Replies

1. 
   Alan | May 21, 2004 12:56am | #1

   Pete,

   Why are you considering putting varnish over paint?  I've seen it done for various reasons; I'd like to know yours before trying to answering your question.

   Alan

1. 
   Cozmoke | May 21, 2004 02:24pm | #3

   I'm wondering if it will add any particular depth to the finish, and I don't know if varnish might add more protection.

1. 
   Alan | May 22, 2004 03:24am | #4

   Pete,

   I'm unsure what you mean by "adding depth" to a painted surface.  Varnish could certainly add gloss to a dull surface or tone down a high-gloss paint, but then a gloss or semi-gloss paint would do that too.  But perhaps I don't understand what you mean.  Please let me know.

   I also think varnish over paint would add another difficulty because varnish itself has color:  most varnishes have an amber cast of varying degrees; and poly, to my eye at least, still has a greenish look.  Depending on what color is under the varnish, the piece could wind up with a beautiful finish, or varnish could turn a a nice color to mud.

   As to protection, varnish would protect the paint beneath it a little bit--but so would another coat of paint.

   I hope some of this helped you answer your question.

   Alan

2. 
   bill_1010 | May 21, 2004 01:17am | #2

   only real reason to varnish would be if youre applying a glaze over the paint or wanting to change its sheen (which is best done with another coat of paint)

3. 
   nikkiwood | May 23, 2004 10:16pm | #5

   I routinely brush on one coat of water-based polyurethane over alkyd paint -- but only on surfaces subject to scuffing and abrasion, such as shelves in a bookcase.

   I doubt there would be much advantage to varnishing something like a crib.

   I assume you are aware that, generally speaking, oil or alkyd paints take some 30 days to fully cure, and thus reach their maximum hardness.