Description
Any transparent protective or decorative coating. Varnishes are composed of a resin dissolved in a liquid which dries to form a hard glassy film. Varnish recipes from the 9th century contained a natural resin, such as myrrh, rosin, mastic, or sandarac, dissolved in hot linseed oil. Oil varnishes formed dark, strong, insoluble films. By the early 16th century, spirit varnishes are used. Spirit varnishes contained a natural resin dissolved in an evaporating solvent, such as alcohol or turpentine. By the 19th century, spirit varnishes containing mastic and dammar were commonly used for picture varnishes while shellac varnishes were used for furniture finishes. By the mid 20th century, synthetic resin varnishes were used for many types of coatings. Examples of synthetic varnishes are acrylic, alkyd, polycyclohexanone, polyvinyl acetate, and polyurethane.
Synonyms and Related Terms
"varnishes (pl.); vernis (Fr.); barniz (Esp.); vernice (It)
"
Additional Information
J.Kirby, "Varnish" The Dictionary of Art, Grove's Dictionaries Inc., New York, 1996.
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Last updated on: 1/4/2010 7:09:17 AM
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