What is it - polish, people have learned in ancient times. It is recognized as one of the most common finishing coatings, known in Victorian times and has retained its popularity to the present day. The polish is made from shellac - a substance that has a structure similar to wax.
Pros and cons of polish
The polish is quite easily scratched, it is not resistant to alcohol and water - they can leave stains on the surface. Nevertheless, its external attractiveness and the ability to polish the surface to a mirror shine invariably attract a large number of buyers. Companies involved in the processing of wood material, willingly spend time on the development of polish and work with it.
Types of varnish
DIY wood polish can be made without much effort. To do this, you need to dissolve small pieces of shellac in denatured alcohol. However, wood varnish is sold on construction markets, and it is often more convenient to buy it rather than make it yourself. Purchased product can be used immediately and not waste time waiting.
After answering the question, what is it - polish, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the types of this finishing coating.
- “Button” varnish has a golden yellow color and is made from the highest quality shellac. This name was given to the product due to the fact that the manufacturers gave the cooling material the shape of a small disk that looked somewhat like a button. Elements turned out almost transparent. If you study them in the light, you can even consider how pure the material is. Now this coating is produced in the form of small flakes.
- The usual polish is made from shellac flakes of orange color, it is also clean. Such a material for processing is characterized by a rather deep shade - light brown.
- The material of the dark color, which is also called pomegranate, is characterized by a rich red-brown color. This varnish is used in the processing of red wood material or other similar in color. Also, such a substance can be used, if necessary, to “revive” wood, which has an insufficiently warm shade.
- White polish is made from bleached shellac and can be used in light wood processing.
- A transparent coating is obtained by excluding from the composition of natural wax, which dissolves in colorless shellac. It can be used if necessary to change the color of the lightest wood.
- There is also a color varnish. What it is? This is a material that contains a number of dyes - red, black and green. Each coating color is used for specific purposes. For example, black is used for coloring pianos, while red and green can be used if necessary to choose the right shade. So, with the help of green, you can visually “age” the wood, while red, on the contrary, will “rejuvenate” material that has lost its presentation.
Material application
Varnish-varnish when applied requires some skill. Without the necessary skills, coating evenly will be quite difficult. Experienced wood processors are advised to apply the coating with a special brush, while sanding each new layer after application (in the traditional method of application, the surface is polished with a sponge). Sometimes, for the best result, you should not use ordinary polish, but one that contains special additives that do not allow it to dry quickly. Thus, the appearance of streaks and traces of the brush is not allowed.
The specifics of applying special and ordinary varnish
Special polish is applied using a brush made of soft material. It is important to ensure uniformity of coverage. An hour after painting the surface with a layer of a substance, it is necessary to grind the plane with a special sandpaper with silicon inclusions, and then apply the next layer. Then repeat the same steps a few more times.
The usual polish is applied mainly with a cotton sponge - a piece of cotton wool, which is wrapped in linen. This method involves coating the material with a plane in clockwise or counterclockwise movements, gradually covering the entire area. Then you should change the direction of the smear and cover the surface with a varnish again. Finish the job with direct strokes that will be parallel to the wood fibers.
DIY polish
In the manufacture of polishes, you will need peeled shellac, which must be dissolved in alcohol and add benzene to it. After this procedure, the mixture must be shaken, and then left it for 1.5 days at rest. After that, the liquid will be divided into two layers: the upper one, suitable for use, and the lower one, where all impurities polluting shellac will settle. After preparing the mixture, it is necessary to drain the top layer and use it as a varnish.
The manufacture of polishes on one's own can also be due to the fact that the solution not always purchased satisfies all the requirements. So, to cover the mosaic structure, it is necessary to have a transparent texture, which is rather difficult to find in stores. In addition, sometimes in retail outlets no varnish for wood materials is presented at all. Even a self-made coating is a durable and durable material, which, with proper care, will last for many years.
Customer reviews
Reviews about the polish as one of the best coatings attract more attention to the material. Especially those who like to do everything with their own hands. Masters note that it is quite simple to make a varnish. As a result of application, the surface of the tree acquires a beautiful shade and luster.
The feedback from experienced masters will help beginners understand what it is - polish. Despite the fact that enough coating is easily scratched, it can last quite a long time, especially if you do not get carried away by placing solid objects on the surface treated in this way.