What
Finishing Products to Use
by
Nancy Burkhart of Terra Bella Finishes
Why varnish or put
on a topcoat?
The varnish acts as a protection keeping the
paint, glaze or colors from rubbing off. It makes it easier
to clean off the surface. Varnishes also make the colors of
the underlying "pop" when applied. The color is enhanced
noticeably.
What are the differences in Terra
Bella Finishes varnishes?
Interior Varnish
is great on most surfaces indoors. It can be used on gourds,
hard wooden surfaces or on flexible fabrics without cracking.
It gives great non-yellowing protection. It comes in gloss,
satin,
and matte.
Polyurethane Varnish
gives a very hard durable surface. It is not recommended for
flexible surfaces. It is great on gourds, flat surfaces, countertops,
floors, tabletops, etc. Terra Bella Finishes does not have an
Ultra Violet additive so, if used outdoors, it is suggested
to be used on a patio or covered area. It also comes in gloss,
satin,
and matte.
Nautical Varnish
is a new state of the art water based non-toxic spar/marine
varnish. There is an Ultra Violet additive so it can be readily
used outdoors in all weather conditions. It was developed for
marine use so it is an extremely strong durable varnish. It
can be used on gourds, concrete patios, outdoor furniture, boats,
decks, children's playground equipment, etc. It can also be
used indoors on floors, garage floors and furniture. It is an
extremely strong, durable varnish. It comes in gloss
and satin.
What is the difference between
a stain and a glaze?
A stain is a colorized method of getting color
into a gourd or a wood. The gourd or wood absorbs the color
changing the appearance. There can be many colors of stain.
Stains are usually transparent and can be water based or oil
based. Terra Bella Finishes are water based and non toxic. Stains
can be used to antique or give a wash over the top of an object.
Glazes are made from clear resins and then color or colorants
are added to the glaze medium, giving color but still having
a transparent look. Glazes can be used on almost any object,
gourds, walls, canvas, furniture, concrete, tile, etc. Applying
glaze gives a sheer color effect over the base color. The more
color that is applied the more depth is felt when looking at
the glazed object. There is usually more time to work with glazes
than with stains (open time) when using water based products.
What is the difference between
Terra Bella Finishes Gel Glaze and Scumble Glaze?
The Gel
Glaze is a non toxic, water based very thick product. It
adds texture to the surface of the object you are working on.
Color can be added to it. Scumble
Glaze is a little thinner and, although thick, is thinner
than the Gel Glaze and goes on smoothly when applied to a surface.
Color, colorant, metallics can all be mixed into the Scumble
Glaze to create special effects and depths of color. Both glazes
give you time to work with them before starting to dry. Both
do not pull color off the surface when the glazes start to dry.
They are both very easy to work with.
Why does my varnish get cloudy?
Varnish needs to be applied to cured dried areas.
If there is moisture trapped between the paint and the varnish,
it will turn cloudy as it cannot evaporate and/or escape into
the air. Matte varnish has a matting agent in it to give it
a dull, non-glossy surface.
