solid rough board, it is necessary to choose options that form the most dense layer. Also, such a coating should easily endure temperature fluctuations and be resistant to moisture. Acrylic varnish for parquet was originally created so that the coating was thin, transparent and almost weightless, however, if this type of varnish is applied to rough boards, the floor will soon crack. It is worth remembering that it will not work to quickly varnish the floor, because the first layer dries for at least 4 hours and at least 12 hours after finishing. In order to make the life of the craftsmen as easy as possible, the acrylic floor lacquer was originally made white. When dry, it acquires perfect transparency, which gives a signal for applying the next layer.

For outdoor work, the application of this agent as a finish is also applicable. Resistant to sudden changes in temperature and mechanical damage, it allows the surface to retain its original pattern and shade.

Smaller projects also need to be treated with acrylic lacquer. For example, it is very convenient to use it to cover stools and bedside tables, stairs, railings and plasterboard walls, countertops, decorative interior items (figurines, frames, and so on). Even painting requires processing - it is worth covering the picture with acrylic varnish so that it pleases longer with its bright pristine colors.

Due to the high cost of acrylic varnish, there are several ways to make your own wood varnish at home. The oldest and most common method is to mix acetone and Styrofoam. The consistency turns out to be jelly-like, not the most convenient for application, however, with its durability and wear resistance, it is not inferior to store-bought ones. You can use this mass to process small areas of the surface or to apply a protective layer on decorative interior decorations made by yourself.

Another creative area of application of acrylic varnish can be considered decoupage.- decorating various interior items with pieces of paintings, drawings, ornaments and monograms on a paper basis.

Padding. After cleaning the surface of dirt, dust and grease, it should be primed with a special primer or impregnation. This will help make the layer of varnish as even as possible.
Grinding. The ideal mirror surface will allow you to get the so-called wet sanding: wetted wood is hard sanded, and only then a primer and acrylic varnish are applied. Each layer, except for the first, also continues to be sanded with fine sandpaper.
Wash. In the case of decorating an already lacquered object, you must first wash off the old layer of lacquer. Most often, it is enough to just sand the surface, prime and apply a varnish layer. Sometimes it becomes so difficult to remove the old coating that you have to resort to additional physical effort or mechanical grinding. For example, to remove a layer of varnish from a guitar, you have to sweat a little. There is a risk of spoiling the tree, but there are humane ways: sanding with a sandpaper (sandpaper) and drying with a hairdryer (better than a construction one, but the main thing is not to overheat the wood).

The thickest mixtures are best diluted. Since acrylic varnishes are made on the basis of water, they can only be diluted with water, but the amount of thinner can be no more than 10% of the total mass of the coating.

Among the important recommendations for the use of acrylic varnish is compliance with external conditions: temperature and humidity. The first indicator must necessarily be positive, and the second must be at least 50%. Any deviation from these standards will lead to a deterioration in the performance of the coating.

Do not apply too thick layers. The thinner the layer, the smoother the treated surface will be, and the more aesthetic it will look.

Manufacturers and reviews

Among the most famous whales of the building materials market in the production of acrylic lacquer, the following brands stand out: Tikkurila, Neomid, Lakra, Optimist and Goodhim. Let's take a closer look at each.

Tikkurila- the queen of paints and varnishes. Acrylic lacquer for parquet - Parketti Assa received the maximum number of positive reviews. It has increased wear resistance, so it can be used in the most passable places. Easy to clean and does not deteriorate when using household chemicals of any composition. Even if there is a need to wipe off traces of paint from an already varnished floor, you can resort to White Spirit or any other solvent. Tikkurila varnished parquet flooring is not afraid of anything.

Many people wonder if it is necessary to varnish acrylic paint, the answer to which is simple - it is not necessary. Of course, it is possible to cover the paint with varnish, but this makes no sense, since the varnish covers a surface that is not protected from the effects of the external environment. Acrylic paint, in turn, has all the necessary properties of protection against aggressive external factors.
After the acrylic paint dries, a protective layer forms on the surface, which is a durable film that can protect any surface from mechanical damage and environmental influences. It is thanks to its properties that acrylic paint has gained particular popularity among consumers. But if necessary, if the surface will be subjected to significant physical stress and possible mechanical damage, the paint can be coated with an additional layer of varnish.

What is acrylic paint made of?

According to its structure, acrylic paint is very similar to classic varnish, almost identical, and therefore does not require additional coating.
It consists of:

acrylic dispersions - a special liquid polymer;
antiseptic designed to protect wood materials;
plasticizer, which contributes to the transparency of the outer layer and ensures the strength of the coating.
dye, which gives the paint the desired color.

Physical and chemical properties of acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is a liquid of a certain color, homogeneous consistency, which is based on acrylic dispersion. In modern paints, acrylic dispersion is mixed with various special elements, which enhances the quality of the paint. Such paint dissolves in water and some other types of solvent.

Properties of acrylic paint:

viscous liquid of medium fluidity, which is perfectly soluble in water.
has a specific, but not pungent smell;
dries fairly quickly, after which a strong film is formed that protects the treated surface.
due to its elasticity, acrylic paint lends itself perfectly to mechanical stress, without cracking and maintaining a flat surface;
the paint does not lose color under the influence of direct sunlight;
after drying, it lends itself to solubility in water, which allows it to be used under the open sky and not covered with an additional layer of varnish;
if the work surface has been properly cleaned and degreased, acrylic paint adheres perfectly to the surface;
acrylic paint dries very quickly;
It goes well with other types of water-soluble paints.

Advantages of acrylic paint

The main advantages of acrylic paint can be considered:

Resistant to temperature extremes.
Resistant to increased moisture and exposure to precipitation.
Perfectly transfers mechanical loading, keeping equal structure of a surface.
Not exposed to direct sunlight.
Dry paint applied to the surface is very light, so it does not burden the painted object.
Very strong and elastic paint.
Absolutely environmentally friendly, does not harm the environment and human health.
Due to its antiseptic properties, the paint prevents the development of fungal organisms and mold.
Beautiful appearance that lasts a long time.
Ideal for application on various types of coating, be it wood or stone.
Meets all fire safety standards.

But if there is a desire, or there is a need for additional surface protection, acrylic paint can be varnished.

Classification of suitable varnish types

Acrylic paints are divided into several types:

Made on a water basis. This varnish is perfect for wood processing, meets all fire safety standards and is easy to use.
Oily. Such varnishes are made on the basis of resins or oils. Also great for woodworking. They harden very quickly, but it takes a long time to dry completely.
Alkyd. This type of varnish is made on the basis of alkyd resins, due to which it dries quickly and has increased strength. This paint is suitable for the treatment of any surfaces, used both indoors and outdoors. The application of such paint is quite simple, for which you can use any tool, rollers or brushes.
Polyurethane varnishes. A very resistant type of varnish to any kind of impact. Excellent combined with other types of paints, very durable. But the cost of such paints is much higher than that of analogues, and applying such paint is a rather complicated procedure.
Epoxy. A very durable type of lacquer that dries quickly. It is most often used for processing wood surfaces.
Nitrolacs. This type of varnish is popular due to its tenacious properties. But such varnishes are toxic, therefore, they require compliance with safety measures while working with them.

It should be noted that acrylic lacquer is considered the most suitable lacquer for covering acrylic paint, due to the similarity of the composition, lacquer and paint are ideally combined, creating a durable and aesthetic surface.

Areas of application of acrylic paint

Wood finishing. Acrylic is great for processing wood, keeping it from moisture and pests.
Acrylic paint is very popular in the field of construction and repair work, due to its aesthetic properties and durability of maintaining a fresh look.
Furniture processing. Acrylic paint is widely used to rejuvenate and give a fresh look to old furniture.
Some types of paint are used for painting boats, as they keep the hull of the vessel from water and temperature extremes.

Instructions for applying varnish over acrylic paint

The first thing to do is to choose the right varnish. The choice of type of acrylic varnish depends on the work surface, as well as the place of application, indoors or outdoors. The need to apply an additional layer of varnish also depends on the surface and place of application. The choice should fall on a fresh composition, that is, made in the last three months before purchase. Also, the choice of matte or glossy type of varnish depends on the scope of application.
Next comes the preparatory stage. First you need to clean the surface, this must be done carefully so as not to leave any damage on the surface of the acrylic paint, which will be clearly visible after applying the varnish.
Before use, the varnish is heated to 50 degrees, for this the principle of a water bath is used. During heating, the mixture must be constantly mixed.
Then, you can proceed to the application stage. Applying varnish should be done in good light with a small brush. You need to apply the varnish with smooth movements, while the brush does not need to be dipped too much in the mixture. After that, with another dry brush, the surface is polished until the brush begins to stick to the surface.

The main thing is that the working surface must be protected from dust ingress until it dries completely, only if all conditions are met, a high-quality painting without flaws will be obtained at the output.

Experts advise that before starting work on applying acrylic paint or varnish, you need to practice on a test surface in order to study the paint behavior, drying speed and degree of impact with the work surface.

Conclusion

Considering the above information, we can conclude that it is not necessary to varnish acrylic paint, since it has sufficient properties of strength and resistance to external factors. But if it is necessary to improve the mechanical properties, acrylic paint can be varnished, for which it is better to use the acrylic variety.