Where to use Clear Varnish?

To Varnish or Not To Varnish is often a question we are asked. There are areas in which we wholly recommend the use of our Craftmaster Clear Varnish and some which we wouldn't recommend so let's talk!

Firstly Varnish requires a minimum of two coats onto a suitably painted or decorated surface. It's crystal clear meaning it won't change the colour of the previous surface and our Varnish is 98% UV reflective meaning it won't yellow like others on the market.

The areas which we definitely would recommend the use of Varnish are as follows:
Traction Engines & Miniatures
Signage & Lettering
Decorative Artwork & Canal Art
Veteran Cars
Woodwork

All of these areas usually have lining, lettering or artwork that require protection from first contact damage. Applying Varnish means that a chip or dent would most likely effect the Varnish rather than the decoration (depending on the depth of impact) which would be harder to touch in or redecorate than simply overcoat with a fresh coat of paint. Woodwork is also ideal for Varnishing to create a glossy smooth finish that can't be stained by unwanted products.

Varnish is optional for Classic Cars, Narrowboats, Tractors and other vehicles but isn't always a sensible option. This is because Varnish requires maintenance which consists of a rub down and a fresh coat every 2 - 3 years. If Varnish is chipped or dented it requires fairly swift action to fix by way of a recoat to ensure the whole layer doesn't fail. Once the Varnish starts to fail it will lift in sheets and be too late to rectify without full removal.