noun / verb
varnish
VAR-nish/ˈvɑːrnɪʃ/
A clear coating that dries to a hard protective surface.
Water beads on the varnish while the wood grain remains visible.
Etymology
Latin vernix named resin, the material used in the clear protective coating. The word connects the coating with its resinous substance; the resin word’s own origin remains uncertain.
In context
there is still an old varnish on the surface of the painting and so my attention will now be turned to removing that again using a solvent mixture that I previously tested to be safe
More examples
- Apply a thin coat of varnish to the bare wood.
- She varnishes the shelves before installing them.
- The freshly varnished door needs time to dry.
Forms
varnish · varnishes · varnished · varnishing
Similar words
- lacquer
- A hard coating that typically dries faster than varnish.
- shellac
- A resin-based finish generally less resistant to water and heat.