VARNISH (OF., Fr. rcrais, varnish. p.p. of OF. rernin to varnish, probably from _AIL. vitri nus. glassy, from Lat. ritruni. glass). A term applied to solutions of gums or resins in such solvents as alcohol or linseed oil, and used to pro duce a hard. shiny, protective surface on various articles. The solution must be of such con sistency as to enable it to be very thinly and smoothly spread over the surface coated, so that when it dries it will leave a thin resinous cover ing which is either naturally glossy or can be made so by mechanical polishing. The solvent frequently gives the name to the varnish; thus `spirit varnishes' are those that consist of a resin dissolved in ordinary ethyl alcohol, in methyl (wood) alcohol, in naphtha. turpentine, chloro form, or ether. The 'oil varnishes' are those in which linseed, poppy, or walnut oil is used as the solvent. The resins or gums which are used in
the manufacture of varnishes are chiefly amber, anirn6. eolophony, and copal, while asphaltum or pitch is used for dark-colored varieties. Coloring matters, such as aloes, dragon's blood, saffron, etc.. are frequently added to give color to the varnish, and are used especially in those that are employed for coating metals. The various uses to which varnishes are put frequently suggest their names; thus there arc 'balloon,' carriage,' `paper,' patent leather.' photographic' varnishes, etc.. the composition of such products depending on the uses for which they are intended. Black varnishes, made with asphaltum, arc commonly called japans. Consult: Braniff, I'm-nisi/es, Lac quers, Printing Inks, and Scaling Waxes (Phila delphia, 1803) ; Cameron, Oils and Varnishes (London, 1896).