Before use, catalyze at a rate of 4 oz per gallon with M615-701 catalyst. METHOD: Typical varnish is a combination of oil and also resin. 2K waterborne polyurethanes and their cousins, 2K waterborne conversion varnishes, certainly have their place in high-performance environments. Compared to conversion varnish the most durable of the catalyzed finishes 2K polyurethane has a number of advantages, including the following: The solids content (that which remains after the thinner has evaporated) of 2K polyurethane is about 50 percent, while that of conversion varnish is about 35 percent after the catalyst is added. Antimicrobial Polyurethane Care Guide. Polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer are tried-and-true sealants with excellent waterproofing properties. Varnish offers cabinetry with extra longevity as well as warm resistance. Magnamax cures by a powerful acid catalyst already added to it. The remaining catalyzed finish is no longer of any value. Technically a type of Test the furniture to determine what type of lacquer finish was usedordinary lacquer or catalyzed lacquer. Once catalyzed and dry, polyurethane emits no further VOCs into the environment making it harmless to interior air quality. Accessa's High-Grade, Antimicrobial Catalyzed Polyurethane is our lowest maintenance and most durable finish. This may shock you: ease of removal is not on the manufactuers' lists of desirable finish characteristics. The isocyanate hardener can be either aromatic or aliphatic. Polyurethane can have many benefits, particularly when compared to many other finishes. It also offers an attractive, protective finish. This product features excellent flow, build and sanding properties. This makes it more flexible to withstand the greater wood movement outdoors. Use this wood finish for high-use projects that receive a lot of wear, such as bars, commercial tabletops, bathroom vanities, around dishwashers, kitchen cupboards or high-moisture areas. View Item Details. Both are a pre-catalyzed lacquer and fall unde the TR-2 heading on the AWI spray finishes chart. Note also that polyurethane cures by oxygen reaction. You cant have too much of a good thing! Oil-based polyurethane is the most durable finish that you can apply by hand, while catalyzed lacquers and varnishes are the best for spray application. Isocyanate are a family of highly reactive, very toxic chemicals which when combined with polyurethane act as a hardener. Conversion varnish, also called "catalyzed varnish," dries fast, so it almost has to be sprayed. Polyurethane may not be the best choice for protecting an ordinary lacquer. Test the furniture to determine what type of lacquer finish was usedordinary lacquer or catalyzed lacquer. Polyurethane has the edge on resistance to abrasion, while varnish holds up a bit better to UV light and weather. The finishes go on in thick coats, and cure almost instantly, they can be sanded and polished immediately after spraying. It took close to 2 weeks of sanding to strip my charvel. Minwax Performance Series Fast-Dry Varnish is a clear, oil-based protective finish that provides a rich, amber tone that seals and protects. Polyurethane is perhaps the best-known of all the liquid wood finishes. Spar varnish is meant for exterior use and is made with a higher ratio of oil to resin than interior varnish. After that the isocyanate starts to congeal the finish making it impossible to work with. Conversion Varnish is a clear drying, two-component, post-catalyzed urethane topcoat for use when ultimate durability is necessary. You shouldnt use varnish over polyurethane unless there is no other option. This is because varnish is not compatible when used over polyurethane. Polyurethane when dry forms a very hard finish that oil or water cant penetrate or soak in. Varnish by design is in oil form and the finish has to penetrate to stick and dry properly. Note also that polyurethane cures by oxygen reaction. 9950 Armor Var Advance Catalyzed Varnish. Polyurethane Essentially a plastic in the form of a liquid until it dries, polyurethane is available in both water- and oil-based options, and comes in a variety of finishes from satin to glossy. It takes a bit longer than catalyzed varnish to dry, gets a bit harder and more durable and can often be laid down thicker. Once combined, they result in a highly cross-linked finish. A lot of manufacturers of modern assembled kitchen cabinets make use of a polyurethane catalyzed varnish as an overcoat. With water-based polyurethane, cleanup is a snap with soap and water. Eggers' Gardall finish system meets or exceeds the performance standards set by WDMA and AWI System TR-6 Catalyzed Polyurethane. While the terms varnish, polyurethane, lacquer and shellac are commonly used to reference a final finish in general, these products are not the same, nor is it recommended that they be used interchangeably. Cleaning: The best way to clean and maintain your Polyurethane finish is with a water/vinegar mix in a spray bottle. Accessa's High-Grade, Antimicrobial Catalyzed Polyurethane is our lowest maintenance and most durable finish. Water-based polyurethane is popular because of its low odor and low toxicity. Nitro, by contrast, needs at least a week. Ultra Clear Conversion Varnish Sealer is formulated to be used with Ultra Clear Conversion Varnish Topcoats. Skill Level Obviously, your degree of skill, the environment you have to work and the tools you have access to play a part in choosing the best finish. There are three ways:Mix with small amount of General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White.Add a small amount of General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in White.Professional users could add General Finishes Enduro Pigmented White Poly. Polyurethane can resist scratching, heat, alkali, acids, and wear better than many other finishes, including lacquer. Catalyzed lacquer is very hard and durable. Polyurethane will collect tons of dust while drying, even in the most pristine environ - it has 8 hours to grab it up. Aro- A product you can truly feel the difference with, 9950 is unmatched in todays marketplace. Polyurethane vs. Varnish. Natural cabinets will certainly need a varnish, at a minimum, as a finish. This easy to apply all-rounder provides wood with excellent protection from denting, scuffing, scraping, pests, moisture, fungus, and mildew. Fast dry - dries much faster than most conventional catalyzed varnish products Can be applied over M.L. Varnish is an older type of finish made from resins, Oil-based polyurethane is the most durable finish you can apply by hand, and catalyzed lacquer and varnish are the most durable sprayed finishes. Both are waterproof and repel mildew, rot, pests, and fungus. The TR and OP durability ratings published by the Architectural Woodworking Institute refer to specific categories of finish, and have to be understood to be useful. Polyurethane is a synthetic resin and type of varnish used in the finishing of floors, cabinets and other woodwork. This is an additional cost because you will have to supply more materials to get the job done right. If you are looking for durability, you are better off with finishes such as oil-based polyurethane, catalyzed lacquer, or varnish. 9950 combines the benefits of Woodwrights 9930 E7 while offering a 36% solid content for maximum build and wear surface. The benefits, in general, are superior durability and higher solids, so you can obtain high levels of physical performance and sometimes get away with using fewer coats. Magnamax cures in 30 minutes to a dust-free finish. Simplify your scheduling by finishing the job in one day, thanks to the fast 3-hour recoat time of this high-performance varnish. Catalyzed lacquer is very hard and durable. Polyurethane varnish is more protective and durable than all the other varnishes except conversion varnish. On the other hand, lacquer requires more coats because it is a thinner substance. Differences Even though polyurethane falls under the category of varnish, these two finishes have significant differences, including how they accept and hold tint or color. Catalyzed Polyurethane Two-component polyurethanes consist of a polyisocyanate hardener and a resin, either an acrylic or polyester. Cleaning: The best way to clean and maintain your Polyurethane finish is with a water/vinegar mix in a spray bottle. Shellac and lacquer (evaporative) Catalyzed polyurethane is either acrylic or polyester resin-based and come in either yellowing or clear versions. The thickness of the polyurethane also means that it takes fewer coats to get adequate coverage and to protect the wood beneath. Our wide range of finish systems are anchored by Gardall, consisting of water based stains and 100% solid clear coats which contain no VOC's. Polyurethane is a sealant and finish product that is used to protect and enhance fine wood floors, cabinets and furniture. Magnamax cures in 30 minutes to a dust-free finish. Unlike polyurethane, where you must sand the surface in order to apply a new coat, lacquer is generally thin enough that a new coat can be sprayed over the surface without the need for this. If you are going to be coating exterior wood surfaces that wont be exposed to extreme heat fluctuations, then polyurethane might be the better option. Does Not Offer Protection Against Wear and Scratches. Once added to the finish there is a 3-4 hour open time to apply the coating. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and off-the-shelf store-bought cleaners because these can wear down the finish over time. Polyurethane will collect tons of dust while drying, even in the most pristine environ - it has 8 hours to grab it up. They come in two parts or cure with heat or by absorbing moisture Pros of Polyurethanes One of the most durable coatings Polyurethanes within the varnish category are one of the most resistant to scratching , heat, alkyd, acids, and wear Beautiful appearance Polyurethanes create one of the most attractive protective finishes after application Cons of Find an inconspicuous spot on the piece and rub it with a cotton tip swab dipped in lacquer thinner. What is the best varnish? Find an inconspicuous spot on the piece and rub it with a cotton tip swab dipped in lacquer thinner. While it is similar to varnish in terms of application and appearance, polyurethane is generally harder and more abuse resistant, which means it is commonly used for sealing wood floors. Polyurethane is actually a form of varnish and therefore really is quite durable. Polyurethane may not be the best choice for protecting an ordinary lacquer. Polyurethane is a water- or oil-based plastic resin used for coating wood or as a wood finish. Gardall is an environmentally friendly finish system. Polyurethanes high molecular weight forms a hard but elastic film, with good mechanical and chemical resistance. You'll get better water-resistance from an oil-base poly with enough coats.Oil-base varnish/polyurethane isn't listed on the chart because it's not considered a spray finish due to the slow dry time.Epoxy does have the highest water-proofing ability and is really Magnamax cures by a powerful acid catalyst already added to it.