How to Varnish Wood Furniture

Varnishing wood furniture serves both practical and cosmetic functions. Varnish protects the wood by coating the surface of the wood, creating a smooth finish. Though applying canned varnish with a brush is the least wasteful option, spraying varnish onto wood furniture is faster. Sprayed varnish also provides the smoothest finish possible by avoiding brush strokes on large wooden areas, like tabletops. Just make sure you wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated, but dust-free, area.

Face mask
Safety glasses
Medium grit sandpaper
Fine grit sandpaper
Clean, soft cloth
Varnish, in a spray can

Instructions

- 1
  Put on the mask and goggles.
- 2
  Sand the wood surface with the medium grit sandpaper, using short, rapid strokes that follow the wood grain. Remove any large spots that are rough or cracking.
- 3
  Sand the wood again, using the fine grit sandpaper and still following the grain of the wood.
- 4
  Remove the sanding dust left behind on the wood by wiping the surface with the cloth.
- 5
  Shake the spray can thoroughly. Hold the can at a 90-degree angle eight inches away from the wood surface, point the nozzle at the wood furniture, and press down on the nozzle. Keep your arm moving at a moderate pace, using a smooth side to side motion as you spray. Avoid stopping in the center of wood sections to prevent runs in the varnish. If, for example, you are spraying a table leg, spray the length of the leg in one long sweep.

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